About
Caryn brings both compassion and structure to behaviour work, helping guardians and veterinary teams understand the “why” behind behaviour and respond in ways that reduce stress and build resilience.
Her work is grounded in science-based methods and collaborative care. She is regularly recommended by veterinarians and veterinary behaviourists for her ability to support complex cases with clarity and compassion.
Clients often describe her as steady, thoughtful, and deeply supportive during challenging behaviour journeys.
Qualifications
- Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer - CSAT
- Family Paws Parent Educator - FPPE
- Fear Free Certified Trainer - FFCT
- Pet First Aid & CPR Instructor - Wags n' Walks
- Doggone Safe - Bite Prevention Presenter
- Primary TagTeach Instructor
- Currently enrolled in Low Stress Handling University (Dr Sophia Yin) Silver Certification
- Living and Learning with Animals (LLA) with Dr Susan Friedman
- Cavalia-Sutton (equine) Clinic with Alexandra Kurland
- Chicken Camp with Katherine Ferger
- Trick Training with Melissa Millett, Ultimutts Stunt Dog Show
- Dog*Tec Certified Dog Walker - CDW
- The Academy for Dog Trainers - on hiatus
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed - CPDT-KA - expired
- Dog*Tec Dog Walker program instructor - expired
Plus
- 20 years of professional experience including
- teaching 1:1 and group classes,
- handling dogs at events,
- public speaking engagements,
- dog walking (private and group),
- teaching pet professionals (walkers, trainers, groomers, techs, veterinarians),
- Media (radio, television, news, podcasts).
- Founder of
- VetTalks™ - providing continuing education to the veterinary community since 2008
- Ontario’s first reactive dog group class - Cranky Canine™ in 2011
- Liefdog Academy - online training academy and membership since 2019
As Featured In:
Humane, Science-Based Behaviour Support
I’ve been working with dogs and their people since 2008, using humane, science-based methods grounded in positive reinforcement.
In simple terms, this means I help dogs learn by reinforcing behaviours we want to see more of — using what motivates them as individuals, whether that’s food, play, access to the environment, or human connection.
My approach focuses first on setting the environment up for success. Rather than punishing unwanted behaviour, I teach dogs what to do instead and address the underlying needs driving the behaviour in the first place.
When working through behavioural concerns, I consider the whole picture — including physical health, emotional wellbeing, and environmental factors — using a needs-based framework to guide sustainable change.
I do not use or recommend aversive techniques or tools. While these methods can suppress behaviour in the moment, they often come at the cost of increased stress, fear, or long-term fallout. My work prioritises emotional safety and long-term resilience.
The goal is meaningful behaviour change in the least stressful way possible — strengthening clarity, trust, and the bond between dogs and their people.
Caryn founded Liefdog in 2008, developing it into a full-service training facility operating six days per week with a team of instructors and a focus on complex behaviour cases.
In 2020, the practice transitioned to a virtual education model and in-clinic consulting, allowing behaviour services to integrate directly within veterinary settings.
With over 18 years of experience, Caryn specialises in fear, reactivity, and behaviour cases requiring structured, evidence-based intervention.
Previously known as Whatta Pup! (2008) > The Toronto Centre for Canine Education (2012) > The Centre for Canine Education Inc. (2019).
As Featured In:
