Welcome to Life Tracks Training, I am Elizabeth Minor, GDA-PDT – Certified Professional Dog Trainer. In addition to Dog Training I instructed Pet First Aid Courses for eight years and also operated Pleased Pets, makers of “Meat Muffins” food supplements for dogs for over twenty years. I retired both companies to pursue my passion of dog training.
My history with animals started at an early age, I rescued injured birds, small animals and stray cats from the neighborhood. As I grew older I started helping unwanted and abused dogs, I always had the strongest passion for dogs. The first three dogs I adopted as a young adult were rescues and their behaviors became the motivation to become interested in dog training and behavior. Kye was a neglected fear biter, Lilli was a feral broken soul and Hays was an anxious fear biter assessed to be euthanized. With dedication, education, and patience I was able to give them evolved, healthy, and socially enriched lives while gaining an undeniable bond with them.
I am often surprised and humbled by the resiliency of the canine species.
With the lack of regulations in dog training, it is the utmost importance to me that my certifications are held with credible, effective humane facilities and educators. I am GDA-PDT certified in Professional Dog Training – specializing in pet dogs. This certification is held with Good Dog Academy in Vancouver, BC, with Director of Training Jamie Knowles, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA.
Studied with The Academy for Dog Trainers online course Dog Training 101 with Jean Donaldson and earned certificates in Scent Work, Canine Enrichment and The Art of Relaxation.
Completing Michael Shikashio’s Master Course, Aggression in Dogs gives me the requisite skills and knowledge to work aggression cases. This course is the most comprehensive course on dog aggression for trainers and behavior consultants available anywhere in the world. Taught by world renowned aggression expert, Michael Shikashio CDBC, with additional modules presented by Dr. Chris Pachel DVM, DACVB, CABC, Jessica Dolce CCFE and Kim Brophey CDBC.
My certifications specialize in the knowledge rooted in the scientific and evidence based principles of dog training. These methods use force free, fear free and humane handling that are proven dependable and effective. This method of training increases the probability that the behaviors (down, stay, heel) will be repeated and decreases your dog’s impulse control. Counter conditioning and desensitization exercises are also utilized for dogs feeling conflicted or stressed while conditioning their emotional responses to these triggers. E.g., walking past a garbage truck, getting into a vehicle, a cyclist riding by as you are walking. This training excludes aversive methods of using fear or pain to gain the desired result. Physical punishment will always end in a breakdown of the relationship and is shown to cause further fear and aggression.
Life Tracks Training is based in the beautiful Foothills of Diamond Valley, Alberta, Canada.
PAST AND PRESENT CLIENT COMMENTS
Elizabeth is really incredible, our first session was a real eye-opener! In one hour she taught my husband and I so much about dogs. By the 5th week we were amazed with the new understanding of our dog Franny, who absolutely loves Elizabeth too!
N. Shroff, Calgary, AB.
My wife and I were unsure of hiring a dog trainer, we heard of bad experiences from other dog people. But we knew that it was important for our pup, Radar to have the proper obedience training. A friend mentioned Elizabeth, a professional who knows her stuff! Our interactions with her were great! Radar is now a well mannered joy! We are so thankful for that conversation that led us to Elizabeth.
J & M. McNab, Calgary, AB
Elizabeth is an amazing trainer! Our Blue Nose Pitbull Molly, was taught using positive reward training, it was perfect! We were also re-trained from our old ways. We highly recommend Elizabeth Minor. Thank you so much!
Dan, Jane & Molly, Diamond Valley, AB
