Meet Your Trainer

Debra has been a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) for 24 years and in that time has worked with all manner of species from rodents and reptiles to primates and, of course, dogs. In every role her aim has been the same - to improve the lives of animals in human care through better understanding of their behaviour.

Debra saw a real need for qualified, educated professionals using the most up to date, positive methods in the field of dog training. It was this that inspired her to establish The Learned Canine in 2015.

Debra became a Certified Dog Trainer (KPA-CTP) in 2016 through the Karen Pryor Academy and furthered her education in 2019 when she became a Family Paws Parent Educator. She keeps up with the latest information and techniques through yearly courses as well as regular seminar and conference attendance.

Prior to the pandemic, Debra taught group classes and workshops at The Centre for Canine Education (Now Liefdog Training and Behaviour) but now focuses solely on in-home private training in North York and Vaughan.

Debra's passion for behaviour is contagious and she delights in showing people just how fun training can be - for humans and their beloved companions alike. For her, there is no greater gift than to see that human/animal bond grow and blossom once the lines of communication have been opened.