Science Based Dog Trainers
Hi, my name is Henri Lamarche. I'm a French-speaking Canadian who grew up in the Middle East, in the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Abu Dhabi. Greetings to my fellow Arabic speakers, Marhaban ya sadiqi. I really enjoyed living there, the weather is always warm and sunny, and the local people are so friendly. This country has many ex-pats, so I had international friends at school.
I have always loved dogs and have really wanted one since I can remember. So I convinced my mom, and we finally got one when I was 12. Her name is Lili. She is a mixed greyhound breed dog from the streets of Abu Dhabi. Our dog travelled to Canada with us when we moved back.
I had no idea what career I wanted in life. One thing was for sure, I needed something that I am good at and that I love doing. I was searching for a career path and came across a dog trainer. I knew immediately that it was what I wanted to do in life. More than two years ago, I started an apprenticeship as a dog trainer in a kennel and got some great experience.
As early as my first week, I realized this was my passion. I spent my days with dogs, playing, training and feeding them. In addition, interacting with clients and seeing them happy with their dogs was a big motivation for me. However, I was tired of training using punishment methods. I was sure there were better ways, so I quit after over a year.
My mission, although still being developed, is to educate people about the language of behaviour, communication, health, and the relationship between animals and people through trust, love, and enjoyment. I am happy about this journey, grateful for this opportunity and proud to work for this company. This is my story, and I'm excited to meet you.
Have a good one!
Randi Belfer's debut in the dog world is far from the norm. She was determined to follow in her father's footsteps in the high fashion world at a young age. She had great success.
Terminating her career from the fashion world in pursuit of a NEW and exciting adventure, Randi started her dog walking company and has since helped dogs enjoy life.
The life change that brought her to this vocation, goes back to the day she walked into the SPCA emergency shelter to become a volunteer in May of 2012.
“My heart was completely stolen by all these beautiful, helpless, innocent beings peering back at me. I wanted to be their advocate, champion and voice and to provide them with as much love, stability, trust and compassion as they needed”.
Established in 2015, Randi began as a dog walking company specializing in one-on-one walks only. Now with great pride, she devotes her time to training and behaviour modifications.
As a Behaviour Consultant and science-based trainer, her commitment to the animals and their humans is her number one priority.
In The Media:
Montreal Gazette
Westmount Neighbors magazine: Just a girl and her dogs, 2016
Taighe Strang was originally born in Scotland; however, he has spent his life bouncing from country to country, including places such as Venezuela, Thailand, Africa and most recently, Malaysia.
Taighe had always loved animals, and when he moved to Cote d’Ivoire, his family got their first dog, a small Bichon Frise named Tina. Growing up with Tina and a hedgehog named Shadow completely changed his outlook on animals and made him a more generous and sympathetic person, now interested in exotic animals.
Taighe has lived in places with poverty and various religious outlooks, which have shed light on global animal welfare issues.
Taighe moved to Montreal at 19 years old, unsure of the next step; however, he was certain he wanted to pursue something concerning animals. He signed up to volunteer at the SPCA and adopted two cats, later adopting another. He was recommended to contact Gaby at the Dogue Shop, and all the pieces fit into place from there.
While in Montreal, Taighe devoted his time to studying Applied Human Sciences at Concordia University, all the while interning at the Dogue Shop and doing one-on-one training. Taighe moved back to Scottland, UK, in July 2020 and now operates the Dogue Shop United Kingdom, where he teaches puppy and teen group classes in the park.