About Us
Jane Smith - Professional Dog Trainer
Jane has been studying dog behaviour & working with dogs and their people for over 30 years.
Over the years Jane has attended many seminars, lectures and hands on workshops with such experts, including: Karen Pryor, Ian Dunbar, Dr. Patricia McConnell, Suzanne Clothier, Turid Rugaas, Temple Grandin, Jane Goodall, Zac George, Susan Garrett, and Peter Neville to name a few.
Jane keeps current with the latest research findings and her Canine Educations is always ongoing. She volunteers with local rescue groups and use to compete in Flyball, Agility, Dock Dogs and Disc Dogs events.
She has taught flyball seminars, dog sports seminars, Bite Prevention, Canine Body Language Presentations to animal rescue organizations and non-profit groups.
So why choose Jane as your Trainer?
Jane is referred to by: Shelters and Rescue Groups, Veterinarians, other Professional Trainers and present and former clients. She is force free, kind and experienced. She understands that working with dogs, is also working with the whole family. She will help you understand why your dog does certain behaviours and how to fix them.
Jane believe the relationship comes before performance. Training dogs is a logical consequence of good upbringing and education, rather than a goal in itself. Her training is Bond-Based and positive reinforcement.
Jane has been studying dog behaviour & working with dogs and their people for over 30 years.
Over the years Jane has attended many seminars, lectures and hands on workshops with such experts, including: Karen Pryor, Ian Dunbar, Dr. Patricia McConnell, Suzanne Clothier, Turid Rugaas, Temple Grandin, Jane Goodall, Zac George, Susan Garrett, and Peter Neville to name a few.
Jane keeps current with the latest research findings and her Canine Educations is always ongoing. She volunteers with local rescue groups and use to compete in Flyball, Agility, Dock Dogs and Disc Dogs events.
She has taught flyball seminars, dog sports seminars, Bite Prevention, Canine Body Language Presentations to animal rescue organizations and non-profit groups.
So why choose Jane as your Trainer?
Jane is referred to by: Shelters and Rescue Groups, Veterinarians, other Professional Trainers and present and former clients. She is force free, kind and experienced. She understands that working with dogs, is also working with the whole family. She will help you understand why your dog does certain behaviours and how to fix them.
Jane believe the relationship comes before performance. Training dogs is a logical consequence of good upbringing and education, rather than a goal in itself. Her training is Bond-Based and positive reinforcement.
Meet the Team! |
Knut Weissbach
I transitioned from Germany to Canada in 2007 and initiated my partnership with Jane and at Dittos in 2011, which evolved into a long lasting personal connection. (We got Married! ;-)
Through this collaboration, I gained extensive experience learning with Jane over the years, handling diverse dog breeds and developed expertise in understanding Canine behavior and the humane/Canine Bond.
My interests also extend to other hobbies like camping, boating, photography, surfing, and skiing.
Beginning each day with a morning walk with our dog, Deja Vu, is a cherished tradition for both of us. I am dedicated to applying my knowledge to maximize your dog's potential. Looking forward to working with you and your dogs!
I transitioned from Germany to Canada in 2007 and initiated my partnership with Jane and at Dittos in 2011, which evolved into a long lasting personal connection. (We got Married! ;-)
Through this collaboration, I gained extensive experience learning with Jane over the years, handling diverse dog breeds and developed expertise in understanding Canine behavior and the humane/Canine Bond.
My interests also extend to other hobbies like camping, boating, photography, surfing, and skiing.
Beginning each day with a morning walk with our dog, Deja Vu, is a cherished tradition for both of us. I am dedicated to applying my knowledge to maximize your dog's potential. Looking forward to working with you and your dogs!
Gaile Maddigan
I have been a dog lover my whole life.
I currently have a very friendly yellow lab/retriever cross named Sammy who I got as a pup from Rescue. His mom was a rescue who was pregnant when she came into rescue and had 11 pups who all found good homes. He will be 10 in December (yikes, how did that happen!) but thinks he’s still a 2 year old. We attended Ditto’s puppy and walking classes years ago and enjoyed the relaxed environment and positive approach involved.
We can often be seen walking around Mahone Bay, watching the activity on the government wharf and greeting tourists. We often stop to take pictures for them and some even want Sammy in their picture! My other hobbies include playing fiddle (Sunday afternoon Celtic sessions at the Saltbox in Mahone Bay), mandolin, Celtic harp, keyboard and singing. I also love knitting socks, and belong to a local knitting group and also an active seniors group. Seeing the joy dogs bring to people’s lives is rewarding for me, and I look forward to helping people find training as a way to enjoy their together time with their dog and help their dog learn to be their best self.
Gaile Maddigan
I have been a dog lover my whole life.
I currently have a very friendly yellow lab/retriever cross named Sammy who I got as a pup from Rescue. His mom was a rescue who was pregnant when she came into rescue and had 11 pups who all found good homes. He will be 10 in December (yikes, how did that happen!) but thinks he’s still a 2 year old. We attended Ditto’s puppy and walking classes years ago and enjoyed the relaxed environment and positive approach involved.
We can often be seen walking around Mahone Bay, watching the activity on the government wharf and greeting tourists. We often stop to take pictures for them and some even want Sammy in their picture! My other hobbies include playing fiddle (Sunday afternoon Celtic sessions at the Saltbox in Mahone Bay), mandolin, Celtic harp, keyboard and singing. I also love knitting socks, and belong to a local knitting group and also an active seniors group. Seeing the joy dogs bring to people’s lives is rewarding for me, and I look forward to helping people find training as a way to enjoy their together time with their dog and help their dog learn to be their best self.
Nancy McCarthy
Hi I'm Nancy McCarthy. Some of you may know me from the Mahone Bay Post Office where I have worked for the past 12 years. When I'm not sorting parcels and mail, you can find me at home vacuuming up the fur from my Golden Retriever, Maisie, and our three cats, Archie, Esme and Hugo. I truly believe that a kind and gentle approach to training builds a more loving, trusting and enjoyable relationship with your dog and look forward to helping people forge those relationships with their canine companions..
Hi I'm Nancy McCarthy. Some of you may know me from the Mahone Bay Post Office where I have worked for the past 12 years. When I'm not sorting parcels and mail, you can find me at home vacuuming up the fur from my Golden Retriever, Maisie, and our three cats, Archie, Esme and Hugo. I truly believe that a kind and gentle approach to training builds a more loving, trusting and enjoyable relationship with your dog and look forward to helping people forge those relationships with their canine companions..
Sophia Dauphinee
Hi I'm Sophia Dauphinee! I am one of the assistant trainers here at Dittos! I have two Border Collies, Canner and Shirley. When I’m not playing with our dogs, I enjoy horse riding and hiking with friends and family. Canner is a pure bread Border Collie from Canning. His favourite things to do would be swimming, playing, frisbee and picking on his sister. We rescued Shirley from a puppy mill a couple years ago now. She is the sweetest little girl you’ll ever meet! She loves going on hikes and playing with her big brother.
I’m so excited to start my journey here at Dittos and working with you and your dogs!