Lead Trainer

Sue was a Junior High/ Middle School teacher for 33 years and had the pleasure of coaching many teams, in many sports, for many years. She has enjoyed teaching dog obedience for 29 years. With her own various-sized dogs, she has competed and achieved titles in Obedience, Rally Obedience, Tracking, Scent Detection, and Drill Team. All have been Canine Good Neighbours and all have been Therapy Dogs. At this time, she has Rein, a 14-year-old Australian Shepherd, and Rowdy, a 3-year-old Corgi.

Sue is a very experienced trainer/handler and enjoys problem-solving to help all owners achieve success through positive, encouraging, fun training and practice at every class. She delights in seeing dogs and handlers build that very important bond and earn that lifelong trust.

Lead Trainer

John has been working with clients as a trainer for four years and currently has a five-year-old German Shepherd named Jayda. Jayda has completed Level 2 Obedience training, Tracking training, and an introduction to Scent Detection. Previously, he has owned and trained an Irish Setter (a hunting dog and family pet) and Springer Spaniels. 

John feels that communication is the key to successful training-communication between the trainer and handler, and between the handler and their dog.

Assistant Trainer

Margo has two Standard Poodle boys, Oliver and Reese. Oliver is just over 11 years old and Reese is a shy 11 week old pup. Oliver has had 3 levels of obedience, has done Rally Obedience and he has his Canine Good Neighbour. Reese joined our family a few weeks ago after we lost Oliver’s younger brother. Reese’s journey with obedience classes will be starting in the fall with Take the Lead. After finishing a couple of levels with Oliver Margo decided to assist with the training classes. It has been a great experience and she has learned so much over the last 10 years. It has been rewarding watching both dogs and students come together and work as a team. Spending time with and working with your pup is never a waste of time. The bond that you build with them is for life. 

Assistant Trainer

Bonnie has been assisting with Sue Wishart’s obedience classes, at all levels, for the past 25 years, and with John for several years. She enjoys the opportunity to help people improve the bond with their dogs and especially enjoys working with shy and nervous dogs to make a connection. Bonnie’s current doggy companions are Shih Tzus, Tabu, who is 6 years old, and his 3-year-old granddaughter, Ketu. They are Canine Good Neighbours, Novice Master Trick Dogs, and Therapy Dogs. Tabu has also competed in Rally Obedience, Obedience, and Scent Detection.

Assistant Trainer

Carolyn has enjoyed being part of Sue and John’s team for about four years, helping out with level 1, 2, and 3 obedience classes. She knows first hand what it’s like to be on both sides of the training journey. Her two year old miniature Australian Shepherd, Raya has completed level 1 obedience, level 2 obedience and completed her first Rally class. 

During your classes she will be there to lend a hand, offer insight, cheer you on, celebrate those breakthrough moments, and share her passion for helping dogs and their humans build stronger bonds together. 

Assistant Trainer

Leanne retired after 37 years of working in the field of public safety and enjoys learning, teaching and coaching in various disciplines. A lifelong owner of crossbred rescue dogs and purebred Border Collies and German Shepherds, she and her canine companions have attended many obedience classes offered by Sue Wishart since 1992. She and Stanley, her current German Shepherd, a working farm dog, have completed levels one and two obedience and introduction to scent training. Leanne brings her passion for animal kindness, care and her genuine desire to help others (people and pets) achieve their full potential into her role, and looks forward to meeting and cheering on all students and their beloved canines.

Assistant Trainer

Having trained her own dogs for decades, Paula understands that creating a stellar canine companion requires a balance of clear leadership and deep affection—a philosophy she loves sharing with others. Her passion for rescue shines through in her current four-legged family, which includes two cats and two dogs. Benjamin B. is a seven-year-old Cattle Dog mix, Take the Lead graduate, and certified Canine Good Neighbor who shines in the Rally Obedience ring. Sophie is a vibrant 10-month-old Whoodle training in obedience and ultimately, Rally and Therapy Dog work.