Tracy L. Wood

Tracy Wood grew up on a farm and has been around dogs all her life.  However, the path to the dog training world opened up while she was attending university.  Tracy had grown up with a love for biological science and had a keen interest in the outdoors and the natural world.  She took her passion for scientific research to university to pursue a life studying wildlife.  While obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies, she became a volunteer for the Peterborough Humane Society.  As she started to exercise and socialize the dogs under her care, she began to realize her passion for working with dogs.  Later, when she began fostering dogs for Homeward Tails, her passion for scientific research narrowed from the wildlife field of study to focus on the canine one.

Tracy started a personal movement to invest and gain more knowledge on modern dog training, which has been an ongoing process ever since.  The science behind how dogs learn and how to apply that to dog training and behaviour is an ever evolving field and Tracy does her best to keep herself up-to-date on the latest studies.  Over the years, Tracy has learned from veterans in the field of canine science and dog training.  She has attended numerous seminars, workshops and lectures on the art, craft and science of dog training and behaviour.  She continues to expand her knowledge every chance she gets.

Tracy is committed to expanding her knowledge about dogs and learning how to work with them in a positive, low-stress manner.  She learns from some of the world’s leading professionals in the field of dog training and canine science, such as Karen Pryor, Victoria Stilwell, Jean Donaldson, Ian Dunbar, Stanley Coren and John Bradshaw.

Tracy shares her home with two beloved canine friends, a clever husky named Asha and a sensitive rescue mix of unknown origins named Lexi.  She has done extensive training with both dogs and continues to enrich their lives daily with a mix of reward-based training and exploring the outdoors together.  Lexi is a titled Intermediate Trick Dog (ITD) and currently working towards earning her Expert Trick Dog title as an end goal.

Credentials and Experience

• BSc. Hons, in Biology from Trent University, as well as a BA. Hons, in Environmental Studies
• Applied Behaviour Analyst Practitioner certification through studying and examination by Dr. Susan G. Friedman Ph.D, Department of Psychology, University of Utah
• 3 years as a volunteer and dog walker for the Peterborough Humane Society
• 3 years as a volunteer and foster care provider for Homeward Tails
• 2 years as a Dog Trainer for Petsmart in Peterborough
• Currently a Student of the Ethology Institute Cambridge to earn her CPDT and CACE
• Currently sits on the Manager and Owner/Operator committee for Professional Animal Care Certification Council
• Earns continuing educational units (CEUs) by attending workshops, seminars and webinars on dog training and canine science, to ensure that her knowledge of dogs is always up to date.
• Experienced with puppies, senior dogs, dogs with disabilities, and fearful/reactive dogs
• Professional Member with the Association of Professional Dog Trainers
• Full Membership with The Pet Professional Guild
• Member of the Animal Behavior Society
• Supporting Member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
• Professional Member of the Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers
• Member of the Canadian Kennel Club
• Fully insured and bonded through ProFUR