TRISTA SUTTON
Co-Owner
WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL DOG EXPERIENCE?
I have worked at multiple dog daycare centres in the city, including 2 years of experience managing a large scale facility. I have provided boarding services out of my home for over 7 years and have loved being able to build long term relationships and see my clients grow up over the years. I started off as a training apprentice under a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and went on to do private training in my home. town of St Adolphe. I am currently working on getting my 300 hours to qualify me to take the CCPDT-KA examination and have been enjoying instructing obedience classes at Camp Canine. I also have experience as a dog bather and have provided grooming services in St Adolphe for the last 5 years. While working on opening Camp Canine I worked in an emergency vet clinic in the city as a vet assistant/receptionist. I loved working in a busy clinic and being able to help dogs feel comfortable and safe during a stressful situation such as an emergency vet visit. This position also gave me so much valuable experience when it comes to pet health and safety.
WHO ARE YOUR PET(S), AND WHAT ARE THEIR PERSONALITIES?
My first dog is a 7 year old German Shepherd mix named Grizzly, he is my total heart dog. He came to me as a foster at just 5 weeks old, covered in lice and nervous as can be. Over the years I have worked on his confidence and he has come so far. In fact one of his favourite things to do is go to daycare! We have made so much progress but thunderstorms and loud beeping noises will always be a big no no. Kaiser is a 5 year old Australian Shepherd mix and was my second foster fail. He is the chillest dude around but loves getting the zoomies too! Kaiser is my "working dog" thanks to his calm temperament and ability to read other dogs. He loves helping in assessments and classes. Malone is my third foster fail (yes, I failed 3 times) and is a 4 year old Husky x Chocolate lab. She is spunky, affectionate and a total ham. She loves making new dog friends and is a social butterfly. Lastly, I also have 2 feline friends - Mowgli and Baloo. Both who were adopted from the Winnipeg Humane Society. Although they are 6 months apart they still act like they are siblings. My house is a total zoo, but I wouldn't have it any other way!
WHEN DID YOUR LOVE OF DOGS BEGIN?
Even though I didn't have one of my own growing up, I have been obsessed with dogs since I can remember. As soon as I was old enough I spent my free time volunteering at a local pet shop taking care of adoptable cats and dogs. 13 years ago I finally got permission from my parents to get a dog of my own. I drove right down to the Winnipeg Humane Society and found my new best friend, Lexi. Lexi is a Border Collie mix who still lives with my parents (they loved her too much to let her move out with me) and loves coming for sleepovers with my dogs.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PART ABOUT WORKING WITH DOGS?
I love watching dogs come out of their shell and watching them learn and become the best versions of themselves. There is no better feeling than seeing the nervous dog start playing with a new friend, or watching the stubborn dog nail the command they have been working on. A big part of all that is to also being able to work with all the owners. I love being able to work with people and educate them on how to work together with their dog to achieve their training goals. Of course I also can't complain about all the cuddles...
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO WORK WITH DOGS?
I remember talking about being a veterinarian from a very young age. I always knew that I wanted to work with dogs but once I was older I didn't want to move out of province to continue my education to be a veterinarian. After adopting Lexi, I knew I found my calling. Lexi was stubborn, high energy and was incredibly intelligent... as most Border Collies are. I took Lexi to obedience classes and fell in love with the feeling of achieving our training goals. I wanted to help others feel the same.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE BREED?
I have worked very closely with Manitoba Underdogs Rescue for over 7 years and hold mutts very near and dear to my heart. However, I have a sweet spot for all kinds of shepherds. After adopting Grizzly, I grew to love their personality quarks and all the nervousness and anxiety that may come with them. I love watching them come out of their shell and their loyalty to their people. Not to mention the ears, pricked ears get me every time! Grizzly may be too nervous to help me in training classes, but he is so smart and knows a ton of tricks!
WHAT ANIMAL DO YOU IDENTIFY MOST WITH?
I would have to say a squirrel as I am very much a busy body and thrive when my life is a little hectic. I am a new mom, fur mom to 5 and a business owner, if that's not busy then I don't know what is! I don't often know what to do with free time and try my best to stay as busy as possible.