What’s New

We are very happy to announce Penticton’s I Heart Canine PR has been granted AnimalKind accreditation.

Chelene Bogan, owner and trainer at I Heart Canine PR, has always loved animals, but it was one of her dogs who inspired her and transformed her life.  Welcome, Chelene, to the AnimalKind community of evidence-based dog trainers! To commemorate this event, we invited Chelene to share her story. Here it is:

I’ve always had a deep love for animals. Growing up, I was surrounded mostly by cats, along with a few dogs and fish. I’ve always considered myself a “dog person” and was fascinated by the way dogs connect with and respond to their guardians.

Everything changed when I was 28 and adopted a very special dog—my Staffy x Heeler mix. She truly transformed my life. Her ability to communicate her needs and wants (including her beloved “TV time”) opened my eyes to the complexity and depth of the human-dog bond. She also struggled with reactivity and fear of new situations, which inspired me to learn more so I could support her better. Around that time, I also found myself watching a lot of Victoria Stilwell on YouTube, which further sparked my interest in force-free training methods.

I initially explored the grooming industry, but quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit. I didn’t feel comfortable with how often animals were placed in high-stress situations without consent or understanding. I wanted to be in a role where I could truly advocate for animals and help them feel safe.

I began my formal education in animal welfare through Thompson Rivers University, and later enrolled in Good Dog Academy’s Positive Reinforcement Dog Training course. I’ve since pursued certifications with Fear Free, IAABC, and AnimalKind to ensure my methods are rooted in ethics, science, and compassion. I also brought a second dog into my life—another teacher in his own right—who had his own behavioural challenges and helped reinforce my desire to specialize in this field

About using positive reinforcement methods

I use positive reinforcement training because it supports the emotional, mental, and physical well-being of the animal. It’s incredibly important to me, especially after watching my own dogs struggle with reactivity and fear. Seeing them make progress through kind and respectful training methods has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

I’ve always found positive reinforcement fascinating, but like many guardians, I initially didn’t know how to apply it effectively. With so much conflicting information out there, it was hard to find clear, compassionate guidance on how to support my dogs’ fear, anxiety, and stress. Over time, I realized that positive reinforcement is often misunderstood. Some people see it as simply handing out treats, when in reality, it’s a powerful, science-backed approach that can include praise, toys, and meaningful engagement based on each individual dog’s needs.

Taking formal courses helped me understand that I wasn’t alone. There are so many guardians out there who feel overwhelmed or unsure when it comes to reading their dog’s body language or understanding their behaviour. That realization is what inspired me to become a trainer—I wanted to be someone who could bridge that gap and help dogs and their guardians thrive together.

About I Heart Canine PR

At I Heart Canine PR, my focus is on behaviour, not just in dogs, but in the people who love them. I help guardians understand why their dog may be behaving a certain way, whether it’s rooted in instinct, learned experiences, genetics, or trauma. I often relate canine behaviour to human experiences to make it more relatable and easier to understand.

My approach centers around training the guardian as much as the dog, because they’re the ones who will be with their dog every day, for the rest of the dog’s life. My goal is to prevent rehoming or frustration over behaviours that are actually very fixable with the right support.

To help encourage consistency, because consistency is key in positive reinforcement, I offer incentives like discounts when we begin to see meaningful improvement in the behaviours we’ve been working on. I believe in reinforcing both ends of the leash!

What means the most to me is seeing the dog improve and the guardian light up with pride and joy, even from small changes. That’s why my business is named I Heart Canine PR—positive reinforcement requires heart. It’s about compassion, patience, and a willingness to understand.

I also run group classes designed to deepen the bond between dogs and their guardians. Beneath the Bark focuses on helping guardians understand how dogs think and feel, while Paws and Patience supports fear-free grooming and vet preparation through cooperative care techniques. These classes are built on the same core values: trust, empathy, and empowerment.

At the heart of everything I do is a commitment to showing that there is a better, kinder way to build a relationship with your dog—one rooted in mutual respect and understanding.

About AnimalKind accreditation

In my community, I’ve seen how difficult training can be for both dogs and their guardians, especially when people aren’t familiar with how to apply positive reinforcement effectively. Many don’t realize it’s backed by science, or they’ve never seen it used in a way that truly supports the dog’s well-being. Unfortunately, outdated methods are still very common, and that’s something I’m passionate about changing.

One of the biggest reasons I wanted to become AnimalKind accredited is because it’s the only program I’ve found that is entirely dedicated to positive reinforcement. It aligns perfectly with my values and my education in animal welfare. Being part of a trusted, science-based accreditation helps me reassure guardians that the methods I use are not only ethical but also effective and evidence-based.

To me, the AnimalKind program is important not just for my business but for the broader community. It sets a high standard for humane training and gives guardians a reliable way to find qualified, compassionate trainers. I believe this kind of clarity is essential to improving the lives of both dogs and the people who love them.

Find a complete list of dog trainers the BC SPCA recommends at the AnimalKind directory of trainers.