About Us

Dog Training for a Thriving Dog (and a Sane You)

Because squirrels happen, and so does life.

You and your dog are on a lifelong journey, and I'm here to walk it with you...through the chewed-up shoes, the chaotic walks, and the moments you're pretty sure the local squirrel population is training your dog, not you.

Hi, I'm Shelly Korobanik, owner and trainer at Pooch Partners. I believe every dog deserves to live their best life — and their humans deserve to feel confident and connected with their best friend.

Your dog's best life starts with a true partnership and an understanding of what they really need. Many "problem" behaviours come from a mismatch between your dog's instincts and the modern world they're living in.

The truth is, your dog isn't broken or a project to "fix" — they just need the right skills to navigate it. That's where I come in.

Using games-based, positive training methods that are fun for both of you, I go beyond basic obedience training to focus on your dog's total well-being.

Because let's be honest... like me, you're not dreaming of a dog with a perfect sit.

You're dreaming of a dog who can join you for a coffee, a hike, or a houseful of guests — calm, confident, and easy to be around.

Whether you're welcoming a new puppy, trying to survive adolescence, navigating tough behavioural struggles, or supporting your dog through their senior years — together, we'll build life skills to grow their confidence, resilience, adaptability, and a partnership you'll cherish.

Because when skills grow, everything else gets easier — even when the squirrels have other plans.

Shelly with her dogs Kallik, Qilaq, and Sesi

"I’ve worked with a few dog trainers over the years, but Shelly stands out as the best.

The results have been both commendable and swift, thanks to Shelly’s method of incorporating training into fun games.

Not only does my dog love it, but it’s also easy for me to incorporate these techniques into our daily routine.

I highly recommend Shelly to anyone seeking effective and enjoyable dog training."

Alice V.

Am I the Right Trainer for You?

I'm the trainer for you if:

  • You want a true partnership with your dog — not just a list of commands

  • You value your dog's emotional wellbeing and want to understand why they do what they do, not just stop the behaviour.

  • You believe training should be ethical, science-based, and fun for both of you— choosing connection over control, and confidence over fear.

  • You're open to learning and reflection, and in it for the long haul.

The best things in life enrich your soul (and lick your face)

I'm not the trainer for you if:

  • You're looking for a quick fix — real change takes a little time and consistency, but it's so worth it.

  • You want a traditional, correction-based approach — that's just not how I train, because there are kinder, more effective ways to get lasting results, together.

  • You expect a guarantee of success -this is unethical and prohibited by professional associations.

  • You're not quite ready to commit to the journey yet — and that's okay! I'll be here when you are.

Why Credentials Matter & Why "I Grew Up With Dogs" Isn't One

Dog training is an unregulated industry — anyone can call themselves a trainer, no education or experience required. I believe your dog deserves more than someone who just "grew up with dogs." Yes, I grew up with dogs, but I've also put in the work: formal education, certifications, ongoing learning, and years of hands-on experience — so you can trust the guidance you're getting. Here's what that looks like.

Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT)

This dog trainer program was a comprehensive program that utilized scientifically proven, positive reinforcement methods (clicker training) to teach functional obedience cues and focused on behaviour modification principles and how to apply them in the real world.

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Absolute Dogs Pro Dog Trainer (PDT)

The Absolute Dogs Pro Dog Trainer (PDT) program utilized concept-based, games-based training methods to reshape a dog's brain and modify real-world behaviors. This certification focuses on teaching essential life skills—such as optimism, focus, and self-control—by turning daily struggles into fun, positive learning experiences. II also completed the advanced training (Geek and Genius) which incorporated more intensive dog behaviour education and the science behind the training method.

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Companion Animal Sciences Institute (CASI) - Animal Behavior Science and Technology (ABST) Diploma with Aggressive Behavior Specialization (Canines)

I completed the Animal Behavior Science and Technology (ABST) program, which is an intensive, approximately 1000–hour program of advanced study. The program extends beyond industry training models and establishes fluency in the natural science of behavior and its systematic application for dogs, cats, horses and parrots.

The Aggressive Behavior Specialization examined functional classifications of aggression, risk management, structured exposure design, contingency stabilization, and relapse prevention in complex cases. The curriculum emphasized functional assessments and non-coercive, ethical contingency engineering to resolve complex behavioral challenges.

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Licenced Family Dog Mediator (FDM)

A Licensed Family Dog Mediator (LFDM) is a certified professional who resolves canine behavioral issues by assessing the intersection of learning, environment, genetics, and the dog's individual self. This approach moves beyond traditional obedience to address root causes, fostering a peaceful relationship through enhanced communication between dogs and their owners.

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Certified Canine Fitness Trainer (CCFT)

Offered through the University of Tennessee, Veterinary Academy of Higher Learning (VAHL) the CCFT provided essential concepts of canine body mechanics, anatomy, functional movement, behaviour, nutrition, to coach, train and better understand the fundamentals of canine fitness and conditioning. It enables me to assess fitness level and create fitness plans for dogs. An emphasis was included on movement identification and correction as well as specialty life stage requirements for working and sporting dogs, puppies, seniors, and pet dogs.

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Fear Free Certified Professional

As a Fear Free Certified Professional iI am trained to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) in pets during veterinary visits and daily care. This designation includes veterinarians, trainers, groomers, and pet sitters who utilize low-stress handling techniques and environmental modifications to prioritize an animal’s emotional well-being.

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Certified Separation Anxiety (SA) Pro Behaviour Consultant

Having completed Julie Naismith's Certified SA Pro Behaviour Consultants (CSAP-BC) program, I use force-free, evidence-based methods and systematic desensitization to help resolve dog separation anxiety, with customized plans based on meticulous body language analysis to safely manage isolation distress..

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Treat/Retreat Certified Instructor

An intensive Master Class designed by Suzanne Clothier for working dog training professionals. I completed over 150 lessons to develop the skills to improve the quality of dogs’ lives across the full spectrum of social challenges from anxious dogs to overly aroused ones. I have worked through the complete methodology, passed a written exam, and demonstrated my skills across three full case studies.

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Certified Predation Substitute Training (PST) Instructor

As a Certified Predation Substitute Training Instructor (PST-IE) I utilize force-free, targeted games to manage a dog’s hunting instinct, replacing dangerous chasing with safe, cooperative behaviours with controlled actions like stalking or watching to facilitate calmer, more connected walks.

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Certified Licenced Whole Energy Body Balance™ (WEBB) Bodywork Practitioner

As a Certified Licensed Whole Energy Body Balance™ (WEBB) Bodywork Practitioner, I have been trained to identify and heal silent chronic pain, anxiety, and trauma in animals. Developed by holistic veterinarian Dr. Edward Bassingthwaighte, this modality involves hands-on neuro-fascial bodywork to release deep physical and emotional tension.

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Certified Licenced Whole Energy Body Balance™ (WEBB) Energywork Practitioner

As a Certified Licensed Whole Energy Body Balance™ (WEBB) Energywork Practitioner, I have been trained to identify and heal silent chronic pain, anxiety, and trauma in animals. Developed by holistic veterinarian Dr. Edward Bassingthwaighte, this modality involves energy healing to release deep physical and emotional tension.

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Certified Canine Conditioning Fitness Coach (CCFC)

As a Certified Canine Conditioning Fitness Coach (CCFC) I have been professional trained by the Do More With Your Dog! organization to design specific exercise plans that improve a dog's physical health. I specialize in guiding pet owners through a four-part curriculum to build a dog's flexibility, balance, stamina, coordination, and strength, and am legally authorized to evaluate dogs for their Canine Conditioning Fitness (CCF) titles.

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Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI) / Evaluator

As a Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI) / Evaluator professionally trained by the Do More With Your Dog! organization I can teach and evaluate trick dog titles for all levels of Trick Dog titles, from Novice to Expert.

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Certified Stunt Dog Judge (SDJ)

As a Certified Stunt Dog Judge (SDJ) I have completed training by the Do More With Your Dog! organization to evaluate and score official Stunt Dog ring trials. This certification equips me to master competition rules, host live or virtual trials, and evaluate performance routines for official titles ranging from Novice to Expert.

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Certified Animal Actor Evaluator

I have completed the Animal Actor Certified Evaluator (AACE) program with the Do More With Your Dog! organization to evaluate and certify pets that have been trained using positive, force-free training methods for work on film, television, and photography sets. I am qualified to test animals across a five-level skill curriculum to ensure they can handle production environments, follow complex cues, and remain stable under bright lights and loud noises.

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Canine Good Neighbour (CGN) Evaluator / Judge

As a Canine Good Neighbour (CGN) Evaluator / Judge I am an approved official to administer the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) non-competitive certification program. I grade a 12-step test evaluating a dog’s relationship with its handler, its basic manners in everyday public spaces, and the absence of emotional distress or aggression. To qualify as a CGN Evaluator, a background in canine behavior or training, complete field practice, and pass a rigorous written examination with a minimum grade of 93% was required.

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Certified Grief Coach for Pet Loss

Certified Excellence's Grief Coach for Pet Loss program is a comprehensive, online training program designed to equip individuals with the skills required to professionally support clients through the profound and often misunderstood grief of losing an animal companion. The certification is internationally recognized.

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Certified Personal Trainer Specialist (PTS)

The canfitpro Personal Training Specialist (PTS) designation is Canada’s largest and most widely recognized domestic personal training certification. It enables me to work one-on-one or in small groups classes to design exercise programs for improved health, fitness, and overall well-being.

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Pet First Aid (x2)

I have completed two pet first aid courses. Absolute Dogs canine first aid was a self-paced, expert-vet-led online course focused heavily on canine behavioral context, whereas St. John Ambulance was in-class training focused on structured, high-intensity emergency training available.

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Dynamic Dog Practitioner Programme

I completed the Dynamic Dog Practitioner Programme, an intensive, six-month certification that trained me to identify hidden pain, discomfort, and structural issues impacting a dog's behaviour. By studying canine anatomy, gait, and daily movement patterns, I can compile detailed observations to help veterinarians diagnose underlying medical causes behind problematic actions.

Aggression in Dogs Master Course

Taught by world renowned aggression expert, Michael Shikashio CDBC, it is he most comprehensive course on dog aggression for trainers and behavior consultants available. Comprised of 23 modules covering every aspect of working aggression cases from start to finish, completion of the course enables me to have lifetime access to online bi-weekly group mentor sessions with Michael Shikashio which is an invaluable resource.

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Why Choose Pooch Partners?

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Effective, ethical & fun training methods

Our training methods are scientifically proven, practical, and fun for you and your dog, plus they are highly effective at resolving behaviour problems without the risk of harmful side effects often caused by other methods.

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Certified & experienced

In an unregulated industry, it can be difficult to know who to trust. We are proud of our education and as lifetime learners, we regularly take courses and attend conferences on various dog related topics.

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Giving Back

Pooch Partners believes in giving back to the community. Our annual Doggie Duathlon has allowed us to support many animal-related charities over the years.

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Our Mission

Promoting an active and healthy lifestyle for you and your dog using effective, fun and ethical training methods, to the highest professional and quality standards possible.

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Individual attention

All of our attention is on you in our private sessions, and when you enrol in a group service, we strive to give you and your dog our focus and attention by keeping our group class sizes small.

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Relationships matters

Inspiration, empowerment and transformation are all achieved through relationships that are built between us and you, and you and your dog. We want you to succeed in reaching your dog training goals.

Meet the Team

Meet the team — four-legged, treat-motivated, and surprisingly good at their jobs. They demonstrate the games, test the new ideas, and remind me to laugh when training doesn't go perfectly. And they never ask for a raise — just more treats.

Sila

Sila

Sila brings a ton of enthusiasm and energy to everything he does, even as a senior. Life is always an adventure with him. Canicross, agility, weight pulling, skijoring, kicksledding, and scootering – Sila has done it all, along with competing in conformance, obedience, tracking, scent detection, tricks, stunts, canine fitness and has earned numerous titles. More importantly, he has been an amazing companion in my life!

Suka

Suka

Suka is a joy to work with even with his shyness of strangers . He is very strong, fast and overflowing with enthusiasm no matter what I may ask of him. Like Sila, he has done canicross, agility, weight pulling, scootering, tracking, scent detection, and more! He also competed in conformance, obedience, tracking, scent detection, tricks, stunts, canine fitness and has earned numerous titles. He keeps our journey in life exciting!

Kallik

Kallik

Kallik is our newest team member and is currently a learning sponge! He has already achieved his Trick Puppy Champion and Trick Dog Champion titles, but more importantly he is growing into a perfect companion. He is going to be a go getter for sure and I am excited to see what the future holds for him in my pack!

In Loving Memory

My dogs who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge remain a vital part of the Pooch Partners story—because without them, Pooch Partners would not exist. Their unique personalities, the life lessons they taught me, the unforgettable memories, and the pure, unadulterated joy they brought into my life continue to inspire everything I do.

Qilaq

(In Memoriam) Jan 18, 2007 – Jul 4, 2018

Qilaq was an amazing dog, and with his sister Sesi, was an active participant in activities since Pooch Partners was created.

He was epileptic and despite being on daily medication, experienced 20-35 seizures over a 1-3 day period every month. It wasn’t always easy having an epileptic dog, but it was so worth it! He taught me many important lessons and I miss him every day.

I thought we’d have more time to spend, but it was not to be.

He’s now with his sister Sesi, forever seizure-free.

My soul’s filled with great sadness and my heart feels such great pain,

I will miss my sweet boy Qilaq, until we meet again.

Run free my boy…..

The best running partners ever.

No leash, no limits, just pure joy.

Pure exhilaration. Just skis, speed, and happy dogs.

Unforgettable memories of pure winter bliss.

Sesi

(In Memorium) Jan 18, 2007 – Jul 4, 2017

Sesi was an active participant in activities since Pooch Partners was created. Sesi tore her ACL at age of 1, but after a slow recovery period she was good as new!

She also suffered from a breathing disorder which she was on medication for, and while it slowed her down, she always enjoyed her outings although less often in her senior years. Sesi was definitely the leader of my pack and kept the boys in line. Sadly, due to deteriorating health, Sesi departed on her journey over the rainbow bridge July 4, 2017. She is thought of and missed every day.

The decision was not easy, but because I loved her so,

Her pain has now been ended and I have let her go,

To be in peace and comfort, more coughing, pills or pain,

I will miss my sweet girl Sesi, until we meet again.

Run free my girl....

Giving Back

Pooch Partners believes in giving back to the community!

Our annual Doggie Duathlon and other fundraising events have allowed us to support animal related charities, including but not limited to:

Shelly, Suka and Sila after the Doggie Duathlon event.

  • Paws It Forward Dog Rescue

  • Vernon and Salmon Arm SPCA branches

  • Sit Pretty Pit

  • Hug-A-Bull

  • Vernon & District Animal Care Society

  • Okanagan Humane Society

  • Vernon Pet Soup Kitchen

  • The Road Home Safekeeping & Rescue Society

  • Critter Care Wildlife Society

  • Forever Home Sanctuary

  • University of Guelph’s Smiling Blue Skies Cancer Fund.

What Our Clients Are Saying

"Shelly was amazing! She taught us basic games, boundaries and all the tools we need to be successful on walks! I highly recommend Pooch Partners."

-Ashley Browne

"Absolutely amazing! We learned so much and Moose is now a different dog! He understands boundaries, and has manners! Would definitely recommend."

-Candice Mikkelsen

"Shelley is very thorough and knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend Pooch Partners for anyone looking for personal training for their dog or group classes."

-Alana Tkachenko-Shultz

Our Credentials & Memberships

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Contact Us

Vernon, B.C., Canada

  • Available most days and evenings

We gratefully operate on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan people, offering in-person services in Vernon and the surrounding area, as well as virtual services globally.

© Copyright 2026. All rights reserved.

Pooch Partners is a division of 0916239 B.C. Ltd