OUR STORY

Meet the team

Shannon Noonan

KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA, CBATI-KA, FDM

Pictured here with my "spotted" friend, Elroy who ignited my passion for dog training, obedience, agility, and who is my right hand man in teaching other humans and dogs!

A few of Elroy's achievements:

Advanced Obedience skills and class demo dog
Rally Novice title (RN)
Expert Trick Dog title (ETD)
Therapy Dog (TD)
Canine Good Neighbour (CGN)

Legacy

Shannon began working with dogs as a “foster mom” with Ottawa Dog Rescue, where she adopted her first dog, Blue, a Great-Dane/Pointer mix with whom she began her journey of more formalized dog training. It was Blue who deepened Shannon’s understanding of the animal-human bond. Together Blue and Shannon founded the first official Carleton Therapy Dog program, which became a beloved gem and remains on campus today. You can check out Shannon's
convocation address to the canine graduates at the Therapy Dog Convocation ceremony at Carleton University, 8 years from those humble beginnings!

Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner

KPA certification involves rigorous training and evaluation. Trainers must demonstrate a high level of competence in understanding animal behaviour, designing training plans, and effectively communicating with both dogs and their owners. Hiring a KPA certified trainer provides peace of mind, knowing that you are working with a qualified professional who prioritizes your dog's well-being, uses ethical training methods, and has the expertise to help you achieve your training goals.

Certified Behaviour Consultant, Canine(CBCC-KA)

The CCPDT is the leading independent certifying organization for the dog training profession. The CCPDT is the leader in the development of rigorous exams to demonstrate mastery in positive reinforcement training methods, behavior modification, and canine behavior. CBCC-KA is the advanced certification indicating that a dog behavior consultant has passed a comprehensive exam on behavior modification and has at least 300 hours of of dog behavior consulting experience.

Beth Dowbiggin

FDM

Dog Training Apprentice

Beth has successfully completed Kim Brophey's Family Dog Mediation course, and she is currently working on her Karen Pryor Academy certification (KPA-CTP). Her areas of interest are in canine play as socialization and behavior modification; treating aggression and hyper-reactivity; and all things herding breeds.

Beth started working with dogs professionally in 2019, as a dog walker with Toronto's premier positive-reinforcement dogwalking company, Citizen Canine. There, Beth developed skills to run play groups, force-free handling techniques and a particular passion for dog welfare, training, and enrichment. Upon moving home to Prince Edward Island Beth previously owned and operated Outward Bound Dogwalking PEI; working with dogs of all ages, breeds, and temperaments to meet their needs for exercise and enrichment.

Beth has worked professionally with Fearless Fido Dog Training and in 2022 she began working Spot On Dog Training.

Beth has two border collies of her own: Mack (6.5 years) and Hamish (1 year old). They love to hike and go on adventures together. "

Dawna Blacquiere

IDTP, FDM

Dog Training Apprentice

Dawna has successfully completed the QC Career School Pet Studies - Professional Dog Trainer course, and is now an International Dog Training Professional. She has also taken Kim Brophy's Family Dog Mediation course. She loves helping families "meet their dog" and develop well rounded pets with every day foundations.

Her passion was ignited for dog training through working with her own rescue dogs, Bella (Lab Mix) and Zoe (Beagle Mix). They love going on their walks together and playing in the backyard. Zoe is Dawna's adventurous side kick and right hand girl!

Dawna began working with Spot On Dog Training in 2022 as an apprentice and now teaches all puppy classes in Summerside!

QUALIFICATIONS

Additional qualifications that guide our practice

Here for you

Spot On Dog Training remains on the cutting edge of animal behaviour. Offering only the most effective, science-based training methodologies. Providing a range of both private training and behavioural consultations to meet your needs, Shannon is equipped to help you achieve your goals and help you improve your relationship with your dog. From impulse control and obedience to complex behaviours and tricks—no pet is untrainable.