Noelle hails from the Kootenays, and was brought up with animals — the usual horses, dogs, cats and rabbits as well as a variety of rodents. She spent most of her time in the barn or out in the fields with the horses and dogs — and even slept outside with them as often as she could, weather and parents permitting.
Pet sitting since the age of 12, she has been providing full-time pet care since 2007, working at various veterinary clinics in Vancouver as an assistant and technician as well as through her growing private pet care business.
In 2010, Noelle decided to leave the clinic she was working at to devote all her time to her business — prompted by the huge demand from her clients. Now self-employed, and much more content, she works seven days a week and is never seen without a small herd of happy dogs at her side.
Noelle left the mountains to attend UBC in 1998, and graduated with a degree in Genetics, Animal Physiology and Nutrition (double major) in 2003. But animals were always her deepest passion so she later studied to be a Veterinary Assistant, then Vet Tech through online courses followed by practicum at local clinics. Noelle has completed her CPPDT (Certified Professional Pet Dog Trainer) and CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed) certifications. Noelle is currently completing her CBCC-KA (Certified Behavior Consultant Canine – Knowledge Assessed) certification.
As a dog behaviour therapist for over 20+ years, Sandy Yates has worked with thousands of dogs, puppies and their owners in both Canada and her native Australia. Aside from the infinite rewards of rehabilitating dogs with behavioural issues and setting mischievous puppies on a path to being good natured and respectful family members, Sandy’s most important role is educating owners on how dogs view their world and how they communicate – both to us and with each other.
Sandy has been the resident dog behaviour expert on Global Noon News and Global Weekend Mornings since 2005.
She specializes in behavioural issues in adolescent and adult dogs, while her puppy training program is designed to prevent these very issues arising…. An ounce of prevention?
It really is worth it!