Who we are

We're a small company with a big heart

Alpine Dogs is a full-service dog training and walking company servicing Whistler and Pemberton. We are BC SPCA Animal Kind Accredited, committed to using the most modern, science-based humane training methods and raising the bar for dog training.

Alpine Dogs owner and lead trainer, Saundra Clow, is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Behaviour Consultant. We have the knowledge and training required to ensure that our group hikes offer an environment that is safe, fun and enriching for all of the dogs. The members of our team are all responsible, trustworthy and caring people with a love for dogs.

We are fully licensed, insured and bondable. Alpine Dogs are also passionate supporters of WAG and PAWS.

Our Mission

At Alpine Dogs, our mission is to ensure every dog is living their best life. Through force-free methods, our goal is to help improve your relationship with your dog. We appreciate that caring for your canine companion comes with great responsibility, and we continually endeavour to offer an experience that promotes their well being, as well as your peace of mind.

Our Methods

We are passionate about using the most ethical and up-to-date training methods that are rooted in science. We advocate for and use force-free, positive reinforcement methods. In essence, we find what your dog is motivated by and use that to reinforce the behaviours we want to see repeated. We do not condone or use any aversive techniques that cause fear or pain.

Our Team

We are dog lovers

Saundra Clow, CTC, CPDT-KA, CTDI

OWNER, LEAD TRAINER & BEHAVIOUR CONSULTANT

Saundra Clow is the owner/operator of Alpine Dogs, which she started in 2008, combining her lifelong dream of working with animals with her love of the outdoors. In 2009 Saundra received her certification as a professional dog trainer and is a strong advocate of using positive, evidence-based training methods.

Saundra holds multiple certifications and is a graduate of the Academy for Dog Trainers, a rigorous 2 year dog trainers program run by Jean Donaldson.

Saundra is available in both Whistler & Pemberton for behaviour consultations and private training and also offers the option of working together online. She teaches multiple group classes each week with options in both Whistler & Pemberton.

In her spare time, you’ll often find her out with her own two dogs, Penny, a cocker spaniel mix and Cache, an Australian Shepherd. Cache & Saundra compete in CARO Rally Obedience and Cache has received his Novice Title, Novice Team Title & are one leg away from their Advanced Title. As a team they have had great success in the ring, and have had several first in class finishes. Cache also has his Novice & Intermediate Trick Dog Titles.

SEE SAUNDRA’S CREDENTIALS

Jesse Walker-Hiltz

OFFICE MANAGER

Jesse joined the Alpine Dogs team in June 2019. She is originally from Nova Scotia, Canada but quickly realized there is better snowboarding on the West Coast and has been calling Whistler her home for the past 9 years. Growing up with dogs her whole life Jesse has always been interested in learning about dog behaviour and training. When the opportunity to work for Alpine Dogs came along, Jesse jumped at the chance to learn and work with the amazing animals.

On her days off you can find Jesse snowboarding or taking her own dog Nelson on hikes around the Sea to Sky. Jesse is certified in Pet First Aid through Walks N Wags and is also Dog Knowledge certified in both Level 1 & 2.

Anna Stuckey-Weinberger

DOG WALKER

Anna joined the Alpine Dogs Team in November 2020. She has called Whistler her home for several years now. Originally from Austria, Anna grew up surrounded by farms and animals. Since traveling didn’t allow her to have a dog of her own, she took every opportunity to help out family and friends with dog sitting and walking. She is excited to show her passion for dogs, deepen her knowledge and grow with Alpine Dogs.

Anna is Canine First Aid certified through Dogsafe. In her spare time, you can find Anna trail running, hiking, biking and playing guitar.

Desiree Smith

DOG WALKER

Desiree grew up in Paris, Ontario with her family dog Tazz. She spent summers up north at her grandparent’s cottage, giving her a love for dogs and nature at a young age. She moved to Whistler for the bike park and insisted she was only spending the summer of 2019 here and then was moving on. It wasn’t long after experiencing the Whistler lifestyle that she knew this was home for good.

Prior to joining Alpine Dogs, she worked at her favourite local spot, Alpine Café. At the café you could always find her on the patio, distracted by every new dog that arrived, making Alpine Dogs a true dream job. Desiree is certified in Canine First Aid with Dogsafe.

Sonia Anderson

DOG WALKER

Sonia grew up on a farm in Australia where they bred and trained Kelpie sheep dogs which fostered her love of dogs and an outside lifestyle. Following her love of the mountains, she moved to Whistler in 2003 where she leads a very active lifestyle of hiking, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking with her two dogs Yogi & Indie. She has recently started training to compete in Dog Agility with her rescue pup, Indie.

Sonia is a board member of Yogi Street Dog Rescue and Dog Safe Canine First Aid certified.

Professional Credentials
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