PERFECT COMPANION K9
Vancouver Dog Training & Rehabilitation
About Me
What is my story?
Hi, I'm Richard. My journey as a dog trainer began with a heartbreaking lesson.
When I was six years old, I had a Yorkie mix named Po. He was my best friend and constant companion. We grew up together, and I couldn't imagine life without him.
Then one day, Po was gone.
My father told me Po was "too naughty" and could no longer stay with us. As a child, I didn't fully understand why, but I remember the heartbreak of losing my best friend. That experience stayed with me for a very long time.
Years later, in 1989, I brought home my first dog – a Maltese named Snowball. I made a promise that day: I would learn everything I could so what happened to Po would never happen again.
What began as a personal mission quickly became a lifelong passion.
In 1990, a respected professional show-dog breeder noticed the relationship I had built with Snowball.
Impressed by my passion, he entrusted me with one of his own puppies to train and handle. In 1991, that puppy went on to win Best in Show.
Soon afterward, an experienced obedience trainer I met on the show circuit recognized my aptitude for training and generously gave me a dog to prepare for obedience competition.
Together, we earned multiple obedience titles.
Those early opportunities laid the foundation for what has become a three-decade career as a professional dog trainer in Vancouver, helping dogs and their families build better lives together.
What is my training philosophy?
My first priority as a dog trainer is to coach and inspire my human clients to be the best leaders and handlers they can be.
I believe in being as soft as I can be, but as firm as I need to be. This approach allows me to develop undivided engagement, solid impulse control, and a mutually respectful relationship with each and every dog that I have the privilege to work with.
Focusing on equipping both parties with easy-to-master skill sets – while establishing deep trust, respect, and confidence between humans and dogs – is how we have consistently delivered transferable, reliable, and long-lasting results to thousands of dog training clients for three decades.
What do I have to offer?
My company is called Perfect Companion because I firmly believe that every dog – regardless of their past or current struggles – can be taught to live in harmony with their family.
Do not give up if your dog lunges, barks, and growls at every dog and person on walks, chews through everything in sight, barks non-stop when you are gone, constantly drags you down the road, and is very determined to attack each and every one of your visitors.
I have met owners who cannot invite a single guest over, take their dogs to any public places, or leave their dogs alone in their homes for any length of time. I have seen drywall chewed through, entire bedroom ripped apart, backyard with a giant hole dug in the middle, and backseat shredded into pieces. I have met dogs who constantly attack other dogs unprovoked, and many who have fiercely bitten family members multiple times, resulting in very serious injuries.
I have also witnessed something very powerful.
I have watched fearful dogs become confident. Reactive dogs become neutral. Aggressive dogs become calm. Anxious dogs become stable.
I have seen frustrated owners become proficient handlers, and families who once felt overwhelmed rediscover the joy of going out with their dogs.
That is how I know, with proper training, transformation is absolutely possible.
Even if many others have given up on your dog, there is still hope. There is a path forward.
Your dog can be your perfect companion – even if they don't act like one now.