East Coast Canine Dog Training was founded in 2017 by Sarita Pellowe. Originally from the UK, Sarita moved to Newfoundland in 2012 to gain her Masters degree (M.Sc.) at Memorial University, after graduating from the B.Sc. (Hons) Zoology program at the University of Manchester. Sarita graduated from her second Masters degree in 2024 as a Fellow of Graduate Studies at Memorial University - this time under the Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology Program, where her research investigated the links between gut microbiota and anxiety/aggression in dogs.

 

Sarita is the proud owner of Denzel the Boston terrier, Leeloo the 3 legged rottweiler, and the coolest of cats and kittens - Brookie. Close to her heart will always be her first dog, Kupo, who joined all his friends over the rainbow bridge in November 2021. When she isn't researching or working with local dogs, you'll find her at the cabin - fishing, canoeing or hiking with her furry family.

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During her first Masters degree, Sarita began working with local rescues and businesses developing her skills as a trainer. After years of working with dog owners in St John's, she gained certification as the city's first CPDT-KA (certified professional dog trainer), and East Coast Canine Dog Training was born! Sarita went on to become the province's first, and currently only, CBCC-KA (certified behaviour consultant) in 2018.

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In addition to working with her canine clients, Sarita is also passionate about public outreach and education, and has featured on multiple podcasts including The Wahl Show and Michael Shikashio's aggressive dog podcast, The Bitey End of the Leash. Locally, Sarita has presented at public outreach events like Soapbox Science at the St John's Farmer's Market, and provided continuing education opportunities for local businesses, rescues and institutions including Academy Canada, the St John's SPCA, and veterinary clinics in the Metro area.

 

As a professional member of the PPG (Pet Professional Guild), the APDT (Association of Professional Dog Trainers) and ABS (Animal Behavior Society), Sarita's work adheres to a strict code of ethics to ensure the safety and happiness of her clients - both two and four legged. Sarita's reward-based approach teaches owners to train with their brains, rather than with force, and helps owners to communicate more effectively while improving their relationship with their dogs. With continuing education requirements for certification, you can be sure that not only will you and your dog be treated with respect, you will also be receiving training designed with the most up to date research and information in the field!

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