Our Founder Shelley Hunter

Doggone Pawsitive founder and head trainer, Shelley Hunter helped launch positive reinforcement puppy training in Moncton in 1997. Over the last 14 years we have revolutionized the way dogs are trained across Greater Moncton and South Eastern New Brunswick. We are dedicated to effective non-violent training of dogs and owners.

Shelley is a nationally certified trainer as a CPDT-KA. This program is considered to be the gold standard certification program in the dog training industry– recognized around the world, unlike those designations given out by private training schools. She is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and the Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers. Shelley regularly attends animal behaviour seminars and workshops with the world’s top behaviourists and positive reinforcement trainers. Shelley has worked with dogs for more than 20 years. She has spent the last 15 years studying dog training and animal behaviour. She has instructed college level courses on breeds and behaviour and has given workshops on various behaviour and training issues.

Shelley is highly recommended by area veterinarians for her puppy kindergarten program and for her work with dogs with behaviour problems such as fear, aggression and anxiety. She has been featured in Reader’s Digest, Canadian Living and on radio and in newspapers for her work in positive reinforcement training with dogs and owners.

Shelley is also highly passionate about the power of positive reinforcement training with people. She pioneered Moncton’s first pet therapy program for young people in partnership with the Moncton Boys and Girl’s Club from 1999 to 2001. In this program she worked with at risk youth and young offenders.

Before her career as a professional dog trainer, Shelley was a broadcast journalist with CBC radio and television. She has also worked on award winning television documentaries and series for the Discovery Channel, CBC and specialty channels. Shelley is a graduate of Ryerson Polytechical with a Bachelor of Applied Arts – Journalism.

Shelley has had a lifelong passion for animals and grew up riding horses in Pony Club and showing and training dogs. Dogs eventually won out as they were the more portable species!

Shelley likes to say she was born saying the word “dog”. Her favourite dog book growing up was Lassie but her parents only indulged her with a dog at age 12 as they were cat people and believed cats and dogs didn’t mix. Her first dog was a Shetland Sheepdog named Robin who was her partner in the obedience ring and in Junior Handling and confirmation.

Since then Shelley has shared her life with Zera - a German Shepherd (one of her greatest teachers), Tundra the Malamute, Tuvaq the Malamute, Picotine the pointer mix, Brownie the Shepherd Lab mix - all of whom have passed away. She currently shares her life with five standard poodles – Annie, Lir, Aine, Kegan and Malloy, two cats plus two rabbits, one very patient husband Perry and a lovely little boy Liam.

Shelley is dedicated to being a change maker and promoting positive non violent training for pets AND people.

A Message from Shelley Hunter - CPDT-KA

CEO/Head Trainer

Hi I am Shelley Hunter - founder of Doggone Pawsitive.

My whole life has been centred around animals and dogs and making the world a kinder and better place for people and their pets. My mission is to offer simple, effective non-violent training and education that gives dogs and owners the necessary skills to live peacefully and happily with one another. If this happens - then dogs stay in their homes as opposed to being surrendered to shelters,  or given away or euthanized due to behaviour problems.

I am extremely fortunate that since 1997, I have been able to live my dream and fulfill my life's purpose in the Moncton area through my work with my own dog training business Doggone Pawsitive.

During that time we have helped more than 5,000 dog owners to achieve their goal of having a better behaved family pet.

I teach group classes at all levels from puppy to advanced and help families and dogs with behaviour issues through our Private Consultations and Doggy Nanny 9-1-1 service.

I currently have five standard poodles - Annie, Lir, Aine, Kegan and Malloy plus two cats and two rabbits. On the human side - I have a wonderfully patient husband Perry and a bright little boy named Liam.

My favourite part of my work is seeing the tangible change in a family and dog from class 1 where we often start a dog that is nipping, chewing, jumping, running away off leash, pulling on leash etc. to final class where we have a well mannered dog. I also love the wonderful relationships we form with our doggy families. Years after dogs graduate from our classes - I will see them at the park with their families and they remember me. The dog's tail is wagging as they see me as the "treat lady" and we all have a great time catching up. I have had families now who are on their second and third generation of pets coming through class and that is a great honour for me.