News

**For class information, how to register and the upcoming schedule please see the bottom of the 'Classes' page.

Cheri and I have just returned from the Association of Pet Dog Trainers Conference in San Diego! Check us out on our Facebook page and see all the photos!www.facebook.com/bestpawforward

Best Paw Forward is now a supplier of Pet Lovers Choice Raw Dog Food here in Nanaimo. Ground chicken, beef, tripe, chicken necks, backs, turkey necks, cat food, liver treats etc can all be purchased through Best Paw Forward. I changed my dogs from dry food to raw about 3 years ago and have never looked back! If you would like more info on our product or how to switch your dog from dry food please contact us, we are happy to help.

Your Trainers

Robyn Andexser

Best Paw Forward Dog Training was founded by Robyn Andexser, who has worked with animals since she was just fifteen years old. She began her animal training career with Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins and African Blackfooted Penguins, who taught her the joy of animal training and the connection and dedication that it takes to work together as a team. After moving to Nanaimo in 2005, Robyn expanded into the dog training world and attended Canada West Canine Center. There she studied all levels of obedience, dog care, behaviour problems, dog aggression, protection training, police K9 and search and rescue. She achieved her certification as a Master Dog Trainer.

Robyn is a graduate from the Animal Care Aide program at Malaspina University and is also certified in canine first aid through DOGSAFE, and now teaches the course here in Nanaimo. 

Robyn is owned by her two fabulous dogs, Rudy and Ty. Rudy is a 9 yr old Miniature Schnauzer who attends all the classes and is a great demo dog in puppy class. Ty is a 3 yr old border collie cross that Robyn and Rudy adopted just last year. Ty was just over a year when he found Robyn and Rudy - and they are his seventh and final home! Being a rescue, Ty certainly has his challenges but he has come a long way since living with a dog trainer. Both Rudy and Ty are now certified therapy dogs with Pacific Animal Therapy Society and make their rounds weekly to visit seniors homes.

Robyn has chosen the dog training field as her personal career path, as she strives to see a healthy and respected bond between owners and their dogs. She believes that animals are our greatest teachers, and they add unprecedented joy and value to our own existence.

Cheri Wicks

Cheri has joined Best Paw Forward as a Certified Obedience Trainer. Cheri has had a connection with dogs for as long as she can remember, and this connection has driven her to learn more about training, educating and building better bonds with her dogs.

Cheri has completed the obedience trainer program at Canada West Canine, and has earned her accreditation as a Certified Obedience Instructor.  She is also certified in DOGSAFE Canine First Aid.

Determined to further her passion, Cheri has attended all sorts of dog training classes, from all levels of obedience, competitive agility, flyball and even Dock Dog trials with her Border Collie. They have traveled to Oregon to compete in Dock Dogs and came home with a first place ribbon in the Big Air competition. Congratulations!

Cheri is owned by her two dogs, Taya, a Border Collie Cross and Sequoia, an Australian Shepherd who are also Certified Therapy dogs and will frequently attend the classes with her.

Tressia Toole

Tressia is the newest member of Best Paw Forward and is a wonderful addition to our team. She has been working with dogs from the young age of 12 when she recieved her first puppy for Christmas, and that puppy has brought out her passion to work with and train dogs.

Tressia joined Best Paw Forward in early 2011, and in addition has been doing agility for 9 years. She has achieved many high level agility awards, with her most current being 4th place at the 2010 Canadian Agility Nationals held in Calgary AB. Tressia is certified in DOGSAFE K9 First Aid and also has a pet sitting business in Nanaimo called 'Walk Me House and Pet Sitting'.

Tressia is owned by her 3 wonderful dogs - Sugar, a Chocolate Lab, Rumour a Border Collie cross and Rift - her newest addition. Rift is a 1yr old Shepherd Cross from the Vancouver SPCA and will frequently attend the classes with her.