top of page

Sandra Impens, CPDT-KA, VA

Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed & Veterinary Assistant

292753727_10158697242465913_2103537565564018266_n.jpg

Sandra has had a deep and lifelong connection with dogs. She has worked to transition her relationship with dogs from not only a personal passion but to a professional endeavor by breeding, raising and competing in conformation and other sports with Australian Shepherds, participating in animal welfare by joining the OSPCA, and by becoming a CPDT-KA certified dog trainer.


Sandra is proud to be a breeder, owner, and handler of her Australian Shepherds. She has successfully handled her dogs in the conformation ring to multiple Best of Opposite Sex and Best of Breed Wins. Her dogs have earned Champion and Grand Champion titles with the Canadian Kennel Club.

​

All of Sandra’s dogs are owner handled and in most cases breeder/owner/handled. They have attained their CKC champion and Grand champion ships with very limited showing. Sandra has begun to include other sports to enjoy with her dogs and is currently working in CARO Rally Obedience with Frankie (Riverbank’s Hot On Ur Heels at StarCreek)


Sandra’s journey with dogs was further shaped when she joined the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA). At the OSPCA, Sandra worked closely with both dogs and cats, further expanding her understanding of animal behavior and the challenges pets face when transitioning from shelters to forever homes.

Having the privilege of handling and working with so many dogs gave Sandra valuable experience and insight into dog behaviour and training. It was during her time in the role of Animal Care Coordinator at the Lennox and Addington branch of the OSPCA that Sandra decided to become a professional dog trainer.

​

While working as the Animal Care Coordinator at the L&A OSPCA, Sandra enrolled in Canine Foundations Training Academy through Georgian College. Through the Canine Foundations Training program Sandra refined her skills and knowledge to become a CPDT –KA certified dog trainer.

 

Sandra is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) with the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). Once certified, Sandra began helping people gain a better understanding of their dog and dog training to enhance the owner (guardian) to dog bond. After becoming certified Sandra began looking for other trainers she could learn from and gain valuable mentorship. With the support of Yvonne at Quinte Canine, Sandra’s learning and experience with dogs continues to grow!

​

 

​Highlights & Qualifications

 

  • Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed from the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers

  • Canine Foundations Training Academy through Georgian College

  • Veterinary Assistant from the Veterinary Assistant Program at St. Lawrence College Kingston

  • Certificate of Completion Fear Free Shelter Program by Fear Free Shelters

  • The Forensics of Aggression: Working with and Evaluating Canine Aggression - IAABC Foundation

  • Defensive Handling with Aggressive Dogs - IAABC Foundation

  • Introduction to Psychology from Lethbridge College

  • Canine Attendant Training - Canine Foundations Continuing Education Program

  • Origins 2025 – IAABC Foundation

  • Animals and Society – Queens University

  • Animal Behaviour and Welfare – University of Edinburgh 

​​

  • Conformation Handling Highlights:

    • CKC Champion Willoughby (Cedarpaws Hot Off The Press) Best of Breed over specials and multiple Best of Opposite Sex and Best of Winners. Willoughby attained his Champion title in just two weekends of showing.

    • CKC Champion Cora (Cedarpaws Makes My Heart Smile)

    • CKC Grand Champion Shelby (StarCreek’s Dazzling SweetHeart) - Two time Best of Breed (both 5 point majors) and Group placing, Mulitple Best of Opposite Sex

    • CKC Champion Tiggy (StarCreek’s Superstitious) Multiple Winners Bitch. Tiggy is only 4 points from her Grand Champion title

​

  • Proud member of;

    • The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers - Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CCPDT - CPDT-KA)

    • Canadian Association for Rally Obedience (CARO)

    • American Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA)

    • The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC)

    • Canadian National Australian Shepherd Association (CNASA)

cpdt-ka-color-web-lg.png
Dog Puppy Training Classes Belleville Trenton Ontario Trick Scenting Scent Detection Behaviour Modification Dog training | Quinte Canine
caro.jpg
rs=w_400,cg_true_edited.jpg
images.png
Dog Puppy Training Classes Belleville Trenton Ontario Trick Scenting Scent Detection Behaviour Modification Dog training | Quinte Canine
353017886_178558174950513_7747667028871416523_n (1).jpg
312990668_10158888133810913_4095897059344374094_n.jpg
200875252_10158052082490913_262028212858178283_n.jpg
bottom of page