Van Tassel's Canine Services (dog walking, obedience, and agility)

Skye. 2006 National Agility Championships.

Hello, my name is Rob Van Tassel and I am pleased to offer dog walking and dog obedience lessons to the Halifax Regional Municipality.

I was born and raised in Nova Scotia. I have raised and trained many dogs but, my life changed in September of 2001 when I adopted Skye from the SPCA. Since that time, I have focused my attention on how people interact with their pets. For me, positive reinforcement and making training fun are the most important parts of spending time with a dog. In addition to a Sociology/Psychology education from Mount Saint Vincent University, my experience as an obedience instructor and agility manager have taught me how to apply operant and classical conditioning methods in a gentle and positive manner. I have competed in the dog sport called Flyball, participated in the local Super Dogs shows, and you can currently find me on the local Agility circuit.

Since entering our first agility trial in August 2003 Skye has earned multiple titles, taken home many Top Dog honors, won most enthusiastic team in the Maritime provinces for 2003, attended the 2004 National Championships in Montreal, the 2005 Nationals in Saskatoon, and the 2006 Nationals in Vancouver. Skye won the Top SPCA/Rescue dog at the National Championships in Vancouver and placed 7th overall in her division. Skye is also the 2006 and 2007 Regional Champion for Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. She placed 1st overall at the 2007 C.P.E. Nationals. Skye currently holds the Agility Trial Champion of Canada title. Skye was featured in an article of the May-June 2006 edition of Dogsport Magazine and can be seen on the television show " Top Dogs".

I am also the proud father of Sydney, another SPCA dog. She also holds many agility titles and has taken home several Top Dog awards. Sydney also attended the 2005 agility Nationals in Saskatoon, and the 2007 Nationals in Ontario with her sister Skye! Although Sydney may never gain the titles or awards that Skye has in dog sports, she is still number one in my books. She reminds me of the the "Little Engine That Could" because she never gives up and always gives me 110%. What more could you ask from a friend? Sydney currently holds her Masters title and will be working towards a Champion title in the 2008 agility season.

Working with people and showing them how to have fun playing with their dogs is the biggest reward that I receive. I look forward to meeting you and your best friend.