Sylvia's Bio
About Sylvia;
Sylvia Gottschalk with Mishka
Sylvia had a passion for dogs since she was a small child. She also became an avid sledding enthusiast for over twenty-five years.
Sylvia realized early on that dogs were being abused in the name of dog training and took a stand for humane treatment. A firm believer that dogs really are man's best friend, she chose to dedicate her life to them through her full time career in dog training and behaviour therapy.
Since opening the doors of Delightful Dogs in 1999, her 'teach instead of punish' approach to dog training has earned the admiration of dog owners and trainers alike. Her concepts are based on teaching the owners to understand, motivate and train their dogs in order to create the loving companions they so desire.
Sylvia runs all the business aspects of Delightful Dogs as well teaches classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
Although Sylvia is an experienced, certified dog trainer/behaviour therapist, due to the ever evolving changes in dog training, she continues to upgrade her skills by reading the latest books and attending lectures, seminars, workshops, conferences and symposiums on a regular basis in order to offer clients the most proven and up-to-date techniques.
Sylvia's qualifications include:
Sylvia realized early on that dogs were being abused in the name of dog training and took a stand for humane treatment. A firm believer that dogs really are man's best friend, she chose to dedicate her life to them through her full time career in dog training and behaviour therapy.
Since opening the doors of Delightful Dogs in 1999, her 'teach instead of punish' approach to dog training has earned the admiration of dog owners and trainers alike. Her concepts are based on teaching the owners to understand, motivate and train their dogs in order to create the loving companions they so desire.
Sylvia runs all the business aspects of Delightful Dogs as well teaches classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
Although Sylvia is an experienced, certified dog trainer/behaviour therapist, due to the ever evolving changes in dog training, she continues to upgrade her skills by reading the latest books and attending lectures, seminars, workshops, conferences and symposiums on a regular basis in order to offer clients the most proven and up-to-date techniques.
Sylvia's qualifications include:
- Certified Dog Trainer & Behaviour Therapist
- Therapy Dog volunteer experience
- Involved in dog sledding for 25+ years
- University of Guelph's Animal Care Certification Program
- Member of the Woolwich Township Dog Designation Appeal Committee (2013-2022)
- Featured on CKCO-TV, KW Record, Woolwich Observer, Animal Wellness Magazine & IPDTA PawPrint
- IPDTA (The International Dog Training Association) Certification & Membership since 2002
- PPG (The Pet Professional Guild) Previous Member
- CAPPDT (Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers) Previous Member
- CKC (Canadian Kennel Club) Previous Member
- WWF (World Wildlife Fund) Current Membership
- Creator, author & instructor of the Delightful Dogs' unique Therapy Dog Training ℠ Certification & Placement Program
- Creator, author & instructor of the Delightful Dogs' unique Sled Dog Training & Adventures ℠ Program
- Creator, author & instructor of the Delightful Dogs' unique Activi-Joring ℠ Program
Some of the Awards that Sylvia has received include:
The Three Best Rated:
Top Three Dog Trainers in Waterloo for 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025
Top Three Dog Trainers in Kitchener for 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2021
Community Votes Kitchener-Waterloo Awards:
2022 Pet Training Category: Silver Winner
2021 Pet Training Category: Top Pick Winner
Waterloo Chronicle Readers Choice Awards:
2022 Best Business/Service - Dog Training Category: Platinum Winner
2021 Best Business/Service - Dog Training Category: Platinum Winner
2020 Best Business/Service - Dog Training Category: Diamond Winner
2019 Best Business/Service - Dog Training Category: Diamond Winner
2018 Best Business/Service - Dog Training Category: Diamond Winner
2017 Best Business/Service - Dog Training Category: Diamond Winner
Kitchener Post Readers Choice Awards:
2019 Best Business/Service - Dog Training Category: Platinum Winner
2018 Best Business/Service - Dog Training Category: Diamond Winner
2017 Best Business/Service - Dog Training Category: Diamond Winner
2016 Best Business/Service - Dog Training Category: Diamond Winner
2015 Best Business/Service - Dog Training Category: Diamond Winner
Top Three Dog Trainers in Waterloo for 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025
Top Three Dog Trainers in Kitchener for 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2021
Community Votes Kitchener-Waterloo Awards:
2022 Pet Training Category: Silver Winner
2021 Pet Training Category: Top Pick Winner
Waterloo Chronicle Readers Choice Awards:
2022 Best Business/Service - Dog Training Category: Platinum Winner
2021 Best Business/Service - Dog Training Category: Platinum Winner
2020 Best Business/Service - Dog Training Category: Diamond Winner
2019 Best Business/Service - Dog Training Category: Diamond Winner
2018 Best Business/Service - Dog Training Category: Diamond Winner
2017 Best Business/Service - Dog Training Category: Diamond Winner
Kitchener Post Readers Choice Awards:
2019 Best Business/Service - Dog Training Category: Platinum Winner
2018 Best Business/Service - Dog Training Category: Diamond Winner
2017 Best Business/Service - Dog Training Category: Diamond Winner
2016 Best Business/Service - Dog Training Category: Diamond Winner
2015 Best Business/Service - Dog Training Category: Diamond Winner
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First CCS/IPDTA Awards Banquet 2004
Innovation In Dog Training Award Society Education Award Dog/Dog Aggression Rehabilitation Award Dog Training Excellence Award Humane Dog Training Award Second CCS/IPDTA Awards Banquet 2005 Aggression Rehabilitation Award Behaviour Therapy Excellence Award Dog Training Excellence Award Humane Dog Training Award DOG TRAINER OF THE YEAR Third CCS/IPDTA Awards Banquet 2006 Special Needs Training Award Dog/Human Aggression Rehabilitation Award Dog Training Excellence Award Humane Dog Training Award DOG TRAINER OF THE YEAR  Sylvia with Dr. Stanley Coren |
Fourth CCS/IPDTA Awards Banquet 2007
Special Needs Training Award Humane Dog Training Award Behaviour Therapy Excellence Dog Training Excellence Mishka - Canine Hero Award (for her rehabilitation of dog-aggressive dogs) Fifth CCS/IPDTA Awards Banquet 2008 Fear Therapy Excellence Award Dog/Dog Aggression Rehabilitation Award Humane Dog Training Award Mishka - Canine Hero Award Breeze - Canine Hero Award Sixth CCS/IPDTA Awards Banquet 2009 Innovation Award Dog Grooming Excellence Award Behaviour Therapy Excellence Award Humane Dog Training Award Seventh CCS/IPDTA Awards Banquet 2020 Dog Training Excellence Human Touch Award Humane Dog Training Award |
Here is a gallery of Sylvia's Dogs, (past & present);
