Credentials
Elsa Laplante was born and raised in England and by the age of 11 she was assisting a neighbour exercise and train Whippets for whippet racing. During this time she was also actively involved with training horses. By the age of 16 she was working at a local boarding kennel. She was one of five Kennel Maids, taking care of approximately 100 dogs. She also assisted the kennel owner exercise his registered Grey Hounds that were used for coursing, a major event in the UK. She also had her own Boxer to care for, which she trained for conformation dog shows.In the early 1970's she emigrated to Canada and it wasn't long before she purchased a boxer and trained her in Obedience. She also purchased her first purebred Shetland Sheepdog and trained her all the way to her CKC (Canadian Kennel Club ) Obedience Trial Championship. The Sheltie's name was " CH Forever Katrina", pet name Kelpie. Kelpie's offspring also achieved numerous obedience titles recognized by the CKC. Elsa is now a life time member of the Canadian Kennel Club. She is also a member of the Rottweiler Club of Canada.
While living in Terrace BC, she worked as an SPCA Inspector as well as the local Dog Control Officer for approximately three years. Elsa was also one of the founding members of the Terrace Dog Club. A few years later she moved to Vernon BC and worked as the local dog control officer / boarding kennel employee for approximately five years. During this time Elsa learned a ton of information about canine behaviour / people interactions because she dealt with this on a daily basis.
During the mid 1980's Elsa opened a dog training school called " Kind Care Dog Obedience School" where she offered one on one training, a three week boarding school program and the occasional group classes. Elsa estimates the number of dogs she has trained over her career is in the thousands. In the 1990's Elsa rescued a Timber Wolf (Bodhie) from a couple who could no longer keep him. He was born and raised in the States in a wolf farm and smuggled across the Canadian border in the disguise of a dog. Bodhie provide Elsa with a unique way of learning about canine behaviour through the eyes of a wolf. He was also brought to schools where he educated young children about wolfs. Bodhie actually became a local celebrity.
From 1984 to present, Elsa has been a professional breeder, trainer and handler of registered rottweilers, where she has achieved numerous titles on her dogs, including good canine citizen certificates. Sprinkled throughout her career, Elsa has had time to work with mentally disabled adults and has taken courses in psychology. Elsa believes in the need for continuous learning, knowing that education is a journey - not a destination. In 2007 she attended the Cesar Milan (Dog Whisperer) seminar held in Seattle Washington.