Shirley is Fur Bae’s go-to trainer!

Internally, we call her the Adoption Whisperer due to her ability to educate & empower would-be adopters during their journey of adjusting to a rescue dog in their household.

Based on Vancouver Island, Shirley is available for sessions with those on the island and phone calls with those situated elsewhere. We could not recommend her more highly!

Here is Shirley’s story in her own words:

"Hi, I am Shirley Huffman and for over 20 plus years I have used my knowledge and education as a dog trainer to help owners understand their dogs, and teach them to read dogs’ body language and energy — especially how it relates to training for both dogs and humans. 

I have been Certified as a Professional Dog Trainer through the International College of Canine Studies. I am also certified as an Animal Reiki Practitioner and have training and ability to work with both handler and canine to give them the skills needed to certify as a Therapy/Companion dog, as well as being Canine First Aid and CPR trained. 

I volunteer and work with both shelters and rescues teaching staff, fosters, foster to adopt and adopters how to better understand canine body language and behaviour. 

Living on a farm in Northern British Columbia ignited my passion for all animals, however it was evident early on that I had a very special connection to dogs. My ability to understand dogs and their "language" began my lifelong devotion to training and educating people on how to speak to them to work together to have the best relationship you could imagine. 

I am very proud to be part of the Fear Free Professionals and I use only 100% Force Free training methods. 

I was very excited and pleased when I was given the opportunity to work beside Fur Bae Rescue in helping their fosters and adopters on Vancouver Island as we all work together to give these amazing dogs the best future possible. This has even led to me being phone support for Vancouver-based adopters!

If you have any questions, or would just like to chat about a struggle you may be having with your precious pup, please feel free to contact me via Facebook (BC Dog Listener), Instagram @bcdoglistener, email @ BCDoglistener@gmail.com, or text @ 778 71Doggy (36449).