Meet the Staff (AKA Aunties & Uncles)
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At Woofs ‘n Wags we provide a clean and safe environment built not only on an infinite love of dogs but also on a core understanding of dog behavior. Each of the members of Woofs team undergoes a supervised training protocol. As such, new members learn about behavior and canine body language. Studies include book theory, practical training and ongoing seminars. Our team members are all longer term as they are valued for their dedication to our visitors. We do not have volunteers in any capacity to ensure the quality and standard of our care and long term relationships with all of our visitors. |
The Owner
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Nikki Sherwin has a degree in psychology and a College certificate in Child and Youth Worker. She always had a keen interest in behavior. She started off being professionally employed in 1994 teaching behavioral programs to children. She developed and taught anger management, self-esteem and friendship groups and participated in one to one counseling. Her experience in child psychology transitioned to dog behavior and she never stopped.
Since 1997 Nikki has worked professionally with dogs. Nikki’s experience has included:
Her dream became a reality when she opened Woofs ‘n Wags in 2007 , wherein she puts the dogs dreams first .Dog dreams include leading a daycare environment that is Collar free and Aversive free. She coined the phrase and leads Woofs 'n Wags as Winnipeg's only NAKED DAYCARE. Click to find out more (coming soon). Please view her professional development and the core to Woofs ‘n Wags by clicking on the link below: Nikki Sherwin's Professional Development History For a list of great resources and my personal library click here. I invite anyone with a keen interest in dog behavior to ask about my favorites and I will lend books/dvd’s to anyone interested...just ask:) |
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The Aunties
Auntie Jenn
Jenn has been part of our team since 2008.
She holds many titles at Woofs 'n Wags which include Canine Educator, Behaviourist and Daycare Manager.
Jenn brings a positive energy and approach to our team and a vast amount of experience and strength to our team. Previous experience and degrees include :
Law degree, teacher at Red River College and working in veterinarian offices.
She defines her success in many ways but most importantly is finding happiness and balance in life with work, family and activities.
In her personal life she has a family of our children, 4 dogs, rats, horses and a new furry member her miniature pony named Sawyer!
Jenn has been part of our team since 2008.
She holds many titles at Woofs 'n Wags which include Canine Educator, Behaviourist and Daycare Manager.
Jenn brings a positive energy and approach to our team and a vast amount of experience and strength to our team. Previous experience and degrees include :
Law degree, teacher at Red River College and working in veterinarian offices.
She defines her success in many ways but most importantly is finding happiness and balance in life with work, family and activities.
In her personal life she has a family of our children, 4 dogs, rats, horses and a new furry member her miniature pony named Sawyer!
Auntie Allex
Allex joined Woofs 'n Wags in 2007.
Allex has a lifetime of experience with rescues. She fostered and had countless
itters that she raised and bottle fed. Coupled with that experience is her natural ability to understand canine communication. In the past 9 years she has attended multiple weekend workshops in the field of behaviour. Her strength in the positive approach to daycare management resonates with all her coworkers.
At Woofs her love of dogs is unending and the care she shows them is incredible. She is always coming up with new approaches in the positive approach to behaviour which includes games to play with them like hide and seek and find the ball. if she is needed she is here for our Woofers and Wagglers!!!
Thanks Allex. Many of you see Allex after work to. Just go to the dog park or to a rescue party or gathering…you will probably find ALLEX!!!
Allex joined Woofs 'n Wags in 2007.
Allex has a lifetime of experience with rescues. She fostered and had countless
itters that she raised and bottle fed. Coupled with that experience is her natural ability to understand canine communication. In the past 9 years she has attended multiple weekend workshops in the field of behaviour. Her strength in the positive approach to daycare management resonates with all her coworkers.
At Woofs her love of dogs is unending and the care she shows them is incredible. She is always coming up with new approaches in the positive approach to behaviour which includes games to play with them like hide and seek and find the ball. if she is needed she is here for our Woofers and Wagglers!!!
Thanks Allex. Many of you see Allex after work to. Just go to the dog park or to a rescue party or gathering…you will probably find ALLEX!!!
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Auntie Audrey
Auntie Audrey joined us in 2014. Her love of animals and eagerness to learn about dog behavior stood out from the day we met her. She grew up in a small town and always had an affinity for animals. She shares her life with the cutest Cocker Spaniel Molly. They participate in obedience and she enjoys trick training and Cani-Cross (jogging with your dog). Her interest in dog behaviour is never-ending as she values Woofs 'n Wags approach to dog daycare management. Audrey eagerly awaits each of the dogs and her special interest are those that need extra time to foster their self confidence and social skills. Audrey excels personally in cleaning and organizational skills! We all agree that outside of dogs her direction in life could be a professional organizer. She is the main Waggler Auntie and each of the little ones adore her! Secretly they tell me that she can never leave:) |
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Uncle Vic
Our first Uncle to join our Woofs 'n Wags family in 9 years! Uncle Vic has an innate sensitive nature for all dogs. He takes such a soft, gentle and patient approach to those that need some extra attention and care. All dogs love him and choose him for their "special one". He started off volunteering at the Humane Society and then found his calling to help one dog at a time in our house. |
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Uncle Tyson
Tyson joined us in 2016 and possessed an infinite love and respect for dogs.
His family has always had 4 large breed rescues. Tyson is everything dogs! His latest addition is our little Nova who is a St. Bernard cross...ADORABLE!
His positive energy is so welcomed and his readiness to learn about dog behaviour and canine communication. Tyson has thanked us so many times about being part of our team and how this job is a dream come true....In fact it is us that thank him for finding us!
Tyson joined us in 2016 and possessed an infinite love and respect for dogs.
His family has always had 4 large breed rescues. Tyson is everything dogs! His latest addition is our little Nova who is a St. Bernard cross...ADORABLE!
His positive energy is so welcomed and his readiness to learn about dog behaviour and canine communication. Tyson has thanked us so many times about being part of our team and how this job is a dream come true....In fact it is us that thank him for finding us!
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Auntie Shaye
Shaye is our Social Media Manager of our Instagram Account. She uploads current photos from our daycare. Her favourite pictures are the photos of the dogs smiling. She loves riding ponies. Pictured beside is her favourite pony Rosie. She shares her life with 3 rescues and says she would not change a thing about any of them..including her tongueless dog Paisley. When asked if she would give Paisley a tongue she says no. Why? Her answer is simple...if she had a tongue she would have been adopted by someone else and she is perfect just the way she is:) |
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Our Certified Professional Grooming Team
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In her fourth year of kinesiology at the University of Winnipeg Victoria came to Woofs and found her gift and direction for her future.
She has had a love for animals since she was a child starting with little critters like frogs and fish, to discovering her love for dogs. Her love for animals became much more realistic when she joined the Woofs family in 2011, where she found others with the same love and passion for dogs. In her personal life she shares it with four canine friends that keep her active in dog activities. You can find Victoria hiking, camping and sledding with her furry family members and specifically sledding with the Snow rider team. In the past years she became a keen dog handler with an innate ability and passion to learn, develop her skill set and refine. Victoria offers her grooming clientele what few groomers offer. Her commitment to being a certified groomer, attending grooming conferences and ongoing studies as her goal is to become a teacher and a judge in competitive grooming. Most importantly is she developed a skill for handling dogs and understanding behavior and body language before she became a groomer. This relationship with dogs spearheads her dogs grooming experience to be one that encapsulates patience and creating each dogs experience to be as positive and calm. This is why we are proud that she has gone after her new career and she is part of our family. She is the perfect fit because she is both understands and cares! |
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The K9 Education Team
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Jenn
Our In Home Behaviorist & Obedience Instructor Jenn has always been passionate about dogs. She has shared her home with all types from the tiniest to the gentle giants. She has owned almost every species of pets from Guinea pigs, bunny rabbits, horses...and the list goes on. Jenn holds a law degree and has worked in the school system assisting children with personal challenges. In her personal life she has 4 children, 4 dogs, rats and birds. Currently her latest project is target and clicker training her birds and agility training her rats.With her dogs her interest has led her to participate in pet therapy and veterinary assisting programs, recreational obedience, agility and rally obedience. Jenn has worked at Woofs since 2008 as an Obedience Instructor. She attends ongoing seminars and conferences in the field of dog behavior. Some of her favorite conferences have included Brenda Aloff and attending inaugural year of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG). She is also a seminar presenter for the Canine Community Connects in the professional community. Past employment have included Humane Societies, a pet supply store, dog grooming and as a pet nutrition consultant. All her past experience both personal and professional led her to specialize in dog behaviour. Ask her why her path has led her to focus in on Dog behavior. To see a complete list of Jenn's professional development history click below: Jenn Penner's Professional Development History |
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Nikki
Nikki has been teaching K9 Education classes since 1998. She is dedicated to ongoing education in the field of behavior. She attends seminars and conferences on a regular basis and is one of the pioneers of the Canine Community Connects. This club's goal is to collaborate and learn from like minded professionals in the field of behavior. She also is a regular presenter in topics that include:
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