Our Founder Shelley Hunter

Camp Doggone Pawsitive founder and head trainer, Shelley Hunter helped launch positive reinforcement puppy training in Moncton in 1997. Over the last 14 years we have revolutionized the way dogs are trained across Greater Moncton and South Eastern New Brunswick. We are dedicated to effective non-violent training of dogs and owners.

Shelley is a nationally certified trainer as a CPDT-KA. This program is considered to be the gold standard certification program in the dog training industry– recognized around the world, unlike those designations given out by private training schools. She is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and the Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers. Shelley regularly attends animal behaviour seminars and workshops with the world’s top behaviourists and positive reinforcement trainers. Shelley has worked with dogs for more than 20 years. She has spent the last 15 years studying dog training and animal behaviour. She has instructed college level courses on breeds and behaviour and has given workshops on various behaviour and training issues.

Shelley is highly recommended by area veterinarians for her puppy kindergarten program and for her work with dogs with behaviour problems such as fear, aggression and anxiety. She has been featured in Reader’s Digest, Canadian Living and on radio and in newspapers for her work in positive reinforcement training with dogs and owners.

Shelley is also highly passionate about the power of positive reinforcement training with people. She pioneered Moncton’s first pet therapy program for young people in partnership with the Moncton Boys and Girl’s Club from 1999 to 2001. In this program she worked with at risk youth and young offenders.

Before her career as a professional dog trainer, Shelley was a broadcast journalist with CBC radio and television. She has also worked on award winning television documentaries and series for the Discovery Channel, CBC and specialty channels. Shelley is a graduate of Ryerson Polytechical with a Bachelor of Applied Arts – Journalism.

Shelley has had a lifelong passion for animals and grew up riding horses in Pony Club and showing and training dogs. Dogs eventually won out as they were the more portable species!

Shelley likes to say she was born saying the word “dog”. Her favourite dog book growing up was Lassie but her parents only indulged her with a dog at age 12 as they were cat people and believed cats and dogs didn’t mix. Her first dog was a Shetland Sheepdog named Robin who was her partner in the obedience ring and in Junior Handling and confirmation.

Since then Shelley has shared her life with Zera - a German Shepherd (one of her greatest teachers), Tundra the Malamute, Tuvaq the Malamute, Picotine the pointer mix, Brownie the Shepherd Lab mix - all of whom have passed away. She currently shares her life with five standard poodles – Annie, Lir, Aine, Kegan and Malloy, four cats plus two rabbits, one very patient husband Perry and a lovely baby boy Liam.

Shelley is dedicated to being a change maker and promoting positive non violent training for pets AND people.

Our Team Members

Camp Doggone Pawsitive is blessed with the most amazing staff. We would like you to get to know the team members who will be looking after your fur babies and giving you guidance about training your dog.

As we update our site more introductions and pictures will follow.

Shelley Hunter - CPDT-KA

CEO/Head Trainer

Hi I am Shelley Hunter - founder of Camp Doggone Pawsitive.

My whole life has been centred around animals and dogs and making the world a kinder and better place for people and their pets. My mission is to offer simple, effective non-violent training and education that gives dogs and owners the necessary skills to live peacefully and happily with one another. If this happens - then dogs stay in their homes as opposed to being surrendered to shelters,  or given away or euthanized due to behaviour problems.

I am extremely fortunate that since 1997 I have been able to live my dream and fulfill my life's purpose in the Moncton area through my work with my own dog training business Camp Doggone Pawsitive.

During that time we have helped more than 4,000 dog owners to achieve their goal of having a better behaved family pet.

I teach group classes at all levels from puppy to advanced and help families and dogs with behaviour issues through our Private Consultations and Doggy Nanny 9-1-1 service.

I currently have five standard poodles - Annie, Lir, Aine, Kegan and Malloy plus four cats and two rabbits. On the human side - I have a wonderfully patient husband Perry who helps out with the business and a bright little boy named Liam.

My favourite part of my work is seeing the tangible change in a family and dog from class 1 where we often start a dog that is nipping, chewing, jumping, running away off leash, pulling on leash etc. to final class where we have a well mannered dog. I also love the wonderful relationships we form with our doggy families. Years after dogs graduate from our classes - I will see them at the park with their families and they remember me. The dog's tail is wagging as they see me as the "treat lady" and we all have a great time catching up. I have had families now who are on their second and third generation of pets coming through class and it is a great honour for me.

Andrea Haas

Acting Operations Manager

Hi, My name is Andrea Haas. I came to Camp Doggone Pawsitive in 2008 and I am really enjoying it. During this time I have worked as a training coordinator at daycare, assistant manager and teaching classes with our Head Trainer Shelley Hunter. I have taken over the position of Operations Manager while Jill Jollymore is on maternity leave.

I have been involved with dog training since 2002 so coming to Doggone to work has been amazing.

Since I started to work here, I have learned a great deal about dog behaviour and training.

I have participated in flyball since 2002 and I love everything about the sport. I own a Jack Russell Terrier Zackary who competes in flyball and a two year old Border collie Flip, who is still in training.

Both of my dogs both come to daycare with me and they love it. I also have two other dogs, Rosie a Sheltie and Sarah a Border collie mix. They live back home in Nova Scotia

My favourite part of my job: I love working with all the people and dogs and seeing the improvements we make.

Luc Despres

Instructor Camp Doggone Pawsitive

Hi my name is Luc Despres and I am an instructor at Camp Doggone Pawsitive. I started with Doggone in 2008 and I am living my dream through working here.

I learned at a rather young age that the only true way to find joy is to dedicate your life to a worthy cause and to always be improving your skills and knowledge. I've been provided this opportunity through my work with Camp Doggone Pawsitive - allowing me to teach up-to-date concepts and strategies through their extensive training. There's nothing more rewarding than instilling hope in families who are having challenges with their dogs.

People say I'm very friendly, approachable, have great leadership capabilities and communication skills. I also consider myself a very deep thinker and  a purpose-driven individual. I'm always looking to improve myself.

I met my wife Emilie through church back in 2006. Our daughter Celine was born December 2008 and we are expecting another baby iin February 2012.

The best part of my work  - no matter how challenging my day might be -  when I enter the doors at Doggone Pawsitive, all of my problems melt away and I feel alive. I absolutely love every aspect of my work.

Tarah Colpitts

Full Time Training Coordinator/Supervisor Daycare/Playschool

Hi my name is Tarah Colpitts.

I have been with Doggone since January 2009 and enjoy every day taking care of your dogs.

I have worked on large animal farms and have been involved in 4-H for 13 years. I’ve trained and showed horses for over 10 years and still own my first horse, - Fynn, who is now 24. I also own a border collie, Saphiera, who loves coming to daycare.

I live in River Glade with my husband Nick and our two children:  Landen and Hailey.

This does not feel like a job to me as I love each and every one of the dogs that walks though the door.

Amber Haas

Full Time Training Coordinator Daycare/Playschool

My name is Amber Haas. I have been working at Camp Doggone Pawsitive since 2008.

I have been working with dogs since 2002.

I own a two year old Border collie Flip and a five year old Jack Russell Terrier Zackary.

For the last year I have been on maternity leave with my 11 month old daughter Ashlyn.

My hobbies: Working with dogs and competing in flyball. I have been competing in flyball since 2002 and soon will be competing with my Border Collie Flip.

I am looking forward to coming back to work at Doggone and spending time with all of the dogs.