About K9 Connect

Tanya Baxter
The Head Handler

I’ve been passionate about dogs for as long as I can remember. As early as 12 years old, I was walking and training neighbourhood dogs, eager to learn everything I could about how they think and communicate.

As a youth, I competed as a junior handler and fell in love with agility, both as a competitor and a coach. As I learned and experienced more within the dog world, I knew my passion was dog sports, and not only the training involved, but the human/canine connection needed to really get into the game.

For the past four years, I’ve had the privilege of working with the BC SPCA, where I’ve gained invaluable hands-on experience with dogs from all walks of life—especially those in serious need of a second chance. I’ve always had a soft spot for rescue dogs, and much of my work has involved fostering, basic training, leash manners, and helping dogs unlearn behaviours that no longer serve them.

I’ve attended numerous seminars and workshops focused on reward-based training, behaviour modification, managing reactivity, animal first aid, and discovering what truly motivates dogs. Education continues to be a huge part of my journey—I have a deep thirst for ‘dog knowledge’ and stay up to date with the latest science and best practices in ethical training. I’m currently pursuing a certification in Behaviour & Positive Training, with plans to expand into canine massage therapy and sports rehabilitation to further explore the mind/body connection.

I’m passionate about using games and play as powerful tools to strengthen the bond between you and your dog. I believe training should be fun, engaging, and rooted in mutual respect. My goal is to help you build a positive, lasting relationship with your dog through clear communication, kindness, and consistency.

I’m proud to be part of a global network of progressive dog trainers committed toeliminating punishment-based methods and promoting humane, force-free alternatives. With the right motivators, the right mindset, and a whole lot of fun, you and your dog can thrive together—and I’m here to help guide that journey.

It’s never too late to start training. If you have a less-than-optimal relationship with your canine friend, get in touch today!

Nugget
The Treat Snarfler

Nugget is a 5 year old, mixed-breed dog who was rescued from the streets of South Korea.

Originally raised to be a ‘meat dog’ slated for human consumption, Nugget was saved by a rescue that purchases dogs away from dog farmers, while helping find the farmers new careers.

Nugget was between 5 and 6 months old when a friend brought her back from South Korea for me. She had never lived in a house before, or among people or dogs who were nice.

Caring for Nugget was a large undertaking, and we learned a lot together. She is extremely sensitive, and during training anything unpleasant puts her off the activity. Luckily she’s very ‘food motivated’, and I how learned to work with her without pushing her comfort boundaries too far. Nugget is still very sensitive, so I always make sure to be properly tuned in to her needs.

Today she is a strong, healthy dog who enjoys off-leash forest walks, treats (she loves them all!), and disc games. She’s learning agility and is starting to show an interest, which has been great for building her confidence around people and other dogs.

Nugget gets along great with her big brother, Slynk, and is a loved member of my family.

Sprocket
The Dog Who Changed Everything

Sprocket is a 5-year-old Mini Bull Terrier x Mini Poodle with a heart as big as his feelings. He came into my life just when I needed him most—after my beloved dog Slynk passed away.

Nugget, my other dog, decided it was time for a new little brother, and from the moment I met this wild, sensitive puppy, it was clear he needed me just as much as I needed him.

From early on, it was obvious that Sprocket was unlike any dog I’d known before. Highly sensitive and emotionally intense, he struggled with walks, public spaces, new environments, and interactions with other dogs. Though he knew his basic cues, he wasn’t thriving—and I knew I needed to show up for him in a whole new way.

Sprocket is the reason I sought out new mentors and began a deeper journey into reward-based, relationship-centered training. He taught me that connection must come first—before learning, before confidence, before anything else. We explored play-based methods, discovered motivators beyond food, and learned how to make training a joyful, engaging experience.

Together, we found our rhythm through games, structured play, and a variety of dog sports like agility, obedience, bite work foundations, and parkour. We’re now dipping our toes into scent work, which he’s absolutely loving. With time, patience, and a lot of fun, Sprocket transformed. He now enjoys beach days, forest hikes with his friends, and a life full of purpose and play.

Sprocket isn’t just my dog—he’s my teacher, my teammate, and the spark behind my passion for helping others build meaningful, motivating relationships with their own dogs.

Slynk (2013-2021)
The Frisbee Catcher

Slynk was my pure-bred border collie. He came from a very reputable breeder of ‘working lines’ (dogs bred for traits that allow them to excel in their field).

I selected and bought Slynk very carefully. He was to be a sport and competition dog; unfortunately he suffered a devastating knee injury at 8 months old, and his sport career ended before it began.

Due to the severity of the injury, socializing was difficult. Playing with other dogs was absolutely not allowed. So I adjusted everything in his life to work with his injury.

I learned massage and physiotherapy techniques to keep him comfortable. We focused on what he could do, rather than what he couldn’t. I worked his brain more than his body to tire him out.

It was a long recovery, but he bounced back. I am proud that Slynk was able to do almost any dog activity, albeit not in a competitive setting.

We had a lot of fun together. We played games that work his body and mind in a safe way that fulfills his needs.

Slynk loved disc games and tricks. He was also into agility, dock diving, and basically anything that involves a ball of any kind.

Rest in peace, buddy.