About Us.
Positive & Force Free Dog Training for dogs & their people.
Our Training Philosophy
At Pup Culture Canines, we’re all about building lasting, positive relationships between dogs and their humans through motivational, reward-based methods—commonly known as positive reinforcement. Our training is rooted in science-backed learning principles that support the well-being of both people and pups. By focusing on trust and connection, we help you and your dog enjoy better adventures, together.
Pup Culture™ is Force Free. Force free training uses rewards, not punishment, to teach dogs. It’s based on science and focuses on building trust, confidence, and a strong bond between you and your dog—without fear, pain, or intimidation. The result is happy dogs, happy humans, and better behavior through kindness.
Meet the Pup Culture™ Team
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Owner & Head TrainerIn 2009, Ashton followed her love of dogs to pursue a career at the Edmonton Humane Society. Throughout the years, her journey through the animal industry lead her to experience in veterinary care, grooming, dog daycare, and finally training. While completing her education at the University of Alberta for Animal and Companion Animal Science, Ashton began shadowing local puppy classes and it wasn't long before she was working full time in her dream career helping families in both group classes and private training since 2015.
Now, Ashton is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, a Certified Trick Dog Instructor, a Family Paws and Parent Educator and a Certified UpDog Judge.
Ashton follows science based, force free and positive training methods and advocates to end the use of fear, pain and intimidation in the name of training. Ashton currently sits on the board of the Alberta Force Free Alliance, holding the title as President.
Ashton has experience with working breeds including herding, protection, hunting and toy. All dogs pose a unique set of challenges that are best met by understanding their breed characteristics and helping them fit into your life while feeling safe and understood.
Ashton's dog, Burt is a Jack Russell Terrier Cross and competes in flyball, agility, disc and also enjoys swimming and snoozing!
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Katie has been an avid animal lover her entire life. Growing up there wasn’t ever a time without at least 1 dog as part of the family. 1 dog eventually became 2 (which eventually became 3), and then came hamsters, rabbits and horses!
Throughout her years of dog sitting and volunteering at local Veterinary Clinic’s and non-profit organizations like Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association, her passion for understanding and advocating for the animals continued to grow, with a primary focus on dogs and horses.
Katie believes that there will always be more to learn and, in an effort, to further understand & support them, is working towards her PCT-A certification! Alongside Ashton, she uses science based, force free and positive training methods and advocates to end the use of fear, pain and intimidation in the name of training.
Today, Katie has Olive, an Australian Shepard/Poodle cross and Octane, a Morgan horse gelding. In her spare time, you can find her & Olive playing Flyball, Disc, Scent Work and Dock Diving (yes, Doodle’s can do dog sports, too!) or out at the barn with Octane. With Olive & Octane by her side, Katie remains committed to learn, grow, and advocate for kind, science-based training to help animals learn & thrive. She is dedicated to supporting both ends of the leash!
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Quinn Ohler has been surrounded by dogs her entire life. Growing up on a farm where her father bred working Border Collies, Quinn began helping with herding training at just 12 years old and that’s when her love for working with dogs began.
At 18, she got her first dog of her own, a dachshund named Ruby and a few years later she adopted a morkie named Cassie, shortly after meeting her now-husband, Chris. A few years later, she finally got the Border Collie she’d always wanted, Nova, and was introduced to the exciting world of dog sports and force-free training.
Together, Quinn and Nova have explored flyball, agility, disc, mantrailing, scent work, barn hunt, and trick training. Navigating Nova’s "big feelings" and helping her grow into each of these activities sparked
Quinn’s passion for understanding dog behavior and using science-based training methods. When she’s not training dogs, Quinn is a journalist and mom to two energetic young boys. She’s currently apprenticing as a dog trainer and dreams of one day working with search-and-rescue and investigative dogs.
Ready to Start Training?
Common Certifications held by Dog Trainers
Click the + button to learn more about each credential
In an unregulated field, titles like “Dog Trainer” or “Behavior Specialist” can mean different things depending on where you go. At Pup Culture™, we use the following definitions:
Dog Trainer: A certified professional focused on teaching dogs the skills and behaviors their humans want—everything from manners to adventure readiness. All of our dog trainers hold, or are actively working towards, at least one industry-recognized credential.
Canine Behaviorist: A certified dog trainer who has pursued additional education and specialization in behavior modification, and holds additional certification in order to support clients with more complex challenges like aggression, intense fear, and/or anxiety. Our team members may refer you to a behaviorist for the most advanced behavior cases.
we place a strong emphasis on professional, science-based training—and that starts with our team. Because the dog training industry is unregulated, anyone can call themselves a “dog trainer,” regardless of experience or education. That’s why we prioritize earning and maintaining industry-recognized certifications for all our trainers.
These certifications ensure that:
Our training methods follow current industry standards
Our team uses scientifically sound, force-free techniques
We stay up to date through required continuing education
One of our core values is: Learning Never Stops. Every member of our team is committed to lifelong learning to better serve you and your dog.
Dog Training Certifications.
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The PCT (Professional Canine Trainer) certification is awarded by the Pet Professional Guild (PPG)—a respected international organization that promotes force-free, positive reinforcement-based training methods.
To earn the PCT credential, trainers must:
Demonstrate hands-on experience in dog training
Pass a rigorous assessment of their knowledge, practical skills, and ethical standards
Commit to using only humane, science-backed training methods—no fear, pain, or intimidation
Stay current through ongoing education and adherence to PPG’s strict code of conduct
By choosing a PCT-certified trainer, you can be confident your dog is learning in a safe, positive, and supportive environment that prioritizes both behavioral success and emotional well-being.
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The PCBC-A credential is the behavior specialist certification offered by the Pet Professional Guild (PPG)—an international organization dedicated to force-free, science-based animal training and behavior support.
This advanced certification is designed for professionals who specialize in canine behavior consulting, particularly in addressing complex behavior challenges such as fear, anxiety, aggression, reactivity, and compulsive behaviors.
To become certified, candidates must:
Demonstrate extensive hands-on experience in canine behavior consulting
Provide case studies and references from clients and veterinary professionals
Pass a comprehensive exam covering applied behavior analysis, ethology, learning theory, and behavior modification techniques
Adhere to the PPG’s strict code of ethics, which prohibits the use of aversive tools or methods
Commit to ongoing professional education to stay current in the field
Working with a PCBC-A certified behavior consultant ensures your dog receives compassionate, evidence-based support for behavioral concerns—focused on both emotional wellness and long-term success.
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The Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI) is a professional certification offered through Do More With Your Dog!®, the leading organization for trick dog training and titling.
Trick dog training is more than just fun—it builds confidence, strengthens your bond, and improves communication between you and your dog. A CTDI-certified instructor has the skills and experience to guide dogs and their handlers through progressive trick training in a positive, force-free way.
To earn this title, instructors must:
Demonstrate proficiency in teaching and performing tricks using positive reinforcement
Submit a portfolio of work, including trick demonstrations and teaching videos
Pass an exam on training methodology, safety, and motivational techniques
Abide by a code of conduct that promotes humane, encouraging training practices
Whether you’re looking to earn trick titles, boost your dog’s focus, or just have more fun together, working with a CTDI ensures your trainer has the expertise to make learning engaging and rewarding for both you and your dog.
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A Licensed Family Paws Parent Educator is a dog training professional specially trained to support families with dogs and young children, including expectant parents, new parents, and families with toddlers. This license is awarded through Family Paws®, the leading organization focused on helping families create safe, positive relationships between children and dogs.
Licensed educators receive specialized training in:
Dog body language and behavior around babies and toddlers
Child development as it relates to dog interactions
Preparing dogs for the arrival of a baby (before, during, and after pregnancy)
Managing interactions and promoting safety as children grow
Supporting families through transitions with compassionate, force-free guidance
Whether you're expecting a baby, adjusting to life with a new child, or navigating toddlerhood with your dog, a Family Paws Educator can help you build a safe, confident, and respectful relationship between your dog and your growing family.
*Our team members have completed the FPPE course requirements but do not currently hold a license. -
An UpDog Judge is an official representative trained and approved by UpDog Challenge, a popular canine disc (frisbee) sport organization. UpDog combines traditional disc dog skills with creative games designed to be fun, accessible, and rewarding for dogs and handlers of all levels.
UpDog Judges are responsible for:
Overseeing competitions and events to ensure games are run safely, fairly, and according to UpDog rules
Scoring performances based on accuracy, skill, and teamwork between dog and handler
Promoting sportsmanship and fun, encouraging a welcoming, supportive environment for all participants
Staying up-to-date on rule changes and game standards through official UpDog training and continuing education
Having an UpDog Judge on your team or at your event means your games will be guided by someone with a deep understanding of the sport—and a commitment to fun, fair play, and positive experiences for both dogs and humans.
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The Alberta Force Free Alliance (AFFA) is a coalition of professional dog trainers, behavior consultants, and pet care providers across Alberta who are committed to humane, science-based, and force-free methods of animal training and care.
AFFA members agree to uphold the alliance’s guiding principles, which include:
Using positive reinforcement and evidence-based techniques
Rejecting tools and methods that cause fear, pain, or intimidation
Promoting the emotional and physical well-being of all animals
Advocating for education, transparency, and professionalism in the training industry
Being a member of the Alberta Force Free Alliance means a trainer is dedicated to ethical, compassionate training that prioritizes the welfare of both dogs and their humans.
Learn more about AFFA’s mission and code of ethics at albertaforcefreealliance.com
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The CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed) is a respected, industry-recognized certification offered by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)—one of the leading credentialing organizations in the dog training industry.
To earn the CPDT-KA title, trainers must:
Demonstrate at least 300 hours of hands-on dog training experience
Pass a comprehensive exam covering learning theory, behavior, training techniques, and canine care
Agree to follow a strict code of ethics and use science-based, humane training methods
Complete continuing education every three years to maintain certification
Choosing a CPDT-KA certified trainer gives you peace of mind that your dog is being trained by someone with verified experience, up-to-date knowledge, and a commitment to ethical, effective practices.
*In 2025, the CPDT updated their policies with clear guidelines on using aversive training equipment. Due to this, the Pup Culture™ team is no longer renewing their CPDT credentials and are actively working toward Pet Professional Guild certifications as outlined below.
