Lea Mestrovic
Based in North Vancouver, working across the Greater Vancouver Area and online across Canada.
Dog trainer and behaviour consultant
From a young age I have been very interested and empathetic toward animals. I wanted to know why they behave the way they do and how they process the world around them.
My experience began with my first family dog, a Boxer. He would often act aggressive toward people and other dogs. I tried trainers and obedience classes but nothing seemed to improve his temperament. The approach seemed ineffective, so I had to look for a different way that went beyond "sit" and "stay".
Through this work I began to unravel the complex social structures inherent in canines and how their emotions influenced their worldview. Not only did my perspective change, but so did my Boxer's and it became clear that this was a skill I wanted to grow in order to help others achieve the best relationship possible with their dogs.
Courses and certifications
- Dog Psychology and Behavioural Management, ACS Distance Education
- Dog Emotion and Cognition, Duke University
- Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare, The University of Edinburgh
Continued education
- IAABC annual Animal Behavior Conference
- Aggression in Dogs: Defensive Handling and Training Workshop
- The Aggression in Dogs Conference
- Treat-Retreat with Suzanne Clothier
Speaking engagements
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare Club, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan (2019, 2020)
Volunteer work
- La Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary, Bolivia. Worked with Andean spectacled bears, seven species of monkey, and a wide variety of birds, reptiles and amphibians.
- Elephant Nature Park, Thailand. Worked in the dog rescue and medical rehabilitation clinic.
- Naankuse Foundation Wildlife Sanctuary, Namibia. Worked with lions, leopards, cheetahs and other big cats, warthogs, baboons, meerkats and horses.
- New Hope Dog Rescue. Training support.
"There is no fundamental difference between man and animals in their ability to feel
pleasure and pain, happiness, and misery."
Charles Darwin
Awards and affiliations
Consumer Choice Award, dog training, 2020
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
Association of Force-Free Professionals
Signed the Positivity Pledge
Let's work together
Tell me about your dog and we will put a plan together that fits both of you.