About Us
Anne Behnke
Owner and Groomer, Prairie Grooming and Training
Anne Behnke has been in love with dogs for as long as she can remember. At the age of 15, she got her first puppy. Oscar and Anne began their journey together and she was quickly hooked on all things dog. With Oscar at her side, she learned how to groom and train. Anne has loved and trained many dogs since Oscar and each has given her a different perspective on grooming and training.
Anne owns Prairie Grooming where her skills as an accomplished groomer are put to good use. Her many years in Agility, Flyball, Obedience, Conformation, Scent Hurdle and Disc contribute to her excellence as a skilled and compassionate dog trainer. Anne strives to be best at what she does and ensures that by attending continuing education seminars and dog shows on a regular basis.
Anne currently shares her home with three children and three dogs (Storie, Prairie, and Lego).
Owner and Groomer, Prairie Grooming and Training
Anne Behnke has been in love with dogs for as long as she can remember. At the age of 15, she got her first puppy. Oscar and Anne began their journey together and she was quickly hooked on all things dog. With Oscar at her side, she learned how to groom and train. Anne has loved and trained many dogs since Oscar and each has given her a different perspective on grooming and training.
Anne owns Prairie Grooming where her skills as an accomplished groomer are put to good use. Her many years in Agility, Flyball, Obedience, Conformation, Scent Hurdle and Disc contribute to her excellence as a skilled and compassionate dog trainer. Anne strives to be best at what she does and ensures that by attending continuing education seminars and dog shows on a regular basis.
Anne currently shares her home with three children and three dogs (Storie, Prairie, and Lego).
"I am looking to provide a safe environment for pets to be groomed in. I focus on how they are feeling and work to make them feel as safe as possible. If there is any anxiety, I take the extra time, to assure them that I’m doing my best not to hurt them. I love seeing a dog running through the door to greet me before the grooming procedure, knowing that nothing bad is going to happen." - Anne Behnke
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Jessica Cohen, CPDT-KA
Head Trainer, Prairie Grooming and Training
After a decade of work in animal welfare and a lifetime love of animals, Jessica decided to pursue a part time career in dog training. Her experience working in an animal shelter lends to her love of working with adult dogs with "naughty dog syndrome". Using positive reinforcement and the science of learning theory, Jessica works with owners to better develop skills to improve their relationships with their dogs.
In April of 2016, Jessica become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. Jessica continues to pursue continuous professional development by attending seminars, taking online classes, and reading any dog book she can get her hands on.
Jessica competes in Rally Obedience, dabbles in scent detection, and enjoys trying her hand at any dog sport her dogs might take an interest in. She shares her home with six dogs, seven cats, two horses, and a very understanding husband.
Jessica teaches four classes a week at Prairie Grooming and is available for private sessions.
Head Trainer, Prairie Grooming and Training
After a decade of work in animal welfare and a lifetime love of animals, Jessica decided to pursue a part time career in dog training. Her experience working in an animal shelter lends to her love of working with adult dogs with "naughty dog syndrome". Using positive reinforcement and the science of learning theory, Jessica works with owners to better develop skills to improve their relationships with their dogs.
In April of 2016, Jessica become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. Jessica continues to pursue continuous professional development by attending seminars, taking online classes, and reading any dog book she can get her hands on.
Jessica competes in Rally Obedience, dabbles in scent detection, and enjoys trying her hand at any dog sport her dogs might take an interest in. She shares her home with six dogs, seven cats, two horses, and a very understanding husband.
Jessica teaches four classes a week at Prairie Grooming and is available for private sessions.
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Heather Edgar
Trainer
After nine years as an Intensive Care nurse and Equestrian, Heather made the switch to dog sports. Initially training in rally obedience, agility and herding, her hobby became a passion, and eventually, a profession.
Heather has titled three dogs in rally-o, and has won multiple High in Trial awards and perfect scores on multiple dogs.
She teaches behaviours with care, precision, and enthusiasm, ensuring that training is a positive, fun experience for dogs and their people.
Heather’s educational background includes Kay Laurence’s two year trainers course, the animal trainers course at Shedd Aquarium with Ken Ramirez, and Dr. Susan Friedman’s applied behaviour analysis course. She passionate about continuing education, attending conferences and seminars throughout North America, as well as local and online classes with her Australian Shepherd, Will.
Heather currently teaches rally obedience, and does private training and behaviour consults.
Trainer
After nine years as an Intensive Care nurse and Equestrian, Heather made the switch to dog sports. Initially training in rally obedience, agility and herding, her hobby became a passion, and eventually, a profession.
Heather has titled three dogs in rally-o, and has won multiple High in Trial awards and perfect scores on multiple dogs.
She teaches behaviours with care, precision, and enthusiasm, ensuring that training is a positive, fun experience for dogs and their people.
Heather’s educational background includes Kay Laurence’s two year trainers course, the animal trainers course at Shedd Aquarium with Ken Ramirez, and Dr. Susan Friedman’s applied behaviour analysis course. She passionate about continuing education, attending conferences and seminars throughout North America, as well as local and online classes with her Australian Shepherd, Will.
Heather currently teaches rally obedience, and does private training and behaviour consults.
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Ryan-Ann King Smith
Trainer
Ryan-Ann King obtained her obedience training certification at Canada West Canine Center in 2000. Since then she has accumulated 15 years of experience in dog training and behavior. She has worked as an obedience instructor, behavior modification consultant, Municipal Animal Control Officer, and as a Peace Officer with the Alberta SPCA. She has been pursuing the art of Canine Scent Detection for over 2 years, thanks to colleague, Roseanna Gullekson. She also has attended two intensive, two and three day seminars with Don Blair, canine training specialist with world-wide experience, and owner of Canine Intelligence; a Sporting Detection Trail Scoring and Trouble Shooting Seminar with Russ Fox; SDDA judge, professional detection handler AND International IPO competitor.
Ryan-Ann has demonstrated and instructed Scent Detection at several public events and seminars. She was proud to successfully compete in all of Alberta's Sporting Dog Detection Trials to date with two of her dogs and has earned multiple SD-Started- SP, and SD-Advanced- SP titles in both Amateur and Working Streams.
Currently she works with three Dutch Shepherds, Knox, Charm, Kohlt and a small rescue pom X, Elliot and competes in both Sporting Scent Detection and CKC/UKC/CARO Rally Obedience.
Trainer
Ryan-Ann King obtained her obedience training certification at Canada West Canine Center in 2000. Since then she has accumulated 15 years of experience in dog training and behavior. She has worked as an obedience instructor, behavior modification consultant, Municipal Animal Control Officer, and as a Peace Officer with the Alberta SPCA. She has been pursuing the art of Canine Scent Detection for over 2 years, thanks to colleague, Roseanna Gullekson. She also has attended two intensive, two and three day seminars with Don Blair, canine training specialist with world-wide experience, and owner of Canine Intelligence; a Sporting Detection Trail Scoring and Trouble Shooting Seminar with Russ Fox; SDDA judge, professional detection handler AND International IPO competitor.
Ryan-Ann has demonstrated and instructed Scent Detection at several public events and seminars. She was proud to successfully compete in all of Alberta's Sporting Dog Detection Trials to date with two of her dogs and has earned multiple SD-Started- SP, and SD-Advanced- SP titles in both Amateur and Working Streams.
Currently she works with three Dutch Shepherds, Knox, Charm, Kohlt and a small rescue pom X, Elliot and competes in both Sporting Scent Detection and CKC/UKC/CARO Rally Obedience.
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Testimonials
"We have been taking Nanuk and Yogi-Bear to Anne for over four years. I have found her to be very professional as a dog groomer, as well as an exceptional animal lover. She is officially known as the "dog whisperer." When I take Yogi-Bear to see her, his tail is always wagging and he has lots of kisses to give her. Anne always does a great job and I would absolutely recommend her if you are looking for a groomer. Your doggy will thank you." - Pam
"We are so thankful for you! We have been told in the past by other groomers to not bring Paxton back. He must like your aura and he obviously trusts you. Thank you again for being so good with our three Shih Tzus and always making them look pretty." - Blanka
"I have always found that Anne grooms my dog conscientiously, professionally, and kindly. Guinness loves her! Anne demonstrates a willingness to be helpful and go the extra mile to help out, I appreciate that immensely." - Vivian
"I just wanted to write you a note and let you know how GREAT a job you did grooming our Sheltie, Fysti. She looks beautiful. We really appreciate the time you took with her undercoat and shaping. Her coat feels great and I can tell how much happier she is with all the dead weight off. We will certainly be back and have already recommended you to a number of our friends. We are looking forward to bringing our Springer to you when he's due for a groom. Thanks again" -Lori & Max
"We are so thankful for you! We have been told in the past by other groomers to not bring Paxton back. He must like your aura and he obviously trusts you. Thank you again for being so good with our three Shih Tzus and always making them look pretty." - Blanka
"I have always found that Anne grooms my dog conscientiously, professionally, and kindly. Guinness loves her! Anne demonstrates a willingness to be helpful and go the extra mile to help out, I appreciate that immensely." - Vivian
"I just wanted to write you a note and let you know how GREAT a job you did grooming our Sheltie, Fysti. She looks beautiful. We really appreciate the time you took with her undercoat and shaping. Her coat feels great and I can tell how much happier she is with all the dead weight off. We will certainly be back and have already recommended you to a number of our friends. We are looking forward to bringing our Springer to you when he's due for a groom. Thanks again" -Lori & Max