Bernadette Tow, Dip. CBST

Manager & Trainer

Bernadette Tow, trainer at Raintown dog training

Hi There! I’m Bern!

I didn’t grow up with dogs. As a kid, I remember begging my parents for a puppy. They ended up getting me a hamster, a fish, and a cat…and the local SPCA became my space to spend time with dogs. 

My passion to understand dogs better began when a miniature Dachshund, Hershey, entered my life. I was surprised by how much I didn’t know—and a lot of what I thought I knew about dogs were myths (can anyone relate?)! I sought to learn from evidence-based sources, and thus obtained my Diploma in Canine Behaviour Science and Technology. I am currently working towards my Certificate in Training and Counselling from the Academy for Dog Trainers. 

I firmly believe that as dog guardians, it is our responsibility to ensure our dogs feel safe, to meet their needs, to listen when they communicate and to respond with compassion, empathy and respect. This is why I choose to train using fear-free, force-free and positive reinforcement methods. 

Whether it’s through group classes, private sessions, or reels on Instagram, I want to help you build a stronger relationship with your dog.

I can’t wait to meet you!

“We had a really great experience with the Basic Manners course at Raintown Dog Training. Our trainers Kris and Bern displayed a lot of practical and theoretical experience and provided the right level of education to help me develop my own training skills. As much as the course is about helping my pup develop her skills (which she did), it was also very useful for me to learn about my own training habits. Kris and Bern were very kind and patient and made sure that our questions were addressed - even staying a bit late to listen and offer advice. Great experience and a great foundation for anyone new to training or with a new pup. Thank you!!”

-Simon L