ABOUT ME

Growing up I always had a love for animals. I knew that my path in life would always be in working with dogs, and through volunteering and working at the BC SPCA as staff, my purpose in life was affirmed.

The SPCA taught me many valuable lessons. One of these lessons, was the heartbreak of watching so many dogs and cats come into the shelter system purely for behavioural problems. I worked with each of them and helped them get to a place where they could become adoptable pets.  

In the 3+ years I worked there, I gained experience performing health checks, dispensing and applying medications, completing behaviour assessments, attending to cruelty and stray calls, running fundraisers, matching adopters with the right furrever friend(s).  You name it, I did it! I wanted to learn as much as possible about dogs and how to help prevent them and their families from getting to the point where the shelter seemed like their only option. I knew I could do more to help.

I completed a certificate program at a positive reinforcement-based training school, The International Academy of Canine Trainers. There, my natural intuition and ability to communicate with animals was enhanced by a wealth of theory and practical skills. It reaffirmed something I already knew, that I was on the right track when it came to working with dogs. 

I then started my own dog training business, K9 Companion (originally on Salt Spring Island, B.C.) to put the knowledge I had gained into action.  My vision in the beginning was to prevent dog behaviour problems from starting or worsening, so that I could help not only keep families together, but help create a society that understood dogs so we could do justice by them. 

I adopted my first dog, Bella, and we set off on our mission to save the dogs of the world! I branched into dog walking as well so that I could help the dogs who were stuck at home as so many are while their humans are out holding down jobs to keep their doggie dishes full, giving them a reprieve from the crazy making life of a dog stuck at home all day (we saved many couches!). It didn’t take long before we were seeing success in all areas of the business.

Eventually, life brought me to Cranbrook, B.C. where I recently re-started my business. I’ve since fallen in love with the endless beauty that is our back yard and the amazing people that make the Kootenays so great! I get to hang out with dogs all day and make a difference in a lot of lives!

To find out more about me and how I can help you and your furkid(s), please get in touch.

SERVICES

HEAR FROM SOME OF MY CLIENTS

Maxime is such a wonderful person that connects with dogs like no one else can. After searching for a behavioural trainer for my reactive Staffy cross, as there was no one in the area who would agree to help us out, we found her! She has taught me so much about handling, positive reinforcement training, and travelled a far distance to be able to help. I would not trust anyone else with training my pups! Her techniques for handling are very intuitive to each unique dog and can work with any situation that arises with ease. My pup went from being very reactive to knowing how to handle those situations calmly and looking to me for instructions on how to react in new and scary situations. She has taught me the skills I need for me to succeed with my pup and she also leaves her door open to if I have any questions or concerns.
how do I get my dog to listen to me
Racheal & Teddy
We sought out Max after being turned away by other local dog trainers and growing increasingly frustrated with our rescue dogs’ aggressive behaviours. Max has been a great coach, she is honest, kind, patient, and safe when handling reactive dogs such as ours. She is truly passionate about helping dogs and their people! We have made a lot of progress with her help and I would highly recommend her!
Lissha & Cody with Ruger & Nash
Maxime Gowans has been a reliable, trustworthy dog walker/sitter for the past year.  We have two dogs & our high energy Labradoodle goes on weekly pack walks, which has been helpful in managing his overall behavior. Both dogs love it when Max takes them out & eagerly greet her.  She conveys a caring, calm and confident manner.  Max has cared for our dogs overnight and for an extended period. Ultimately, we rest easier knowing the dogs are in expert hands. We highly recommend Max for her skilled, yet affordable dog services.  
Dawn & Doug with Cooper & Manny
We needed help with dog sitting, house sitting and helping us to teach our younger Lab to not pull while on leash. Maxime was great.  She laid out in advance what her expectations were, both for us and our labs, and outlined her plan and her prices.  We were very happy with both. Our youngest lab, Dexter has been greatly improved with leash walking and listening in general. I think the most unique difference with Maxime is the fact that she goes over everything with you from the very first meeting and is willing to explain and show you her methods until you are comfortable with it. We would absolutely recommend Max! We will have her as often as we can for help. Her advice in invaluable!
Bill & Sandra with Dexter & Briggs
I'm in a wheelchair so it is difficult for me to get around, so I hired Maxime to exercise Jordie, my dog. She goes the extra mile for us and takes him to vet appointments, hair trims and picks up Jordie’s food for me. My experience with Maxime has been very good and I would recommend her to anyone. Jordie gets very excited when he sees Max and likes spending his time with her on their daily walks. You can now walk with Jordie and he stays by your side. Maxime is very easy to work with and is very good with the dogs.
Roy & Jordie

BOOK A FREE CALL

I’d like to know what you and your dog need help with and how I can help you make those changes. Let’s schedule a call to see if I’m the right trainer for you. Call, text or email me to set up a time.

Scroll to Top
Scroll to Top