About Us
The Good as Gold Touch
Here’s what sets us apart:
Expert, credentialed dog training
In an unregulated industry, anyone can call themselves a dog trainer. With us, you have the peace of mind of working with Calgary’s most highly credentialed trainers.
Extensive experience & education
With over 20 years of experience, the best education available to dog trainers, and a commitment to ongoing professional development, you’re in the best possible hands.
Science-based, humane dog training
To achieve strong, lasting results for your dog without compromising your peace of mind or your dog’s well being, we use only scientifically sound, humane training methods.
A true human touch
For us, it’s not only about the dog. We believe the core of good dog training is taking care of the human client who lives with and loves the dog.
Puppy & dog training services that fit your life
Our clients are busy Calgary dog lovers, so we’ve designed a range of programs to help you meet your dog training goals, from classes to simply handing over the leash to our trainers.
Meet Our People
Barbara Walmer
Owner, Dog Behaviour & Training Expert
Barbara Walmer (she/her) is a highly experienced dog trainer specializing in behavior and modification and training for sensitive and reactive dogs. With a strong foundation in evidence-based, positive reinforcement techniques, Barbara helps dogs and their humans build confidence, resilience and calm while also growing a trusting bond. Barbara’s approach emphasizes compassionate, science-backed training that fosters positive behavior and strengthens the bond between dogs and their people.
In addition to her work with sensitive and reactive dogs, Barbara is also skilled in teaching agility, scent work, canine fitness and competition obedience, creating engaging and rewarding learning environments where dogs and their humans can thrive.
Barbara draws on 25 years of experience teaching dogs and humans, as well as working with her own canine crew. From her work in veterinary clinics to her 16-year tenure as the Department Head of Behaviour at the Calgary Humane Society, Barbara has consistently drawn from research-based training approaches to ensure the best outcomes for dogs and their humans. Whether teaching group training classes, providing private behavior consultations, or speaking as an expert in the dog training and shelter industry, Barbara’s methods are grounded in positive and humane practices.
Barbara’s qualifications include:
When Barbara is not teaching or working with clients, she spends her time training and competing with her own dogs. She has CKC Obedience Trial Championship titles on 7 dogs, earning over 30 High in Trials, and even a perfect 200 score. She and her dogs have also earned titles in field, rally, agility and scent work. Barbara currently enjoys living with three Golden Retrievers, a Cornish Rex cat, and a Norwich terrier, who rules the roost.
Ellen Kovar RVT KPA CTP
Dog Trainer, Class Instructor
Ellen shares her love of and success in competition obedience with students in our competition obedience classes. She has previously taught agility at a competitive level as well. Her own competition accomplishments include multiple CKC Obedience Trial Championship titles, earning multiple High in Trials, including one at the Canadian Cocker Spaniel National Specialty. Ellen thrives on helping our students accomplish their own goals, be they high-level competition or just having a good time out with their dogs. Ellen also works as a Registered Veterinary Technologist.
Ellen’s qualifications include
In her spare time Ellen runs a hobby kennel breeding CKC Registered Cocker Spaniels. She also continues to compete with her dogs, both for the joy of it and to keep her skills sharp for our students. Ellen’s personal menagerie includes multiple Cocker Spaniels (surprise!), a Chihuahua (actual surprise!), and a Persian cat.
Sarah Novak
Agility Coach
Sarah teaches in our dog agility program and has been involved with dogs and dog sports for almost 25 years. The sport of agility is her passion and she has been a full-time agility instructor for the past six years. With 15 years of teaching experience, Sarah has worked with an immense variety of teams, and her goal is to get the best out of each working relationship, empowering dogs and handlers, and have fun while doing it. Each dog and handler team is unique, and Sarah has a great ability to tap into their individual needs and goals. She is continuously learning by attending numerous workshops and thru online learning.
Sarah’s qualifications include:
Dogs are a huge part of Sarah‘s life and when she is not teaching at Good as Gold, she can be found outdoors exploring with her dogs and her partner Thomas. Sarah regularly competes regularly in agility and several other dog sports. She loves being able to provide her dogs (and herself) many opportunities to learn new things and have fun together. In addition to training and completing, Sarah and her dog Haze do weekly visits to the hospital as Therapy Dog.
Jennifer Richards BSc DVM CPDT-KA KPA CTP
Veterinarian, Resident of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
Dr. Jenny brings a wealth of expertise to her roles as a veterinarian and dog trainer. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Calgary, where she first developed her passion for behaviour work while collaborating with the behaviour team at the Calgary Humane Society. There, she taught classes, provided one-on-one training and behaviour modification, and helped shelter dogs overcome behaviour issues to improve their chances of adoption.
Certified as a Professional Dog Trainer, a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, and a Fear Free Certified veterinary professional, Dr. Richards integrates these qualifications into her practice.
In 2023, Dr. Richards began a veterinary behaviour residency under the mentorship of Dr. Elizabeth Feltes (DVM, DACVB). She is the owner of the Calgary Veterinary Wellness and Training Centre in 2025, a specialized facility focused on behaviour and canine rehabilitation with on-site training, behavioural modification and rehab services. Dr. Richards works closely with a team including Barbara Walmer, and Ellen Kovar, RVT to offer a one-of-a-kind behaviour support to dogs and their families. Dr. Richards is committed to improving both the physical and emotional well-being of pets and their humans, addressing behavioural challenges with a compassionate, evidence-based approach.
Dr. Jenny’s qualifications include:
In her limited time outside of work and academic studies, Dr. Jenny enjoys training and competing with her own dogs in agility, competitive obedience, scent detection and field work. She and her dogs (Lab and Goldens) have teamed up for titles in multiple venues.
Donia Roorda CDBC KPA CTP FDM
Agility Coach
Donia teaches a variety of courses in the agility program. For over 15 years, Donia has been involved with dog training and sports. She has a love for learning and continuing education, which increases her considerable skillset year-over-year. As a self-proclaimed behaviour nerd, she is passionate about using her extensive behaviour knowledge, and talent for sport, to help every team achieve their goals- no matter what they are!
Donia’s qualifications include:
When she’s not teaching, Donia can be found training and competing with her own dogs or exploring the great outdoors! Whether she’s hiking, paddleboarding, or snowshoeing, Donia and her dogs are always on the move!
Ready for results and relief?
Phone: 587-579-5954 | Email: help@goodasgoldtraining.ca
4303 11th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2X 4G1
Private Calgary dog training and dog training classes, private Calgary puppy training and puppy training classes, agility and competition obedience classes in Calgary.