Victoria local Emma Tucker founded Thumbs Up Dog Training in 2008. Emma's technique is focused on building a lasting, loving relationship through mutual trust and respect.

Thumbs Up helps dogs and owners live their best life through leadership, dog psychology, body language, and communication. 

Learn about staff training and education

Did you ever wonder how Thumbs Up got it's name?

Well, let me tell you.

My life started the day I met my dog. She is my teacher, my best friend and my better half. She is the founder of Thumbs Up and it would be nothing without her. She knows exactly how to be around every dog she meets, and if I am ever doubting myself, all I have to do is look to her for guidance. Everyday she inspires me to be a better trainer, a better owner and a better person. Thumbs Up to Thumbelina!

Dogs have been the most important part of my life since the day I was born. From the very beginning, every single dog I met felt like I was reconnecting with an old friend. This feeling has only grown stronger over the years, until it became clear that working with dogs was my passion and purpose; and I will happily do it for the rest of my life.

I understand and love all dogs as my own. Being around them is like second nature to me; it just makes sense. I see and communicate with them as the individuals they are. I know their strengths, their weaknesses, what motivates them, and how they think and react. I pick up on their subtle cues and energy shifts and can positively redirect a potentially bad behavior before it happens. I can handle any and all situations that may arise with a pack of dogs.

Of course, no one is perfect; we all have our days. I don't judge, label, or punish my dogs for making bad decisions - instead I look within. I look at how I created the problem and what I need to improve on. There is always a lesson to be learned.

All the dogs I work with are my family, and I take my job very seriously. Their happiness and well being means the world to me, and I feel blessed and humbled everyday to be able to share my life with them.

-- Emma Tucker, Founder & Head Trainer of Thumbs Up Dog Training