At Sherbert Service Dogs, they train you to train your dog! Their trainer is experienced in service dogs, and all the various aspects of training them. They aim to make their programs as accessible as possible, and offer customizable training plans. Sherbert Service Dogs is based in Langley and virtually.
We were lucky to have two photoshoots with Sherbert Service Dogs in 2024, and wanted to dive in deeper. We believe our community becomes stronger when we share our stories with each other, and so we get to know our clients one story at a time. We spoke with Annika Geisbrecht (head trainer) to get more insight into what they do.
Read her story
Q: Introduce yourself and your dogs!
My name is Annika (she/hers). I run Sherbert Service Dogs @sherbertservicedogs – I primarily train service dogs but also work with pet dogs. I have two dogs! Sherlock, an eight and a half year old border collie, golden retriever mix, and Albert, a three year old standard poodle!
Q: What inspired you to start your business?
There’s a lack in high quality service dogs in Canada, and often aren’t affordable because of the long term cost of training these dogs! So I offer service dog coaching where I walk through finding a puppy/breeder, and coaching the handler to train their puppy to fully trained service dog! I have adjusted my business model, but my main focus has been offering services I wish I had when I was training Sherlock!
Q: What business achievements are you most proud of?
Probably my three first and current clients! Their dogs are a testament to hard work and consistency can do. At ten and thirteen months these dogs are incredibly behaved and I couldn’t be more proud.
Q: Have there been, if any, challenges along the way? What were they?
Advertising for sure, and being new to the industry can be nerve-racking on myself and to potential clients. But I feel confident in my skills, and the schooling I’m going through!
Q: What are the top three tools / tips you refer to the most often? Why do you like them?
If clients like waterproof gear, I will always recommend Outbound Canine Co for biothane! We are ambassadors for her, but the quality is unmatched!!
Cato Boards for place training and paws on for hind end awareness, we’ve loved using them! …And clickers!! I have a lot and they’re my most used tools!
Tell us more about Albert and Sherlock!
Q: How did you pick their names?
Sherlock came with his name from the farm he was from. Albert was originally going to be Kenobi after Obi Wan from Star Wars, and actually some of his paperwork from the breeder has Kenobi on it! Kenobi, Albert and Lucian were on my short list. A few days before I picked him (Albert) up, I had this realization that I actually didn’t want a Star Wars dog and Albert just seemed right. So I texted our breeder to let her know, and that’s how Albert got his name! I think it suits him way better
Q: What led you to find your dogs?
Sherlock was donated for the purpose of training as an autism assistance dog, so that’s how he ended up with me.
Albert, I purchased from a breeder in Chilliwack (now in Saskatoon!) because she breeds poodles for sport and service work, and given my allergy to dogs a poodle seemed like a great option! He was chosen for me by his breeder, and to this day I believe is the most accurate match in a dog. He’s everything I wanted, needed and dreamed of in having a poodle!
Q: When are your dogs most in their element?
Sherlock is definitely hiking, especially tricky trails that require rock climbing/scaling!
For Albert, it’s either sports, or working long and busy days with me. He’s been my neutral dog for puppies in my group obedience class and has been so good for the younger pups.
Q: What makes your pet unique?
For Sherlock; it’s how smart he is, he will easily learn a new trick or skill in one session!
For Albert, it’s his comedian-esque personality! He’s got a great sense of humour, which is funny considering he’s a dog. But he always finds a way to make me and my family laugh with his antics.
Q: What has your pet taught you about yourself?
Sherlock has taught me how to be more brave and gotten me out of my comfort zone. Before him I wouldn’t leave the house I was a prisoner of my mind due to extreme anxiety.
And Albert has taught me to be patient and humble. Every time I think I know enough when it comes to training, he’ll prove me wrong and makes it fun learning more!
Q: What refills your cup outside of work?
Reading and going for early morning runs with my dogs.
Q: If someone wanted to contact you about your services, what’s the best way to reach you?
Direct message on social mehttps://www.instagram.com/sherbertservicedogs/dia or email sherbertservicedogs@gmail.com – so I can keep it organized!
Q: What refills your cup outside of work?
Reading and going for early morning runs with my dogs.
Thank you for reading along!
Did you enjoy the first edition in our blog series? We will be featuring some of our past clients over the next weeks’ and months, some local pet businesses and some pet features. Each with their own unique story to share. Follow us on instagram @poochintheparkphotography to ensure you don’t miss the next publication!
