Meet Tara "Fergy"

The trainer behind Fergy & Friends.

I specialize in behaviour, fear, reactivity, puppies, and helping families feel empowered, supported, and confident.

My approach is rooted in compassion, science, and creating a safe learning environment for both ends of the leash.

Boomer in his "Search Dog" days

Boomer's Story
Fergy & Friends exists because of one very special dog: Boomer.
Boomer came into my life with a gentle soul, an expressive face, and the kind of honesty only dogs can give.
He taught me that:
Trust is earned through kindness
Communication matters more than control
Dogs thrive when they feel seen and safe
Training is really about relationship

Boomer’s legacy is woven into every part of this business — from the logo to the philosophy to the way I support both ends of the leash.
Every dog I work with becomes part of his story.
And every human I support becomes part of mine.

🐾 My Training Philosophy: The Fergy & Friends Way

Your dog is not a problem to be fixed — they are an individual to be understood.

My approach blends scientifically-supported learning, behaviour consulting, and emotional wellness, with a strong foundation in:

✔ L.E.G.S.® Applied Ethology

Understanding your dog’s Lifestyle, Environment, Genetics, and Self creates a whole-dog picture of why behaviours occur.

✔ Force-Free, Fear-Free Training

No intimidation. No corrections. No quick-fix pressure.
Just thoughtful, humane, emotionally safe learning.

✔ Meeting Dogs Where They Are

Fearful dogs, reactive dogs, and overwhelmed dogs deserve training that honours their emotional capacity.

✔ Support for Humans, Too

Dog training doesn’t happen in a vacuum — it happens in your home, your routine, your real life.
I help you understand your dog’s world so you can build a relationship based on trust, clarity, and respect.

🧡 Who I Love Working With

Puppies who need structure, confidence, and great life starts
Sensitive, thoughtful, or nervous dogs
Dogs who bark, lunge, growl, guard, or react
Rescue dogs adjusting to new homes and expectations
Multi-dog households needing safety, structure, and understanding
Families who feel stressed and need guidance
Dogs who need confidence-building outlets like Mantrailing & scentwork

If your dog struggles to fit into the “typical training mold,” they’re exactly who I’m here for.

✨ Why Families Choose Fergy & Friends

No cookie-cutter plans — everything is individualized

A calm, supportive learning environment

Compassion, clarity, and achievable steps

A trainer who sees the dog and the person

A philosophy rooted in trust, not pressure

A genuine love for complicated dogs

I’m here to support you every step of the way — through the tough parts, the breakthroughs, and the beautiful moments where everything clicks.

🎓 Professional Background & Training

Certifications & Courses

Certified Family Dog Mediator – L.E.G.S. Applied Ethology
Canine Behaviour & Training Methodology
Mantrailing Global Instructor
Aggression in Dogs Conference – Michael Shikashio
Aggression in Dogs Master Course
Dr. Karen Overall – Clinical Behaviour Immersion Weekend in canine/feline behavioural Medicine
Debbie Jacobs – Fearful Dogs
CKC Canine Good Neighbor
Behaviour Eh Conference
Walks 'N' Wags Pet First Aid
Animal Centered Education - Sarah Fisher
Clicker Expo - 2023
Canadian Search Dog Association - Volunteer

Ongoing continuing education in behaviour science, scentwork, pain implications, and trauma-informed training