About Tressia Toole & Q‑it Dog Training
Based in Prince Edward Island and working with clients across Charlottetown and beyond, Q‑it Dog Training brings more than 20 years of hands-on experience training dogs, competing in agility, and teaching owners how to build strong, positive relationships with their dogs.
Meet Tressia, Owner of Q‑it
I began my dog training work on Vancouver Island. Now in Prince Edward Island, I help dogs and their people learn, communicate, and succeed together now through Q‑it Dog Training.
Using science-based learning and force-free techniques, Q‑it focuses on helping people understand how their dogs learn, and how to become better teachers for them.
The Q‑it philosophy is that training should build trust, clarity, and confidence for both dog and handler.
Credentials & Certifications
My training philosophy is grounded in respected, science-based education and professional certification.
Credentials include:
- Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP) — graduated in 2012
- DOG SAFE Certified Canine First Aid
- Training in Susan Garrett’s, Handling 360 and Recallers programs
Competition Highlights
As an experienced agility dog trainer in PEI, I have competed at the highest levels of the sport across Canada and internationally. My experience in competition allows me to coach teams with real-world insight and practical knowledge.
Competition Highlights
How It All Started: Tressia's Story
Sugar — The One Who Started It All
I grew up on Vancouver Island and have been involved in training dogs since the age of 12. My first puppy, Sugar, a chocolate Labrador Retriever, introduced me to the world of agility through trainer Bernadette VanKlavern. Sugar quickly proved to be something special. Together we competed successfully in agility for many years, with Sugar becoming a two-time Regional Agility Champion and eventually earning the title of 2012 AAC Agility Canadian National Champion at the age of 12.
Rumour — The Rescue Who Could Run
After Sugar came Rumour, a rescue dog adopted at nine months old during an agility trial. Rumour, a Border Collie mix, turned out to be an incredible partner in the sport. Together we placed in the top ten at both regional and national agility events.
Rift — The Teacher
In 2009, I adopted Rift from the SPCA. Rift was reactive and fearful, a dog who presented very different challenges than previous agility partners. Training Rift required patience, learning, and a deeper understanding of behaviour. That journey led me to Best Paw Forward, where I eventually joined the team and worked for eight years. During that time, I deepened my knowledge of behavioural science and dog training. In 2012, I graduated from the Karen Pryor Academy with Rift as my demonstration dog.
Jetta — The Dog Who Changed Everything
Jetta arrived as a 14-week-old Border Collie who was nervous, unsocial, and very different from the dogs I expected. Through patience, persistence, and trust, we earned a spot on the 2015–2016 AAC Canadian National World Team and placed 6th in Canada at the National Championships. Jetta's journey became one of the most meaningful chapters in my life as a trainer. Jetta has taught me to never give up on your dreams.
Sparks, Deluxe & Whirlwind: The Next Chapter
Sparks, a confident and fearless red tri Border Collie, won the 2021 PEI/NB 20" Regular AAC Regional Championships and continues to be a strong agility partner, aka the "Perfect Dog." Hillbilly Deluxe, a smooth coat black-and-white Border Collie, picked up off a red dirt road, here on PEI. A true working border collie, Deluxe brings her own training challenges. The Perfect Storm–Whirlwind, a puppy from Sparks' lineage and one I had been working toward. Bringing home Whirlwind while not ideal, and not something I recommend… I couldn't pass on a Rubix puppy. Today I share my life with four Border Collies: - Jetta — 13.5 years - Sparks — 9 years - Hillbilly Deluxe — 3 years - Whirlwind (Win) — 2.5 years
The Dogs of Q‑it
World Team 2016 · 13.5 years
Jetta arrived as a 14-week-old Border Collie who was nervous, unsocial, and very different from the dog I expected. Through patience, persistence, and trust, we earned a spot on the 2015–2016 AAC Canadian National World Team and placed 6th in Canada. As I often say: "Jetta has taught me to never give up on your dreams."
PEI/NB Regional Champion · 9 years
A confident and fearless red tri Border Collie, Sparks won the 2021 PEI/NB 20" Regular AAC Regional Championships and continues to be a strong agility partner, aka the "Perfect Dog."
Working Border Collie · 3 years
A smooth coat black-and-white Border Collie, picked up off a red dirt road, here on PEI. A true working border collie, Deluxe brings her own training challenges.
The Future of Q‑it · 2.5 years
A puppy from Sparks' lineage and one I had been working toward. Bringing home Whirlwind while not ideal, and not something I recommend… I couldn't pass on a Rubix puppy.
Let's Work Together
Whether you’re looking for a dog trainer in PEI, interested in agility training, or simply want to build a better relationship with your dog, I would love to help.