Dog Behaviorist and Trainer in Waterloo

Tailor-made support for you and your dog

My specialties: welcoming a new puppy, pre- and post-adoption support, anxiety, reactivity, aggression towards people and dogs, predation instinct management, conflict between dogs in the same household, traumatized dogs
Consultations at your place
Reply within 24 hours
17
years of experience with dogs
3,000+
dogs supported
4.9/5
from 30 Google reviews
★
Graduate of The Victoria Stilwell Academy (USA)
There is no one-size-fits-all in dog training and behavior. That is why I offer personalized support at your place in Walloon Brabant and Brussels. A positive, ethical approach, grounded in modern research and deeply respectful of animal welfare.

Professional member of

My services

Whether your dog is an energetic puppy, an adult going through a rough patch, or a companion you simply want to understand better, my job is to give you a tailor-made answer. My services complement one another: I support you from the day you bring your dog home right through to resolving the most deeply rooted behavior problems.

Consultations at your place

How it works:
Free first contact (10 min)
Session at your place
Personalized follow-up plan

Dog behavior consultations

Session at your place · Personalized plan · Follow-up included
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Anxiety, distress, leash reactivity, aggression, predation instinct management, excessive barking, destructive behavior, house soiling, phobias, trauma and other common behavior problems: together, we identify the cause of the behavior, not just the symptom. I give you a concrete, realistic and kind support plan for your dog.
Discover dog behavior consultations →

Dog training

Session at your place · Puppy or adult dog · Follow-up included
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The basic skills that build a balanced relationship: loose-leash walking, recall, house training, socialization, safety cues. Whether you have a puppy or an adult dog, my dog training sessions rely on positive reinforcement and respect each animal's pace. Paw after paw, communication between dogs and humans is built.
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Courses and theme walks

Academy courses

For dog owners who want to understand their dog in depth, and for (aspiring) professionals who want to become a certified positive dog trainer or a dog behaviorist. The Dog Nanny Academy, a Belgian certifying training center, offers theory courses and hands-on practice. Theory and practice go hand in hand in every module, in person in Waterloo or online.
Certifying · In person in Waterloo or online · Lifetime access
Discover my courses

Theme walks

Much more than a walk: small-group outings designed to work on your dog's socialization, reactivity or confidence, in a natural setting. A fun and effective way to complement behavior consultations, or simply to learn more about your dog.
Adult dog or puppy · Outdoors
Discover the theme walks
“Your dog is not a problem to be fixed. Your dog is a unique individual to be understood.”

Why choose The Dog Nanny Academy?

Choosing a dog behaviorist and trainer means trusting someone who will step into your home and into your dog's life. Here is what sets my approach apart.
A graduate of the prestigious Victoria Stilwell Academy (USA) and of the Université Libre de Bruxelles, I rely on rigorous continuing education to give you support rooted in current behavioral science.
My method is built on modern ethology and positive reinforcement — no punishment, no coercion. Your dog learns because he wants to, in a kind environment that respects his mental well-being.
Since 2009, I have been supporting owners of dogs in difficulty in Walloon Brabant and Brussels. Every dog is different — so is every support plan. I don't believe in one-size-fits-all recipes.
Behaviors are best worked on where they happen. I come to you to observe your dog in his real environment, with his habits, his triggers and his daily routine.

They trust me

30 Google reviews · Average rating ★ 4.9/5 · Over 3,000 dogs supported in Walloon Brabant and Brussels.
Publié sur Google
Victor Baescu
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google.
We have adopted a Bichon half breed from a shelter and despite consistent training he was very reactive and barking while meeting other dogs... Sonia was great in delivering a 2 hours session together with her amazing dog, Simone and we have seen an immediate improvement in our dogs ability to socialize with other dogs... I would strongly recommend Sonia and Simone
Publié sur Google
Slivye
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google.
Super ravie des services de Sonia. Sa grande gentillesse, ses conseils précieux, ses explications m ont donné entière satisfaction et tout cela, tout en douceur pour notre poilu . Je conseille à fond: j étais venue pour le démarrage de l éducation de mon chiot . Quelques semaines plus tard, Lulu sait déjà faire beaucoup de choses diverses .Et surtout… séduire Sonia 😃😃
Publié sur Google
Farah
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google.
Nous sommes arrivés chez Sonia épuisés, remplis de doutes et de peurs pour l’avenir de notre jeune chien réactif envers ses congénères. La cohabitation n’était plus possible. Là où d’autres nous parlaient d’abandon ou de placement en refuge, Sonia a pris le temps de nous écouter, de comprendre notre situation et de croire en lui… et en nous. Grâce à son accompagnement profondément bienveillant et aux protocoles d’apaisement qu’elle a mis en place, notre quotidien s’est transformé. J’étais à bout et je n’y croyais pas, et pourtant, pas à pas, nous avons retrouvé une vie plus calme, plus stable, et surtout la confiance a remplacé le découragement. Merci infiniment pour ton humanité, ta patience et ton professionnalisme. Ce que tu as fait pour Venom et pour notre famille est inestimable🐾.
Publié sur Google
Alejandra Tejera
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google.
Sonia is an amazing behaviourist. She understands dog language and our dog absolutely adores her. Since she has been helping us, our dog is much more confident, better at socialising with other dogs and the bond with us has also grown stronger. We understand our dog’s needs much better. We tried another dog trainer before her, who claimed to be a ‘positive’ trainer, and my husband and I were truly appalled at the amount of bad advise based on domination and fear. Please, be very careful out there. Trainers love to use the word ‘positive’ for marketing reasons and then apply the same old dog training methods of decades ago. Sonia is a TRULY POSITIVE trainer. She understands that dogs are sentient and truly amazing creatures who deserve to be a part of our family and feel loved and safe. Reinforcing those feelings truly works. We are living proof of it. Also, she speaks English wonderfully, so that she will be able to help not only in French, but also in English. If you are in need of help to fix whatever issues you are experiencing with your furry friend, do not look any further. Your dog could not be in better hands!!
Publié sur Google
Olga Markarian
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google.
Even before our session Sonia took the time to learn and think deeply about our new puppy and the challenges he was dealing with. When we met, she immediately tuned in to his personality and history, especially after a difficult experience at the breeder and a long recovery from his fracture. Sonia is very knowledgeable and her approach is gentle, insightful, and genuinely reassuring. She gave us practical, thoughtful advice that already helped us understand our puppy's behaviour and needs. You can really tell she loves what she does and has a deep empathy for both dogs and owners, which is especially important when you've had a tough start. Also, a special mention to her wonderful assistant Simone - an absolute delight and a perfect role model for our Ollie. Thank you so much Sonia & Simone!
Publié sur Google
Anna Ost.
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google.
Sonia is a very skilled canine behaviourist. She quickly grasps the issues that need to be addressed and is able to propose workable strategies immediately, while being very attentive to your needs and canine wellbeing and breed specifics at the same time. Highly recommended!
Publié sur Google
Erik Hellebaut
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google.
J’ai eu ma première rencontre avec Sonia, spécialiste en comportement canin pour mon chien Popeye, et j’ai tout de suite été mis en confiance. J’ai beaucoup aimé son écoute, sa bienveillance et son approche personnalisée. Elle a su cerner rapidement les besoins de Popeye, et je sens déjà que nous sommes sur la bonne voie. Hâte de poursuivre les prochaines séances !
Publié sur Google
Van Assche Lenel
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google.
Sonia m’a convaincue que cette approche pouvait être bénéfique et positive pour le chien, et pour moi 😊 ! Moi, qui voyais le comportementalisme pour chien sans trop d’intérêt jusqu’ici. Très belle expérience, Sonia est une personne sensée, très sensible aux bien-être des animaux et de très bons conseils. Fiabilité à 100% !
Publié sur Google
Maggie Egan
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google.
I love Sonia’s approach to understanding dogs’ behaviour. Her explanations were very clear & approach to training easily applied. I highly recommend a consultation & opportunity to learn with Sonia.
Publié sur Google
Magali Peers
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex vérifie que la source originale de l'avis est Google.
Je recommande vivement Dog Nanny comme comportementaliste canin. Sonia est très à l'écoute et nous accompagne avec une attitude tout en positivité et bienveillance dans l'éducation de notre chiot. En une séance c'est fou tout ce que l'on apprend comme trucs et astuces, et au lendemain de notre séance et avec la pratique je vois déjà un changement très positif. Bien consciente que "endurance et persévérance" sont les maîtres mots du changement, j'ai toujours la voix solaire de Sonia dans ma tête quand je pars en promenade avec mon chien (et lui pique parfois ses intonations) ;-) Que du bonheur !

As seen in the press

Sonia Quertenmont Certified positive dog trainer & dog behaviorist

I am a certified positive dog trainer and dog behaviorist with 17 years of experience with dogs. My approach is kind, science-based and deeply respectful of animal welfare — no punishment, no coercion.

Credentials & memberships

  • Dog trainer & dog behaviorist certification (October 2022) — The Victoria Stilwell Academy (USA)
  • Professional member of The Pet Professional Guild, the IAABC and The Victoria Stilwell Academy (VSA)
  • Master's degrees in Information and Communication Sciences & Human Resources Management — Université Libre de Bruxelles
Learn more about my background →

Areas I cover

I come to your home for dog behavior and dog training sessions in the following municipalities. Not on the list? Online sessions are available in Belgium and everywhere else.
Waterloo
Braine-l'Alleud
Ohain
Rhode-Saint-Genèse
Woluwe-Saint-Pierre
Auderghem
+ Online sessions in Belgium and everywhere else
See rates by area →

The Dog Nanny Academy blog

Free, well-sourced articles to help you read your dog's signals: canine communication, puppy training, behavior problems, nutrition, mental health. Rigorous information, no pseudoscience.

Dog cafes: For dogs or for humans?

In recent years, dog cafés have been popping up everywhere. The idea is appealing: enjoy...
Read the article →

Should you let your puppy cry at night?

Letting a puppy cry at night? For me, it's a firm no.A puppy, even more...
Read the article →

My dog sniffs my private parts … is it normal?

Why Does My Dog Sniff My Private Parts? Dogs are naturally curious creatures, and this...
Read the article →
All articles →

Frequently asked questions

A dog trainer works on basic skills and the day-to-day relationship (leash walking, recall, house training). A dog behaviorist deals with deeper behavior problems: anxiety, reactivity, aggression, trauma. I practice both, which allows me to support your dog at every stage of his life.
From 8 weeks! The earlier the better — the first weeks are decisive for socialization and building confidence. It is never too early to get off to a good start, and never too late to correct course.
Rates are listed on the Areas & Rates page. Feel free to contact me to discuss your situation so I can point you towards the option that best suits your needs.
It depends entirely on the dog, the issue and the time you have available for your companion. For basic training, 2 to 4 sessions are often enough. For complex behavior problems (severe anxiety, aggression), a follow-up of 3 to 6 sessions is more realistic. I will tell you more at our first contact.
Every session takes place at your place, or wherever the behavior problems actually occur. I observe your dog in his environment and gather information about his history, his lifestyle and his triggers. Together, we define a work plan suited to your dog and your way of life — not a one-size-fits-all recipe. The first consultation lasts about 1h30, follow-up sessions between 1h and 1h15.
Yes, the Certified Positive Dog Trainer course is open to passionate beginners as well as professionals changing careers. The courses are organized in progressive modules: behavioral theory, canine ethology, hands-on work on real cases, and assessments. Students progress at their own pace, in person in Waterloo or online. No prior enrollment in another course is required to get started.
Yes, I support all dogs — puppies, adult dogs, rescue dogs — whatever their breed or history. Whether your companion is a reactive Malinois, an anxious Golden Retriever or a working dog with established behavior problems, my job is to identify the root cause of the problem and give you concrete tools to address it. Communication between owners and dogs can be built, whatever the starting point.

Are you ready to get the harmony back to your family?

Does your dog pull on the leash, bark, chew everything, or refuse to let you out of sight? The first step is a call. I listen, I guide you, and together we build a tailor-made plan perfectly suited to your dog.
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