Originally from Ottawa, Canada, Dale Ward graduated from Carleton University in 1990 with BA Honors and master’s degrees. She spent the next ten years in the corporate world as an information technology Senior Business Analyst.

After moving to the US in 2002, Dale’s focus shifted to dogs. She completed her canine behavior academic training and then sought out ways to gain practical, hands-on experience with dogs in multiple environments. Dale has worked as a Kennel Manager, Playroom Supervisor, and Grooming Assistant. She also worked in an AAHA accredited veterinary hospital setting for three years. Dale was Head Volunteer Trainer at Portsmouth Humane Society (PHS) in Virginia, an open admission shelter, where she designed and implemented training programs that demonstrated a high increase in adoption rates. Dale trained over four hundred PHS volunteers in basic canine handling and training skills and implemented a highly successful program to reduce kennel stress. She was awarded Trainer of the Year in recognition of her efforts. She continues to further her education through attendance at conferences and seminars, and through on-line learning opportunities.

Dale opened Dale’s Dog Training Academy LLC in northeast North Carolina in 2007 where she offers both in-person and virtual behavior consultations and private lessons. She specializes in puppies and adolescent dogs, helping people achieve harmony and create great relationships with their dogs. 

Dale is also a noted presenter on a variety of dog-related topics and an award-winning author. Her book entitled Raising the Worst Dog Ever: A Survival Guide, won the Dog Writers Association of America 2020 writing competition in the category of Best Book Human/Animal Bond and has received many five-star reviews from dog lovers, trainers, and veterinarians alike. Her book is unique in that it weaves a memoir of Dale and her dog Wylie with essential training information for dog owners with new puppies and dogs. Each tale she tells about Wylie’s antics is followed by practical advice on how to deal with that particular problem. 

Dale currently resides in South Mills, North Carolina with her husband Tim and their black Labrador retriever named Rhubarb.