​Tracey Costa is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI).  She left the corporate world to raise a family and began to teach environmental programs to elementary and middle school children.  Around the same time, her interest in the science behind dog training began and her love of Nose Work soon followed.  She has trained with the founders of K9 Nose Work and other scent work professionals.  She has attended multiple dog training seminars, webinars as well as multiple K9 Nose Work Camps. 

She is the past Vice President of the West Highland White Terrier Club of New England and continues to sit on the board.  Tracey is an approved AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and was certified in pet CPR and First Aid.  Her dogs are both Canine Good Citizens and are retired Therapy Dogs (TDI).  Her dog, Maisie is the first Westie to have earned the K9 Nose Work titles - NW1, NW3, NW3 Elite, Elite 2, Elite 3 and Elite Champion.  Tracey is an advocate for humane and force-free dog training. 
Training techniques are reward-based.  Science has proven that animals do not need to be physically punished to learn proper behavior.  A verbal marker or clicker will be used during training sessions.
​If you have questions regarding the effectiveness of reward-based training, we would be happy to discuss that with you.  Here are a few articles for further information:​

~Positive Reward-Based Dog Training ​is Best~
~Reward Training vs. Discipline-Based Dog Training~
~How to choose a Trainer~  by AVSAB
~Study Shows - Positive Reinforcement is More Effective than E-Collars~
"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better."  ~Maya Angelou

In the News

On May 16, 2017, Tracey was interviewed by the TV show, Chronicle (WCVB-Boston).  During the interview, Tracey talks about K9 Nose Work.  Her dog Maisie and a few students were also featured.
​www.wcvb.com/article/creature-features-daring-dogs-and-playful-pups/12014613
Maisie of Birch Bark becomes the 1st West Highland White Terrier to earn the title of K9 Nose Work Elite Champion on September 19, 2021 in Mashpee, Massachusetts.  She placed 11th out of 28 dogs.  She found 14 out of 17 hides for the day.  Not bad for an almost 14 year old dog!  While Maisie may be retired from competition, she will always have K9 Nose Work.
September 26, 2021 - The young Josie earned her NW2 title in Tuftenboro, New Hampshire.  Josie enjoyed the day and was happy that it was all about her!
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Wildwoods I'm Just Purrfect, Too "Josie"