I am certified through the Animal Behavior College and a member of the Pet Professional Guild. In all of the training I offer, the animal's needs come first. Training should employ safety for the animal and the humans in order for each to learn. I am trauma and attachment informed. The relationship between humans and dogs was not build on fear, force, or pain. It developed out of trust, and an exchange of ability and skill to improve each species lives. As human evolution dramatically changed in the past 100 years, so did our relationship with dogs, and not as you might think. My goal as a trainer is to help you understand what your dog needs from you, and how your dog can contribute to the improvement of your life! I strive to restore balance to the relationship between pet owners and pets, or working teams! Trust is the key element, paramount to all else!
A certified professional dog trainer with 40+ years of practical experience in many different dog "sports" and "professions" I teach basic social manners, and specialize in behavioral issues like reactivity, feral and semi-feral rehabilitation. I have 12+ years of experience with shelter and rescue dogs with serious behavioral issues. Through previous careers, hobby competition, and plain interest I am experienced in a variety of dog sports and activities, like herding, obedience, rally, disc, stunt, agility, hunter/retriever, tracking, nose/scent work, and lure-coursing. Join me and apply my knowledge to deepen your relationship with your pet or working companion!
A certified professional dog trainer with 40+ years of practical experience in many different dog "sports" and "professions" I teach basic social manners, and specialize in behavioral issues like reactivity, feral and semi-feral rehabilitation. I have 12+ years of experience with shelter and rescue dogs with serious behavioral issues. Through previous careers, hobby competition, and plain interest I am experienced in a variety of dog sports and activities, like herding, obedience, rally, disc, stunt, agility, hunter/retriever, tracking, nose/scent work, and lure-coursing. Join me and apply my knowledge to deepen your relationship with your pet or working companion!
Nature is cruel, but we don't have to be.
Temple Grandin
Words from Temple Grandin that I wish all dog trainers would live by. I apply this to every situation with animals. every time. Aversive methods are a choice and should not be the "go to" tools in the toolbox.
I am always collaborating with trainers of other specialties, as well as those who share my particular passion and interest. I attend clinics, ongoing education seminars, and webinars to further my abilities as a handler and as a trainer and to stay current on behavioral sciences. I am an associate member of the Pet Professional Guild. I study methods from many top trainers and behaviorists from around the world, such as Ian Dunbar, Dr. Christopher Pachel, Karen Pryor, Patricia McConnell, Susan Woodard, Suzanne Clothier, Grisha Stewart, Michael Shikashio, and many more. I have attended herding clinics with Julie Hill, the only woman to win the International Sheepdog Trials and Gordon Watt, also a Supreme Champion, and other top herding clinicians in the US.
My passion for dogs is surpassed only by a passion for horses, especially wild mustangs. I have had the pleasure of working with horses, but my life and my career choices made it difficult for me to have my own. I have ridden for other people, competed on an amateur level in a few disciplines, and as a child and teenager, I was always horseback. My "borrowed" horse, "Jeep" was my best friend, and we shared so much of life together! I love photography, and one day, while out with my camera, driving through the desert, I found a small family band of horses with new foals. I knew they were mustangs. I had seen them before, but with fresh eyes, and a lifetime of memories and experiences, I observed from a very different perspective. I was fascinated. I went back, again and again. I took my little point and shoot camera, and took photos that were not even good, but they recorded the moments. I started learning personalities. A budding interest has turned into a love affair!
My personal pet right now is Tess, a unique border collie who’s intelligence and versatility never cease to amaze me. She and I enjoy herding, nose-work, tricks. walks, socializing, traveling, and stretching our minds to discover new possibilities together! I enjoy going to the country to visit the wild mustangs and observe their behavior and Tess is always right there with me, seemingly taking it in just like I do. We watch domesticated mustangs with the same keen interest! When I want to learn, she is always ready for more too! If you want to know more about Tess, just ask, but be prepared for some talking because she is my favorite subject!
I am always collaborating with trainers of other specialties, as well as those who share my particular passion and interest. I attend clinics, ongoing education seminars, and webinars to further my abilities as a handler and as a trainer and to stay current on behavioral sciences. I am an associate member of the Pet Professional Guild. I study methods from many top trainers and behaviorists from around the world, such as Ian Dunbar, Dr. Christopher Pachel, Karen Pryor, Patricia McConnell, Susan Woodard, Suzanne Clothier, Grisha Stewart, Michael Shikashio, and many more. I have attended herding clinics with Julie Hill, the only woman to win the International Sheepdog Trials and Gordon Watt, also a Supreme Champion, and other top herding clinicians in the US.
My passion for dogs is surpassed only by a passion for horses, especially wild mustangs. I have had the pleasure of working with horses, but my life and my career choices made it difficult for me to have my own. I have ridden for other people, competed on an amateur level in a few disciplines, and as a child and teenager, I was always horseback. My "borrowed" horse, "Jeep" was my best friend, and we shared so much of life together! I love photography, and one day, while out with my camera, driving through the desert, I found a small family band of horses with new foals. I knew they were mustangs. I had seen them before, but with fresh eyes, and a lifetime of memories and experiences, I observed from a very different perspective. I was fascinated. I went back, again and again. I took my little point and shoot camera, and took photos that were not even good, but they recorded the moments. I started learning personalities. A budding interest has turned into a love affair!
My personal pet right now is Tess, a unique border collie who’s intelligence and versatility never cease to amaze me. She and I enjoy herding, nose-work, tricks. walks, socializing, traveling, and stretching our minds to discover new possibilities together! I enjoy going to the country to visit the wild mustangs and observe their behavior and Tess is always right there with me, seemingly taking it in just like I do. We watch domesticated mustangs with the same keen interest! When I want to learn, she is always ready for more too! If you want to know more about Tess, just ask, but be prepared for some talking because she is my favorite subject!
Please enjoy the images below from some of my most memorable animal moments!
Click on the image to read the caption.
Click on the image to read the caption.
Photos below are from my other careers or hobbies that included working with animals.
Click on the photo to learn more.
Click on the photo to learn more.
