Over 20 years experience as a dog trainer
Full Member, Association of Professional Dog Trainers
AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
Experience with clients who have disabilities
Experience in training dogs with disabilities

Dogs have always been a large part of my life. As a child, I read every book about dogs and dog training that I could get my hands on. I played with the neighbors' dogs, trained our family dogs, and, later on, "dog-sat" for my friends when they were on vacation.

And then, on Valentine's Day, 1994, a little puppy came into my life. He was the first dog that completely belonged to me, a Shetland sheepdog/border collie cross, nine weeks old. He was Joey, and he changed my life.

Joey was an amazingly quick study and I soon discovered that his potential was far beyond what I could teach him. So we enrolled in training classes at a local dog training club. There I gained new insights in training, and was delighted to find that, as Joey and I learned together, our bond with each other strengthened. It was a wonderful, incredible experience. I was inspired to learn more about dog training: I began attending dog training seminars, re-read my college psychology texts regarding animal behavior and learning theory, and studied the published works of eminent dog trainers such as Ian Dunbar and Jean Donaldson. Joey's skills grew, and so did mine. Joey easily passed his Canine Good Citizen and therapy dog tests, and we became part of a therapy dog team.

The dog club asked me to assist their trainer in her classes, although I believe that at first it was based more on Joey's ability than mine. Soon after, I became the trainer for their puppy kindergarten program, with Joey being the official "demo" dog for my classes. The dog club also called on me to be substitute trainer for their novice and advanced classes. I continued to be deeply moved when I saw the strong, loving connection building between my human students and their dogs, knowing that I had helped in that process. I knew then it was time to go out on my own as a fulltime dog trainer.

My primary role in dog training is, as it was then, to help people achieve with their puppies the deep bond that I had gained with Joey. Training is not just about having a well-behaved dog, although that is a big part of it. Most of us who invite a dog or puppy into our lives, do so because we are seeking a companion; we want a relationship with that animal. Gentle training, without the use of force or intimidation, can foster a relationship built on trust and mutual respect, while at the same time teach our canine companion the "rules."

Based on my beliefs in lifelong learning, I am always working to improve my skills as a dog trainer and deepen my knowledge of canine behavior, seeking more effective ways of communicating information to my clients in keeping with their individual learning styles. To that end, I continue to attend seminars, workshops, and conferences presented by such well-respected authorities as Suzanne Hetts, Patricia McConnell, Leslie Nelson, Pamela Reid, Kathy Sdao, Sue Sternberg, and Nicole Wilde, among others.

My life is blessed by the loving support of my husband Rob, the sweet and gentle natures of our two shelties, Laddie and Curly, and the memory of my beloved Joey, who is waiting patiently for us at the Rainbow Bridge.

Want to find more out about the Association of Professional Dog trainers? Click the logo below: