Dogs have always been my passion. Growing up around dogs taught me from a young age the value of the dog/human relationship. I think the highlight of my day as a young child was coming home from school to spend the rest of the day with my best friend Buddy, which was my first dog, a lab mix that my family found as a stray. Buddy lived a long healthy life.

 

My next childhood dog Rusty (Doberman, Rottie X), taught me the value and importance of gentle leading and structure. Rusty was a high energy dog that needed a lot of healthy outlets and training. Not only did I teach Rusty a wide variety of new skills when I was a child, he taught me important lessons on a daily. He lived a long life of 16 years.

 

I adopted my next dog, Shyla, a Husky Mix. Now you know how they say all dogs are different just like people? Shyla's mom was found as a stray, Shyla needed a lot of guidance and training. She taught me more than I can ever explain in words. Shyla is the dog that guided me to where I am today.I also have a lab mixed named Spud, also a 7 year old rescue. He's such a gentle soul. He has been my right hand dog to aid me in my training as Shyla has sinced retired and enjoys her rest time.

 

I started my professional journey 16 years ago where I began working at a dog kennel. I quickly learned what part of the dog field I excelled at and wanted to purse which was dog behavior; why dogs act the way the act and do the things they do. I continued my path and graduated Canine Communication Studies with Shyla by my side in 2008 where I earned my Comprehensive Canine Behavior and Aggression Therapy Diploma as well as Pet Dog Training.

 

From there I became one of the head behaviorist/trainers and manager at a larger dog training facility coaching 20 staff members. I also worked extensively with rescue dogs by rehabilitating them to find their forever homes. I continued onto to earning a certification being named a Training Partner of the Karen Pryor Academy in 2015. I pride myself on investing in my own professional and personal education to continue to keep up to date on new techniques in the K9 world.

 

My goal is to educate all dog owners on how to effectively communicate with their dog while building a solid relationship based on mutual trust and respect.

 

Shyla is now 15 years and living the best life. Her best friend Spud, 7 years old still tries to keep up with her!