I currently have two adventure dogs who I affectionately call my “monsters”. They each have their own set of behavioral challenges in coping with the everyday world.  We have worked through some really challenging times, but I am happy to say that we are now able to go on all the adventures I had dreamed of through relationship building and positive reinforcement. They are the reason why I am a professional dog trainer today. 

My first dog personal dog, Riggins, is an Australian Cattle Dog (potentially a mixed, maybe purebred, we aren’t sure). He is pretty stereotypical of his breed with reactivity towards most moving objects and some stranger danger towards people outside of his circle. Did I mention he has the loudest bark in the world? This is not the dog that I imagined going everywhere with me and joining me on every adventure. I did lots of research about all different training methods and styles to help Riggins better cope with the world so he could enjoy all adventures. We have worked hard together over the past 5 years, and continue to. One of Riggins greatest accomplishments has been thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. I have learned, and continue to learn, so much about dog training and about myself by having Riggins. One of the best lessons I have learned is not to compare your journey to others and to advocate for Riggins and myself.

I adopted my other monster towards the end of the COVID pandemic. Yes, I got a pandemic puppy. I was very excited to put all my dog knowledge to the test and raise the best dog I could. Tuke had other plans for us. Our best guess is that Tuke is a Great Pyrenees/Husky mix, but we like to say his breed is Large White Dog. At 6 weeks old, Tuke’s back foot was crushed by his prior owners. It was healed when he got to us, but we were ready to do whatever he needed us to so he could live the happiest life. 3 years later and we are still trying to battle Tuke’s pain. His chronic pain has led him to develop some severe phobias that come and go, sounds sensitivity that results in a lot of barking when not managed, and aggression towards the other animals in our house. Most people don’t know this about Tuke because when you meet him he is the biggest love and an extreme extrovert. One of his favorite activities is making new friends. His big smile with his tongue hanging out the side of his mouth is sure to put a smile on your face. Tuke’s battle with chronic pain and the behavioral issues that pop up due to it sent me down loads more paths of research. I thought I knew a lot from Riggins, but Tuke brought my knowledge to a whole new level. I have become a dog body language expert in trying to stay ahead of Tuke’s pain and managing a multi dog household.

I know what it is like to have a dog that doesn’t fit the picture you had of them. I know what it is like to feel trapped in your home and isolated from others due to your dog’s behavior. I know what it is like for people to stare and judge when in public when your dog is having a hard time. I know what it is like for people to give their unsolicited advice or say nasty things. I know what it is like to feel like there you are stuck and there are no solutions. But I also know what it is like to work together to make those dreams a reality. I became a certified, professional dog trainer so that I can help others on that journey. You are not alone. There is a path forward. I can help you on that journey and build the best relationship with your dog along the way through positive reinforcement and your dog’s welfare at the center.

Certifications

Aggression in Dogs Master Course (December 2023)

KPA-CTP (February 2024)

Continuing Education

Play Way! For Reactivity and Aggression Challenges! (January 2024)

Leash Reactivity Webinar (January 2024)

Using Enrichment to Treat Aggression (January 2024)

Dog to Cat Aggression Webinar (January 2024)

Recognizing Pain in Dogs Webinar (January 2024)

Holistic Dog Training and Behavior Conference (February 2024)

Panic to Peace: Holistic Approaches to Easing Anxiety in Rescue Dogs Conference (February 2024)

Reactivity Festival (February 2024)

FDSA Sounds Sensitivity Workshop (February 2024)