12/01/2025
Hi 👋 everyone!!! I have landed safely in Florida and am back at training! A little anout me and Check out my new website link at the end!!
My passion for dog training began 13 years ago, when I sought help for my own female German Shepherd’s resource guarding. The trainer who guided us through behavior modification opened my eyes to a whole new world—dog sports. He would show up with his highly trained working dog and introduce me to IPO (now IGP), and from that moment, I was hooked.
As I immersed myself in the Schutzhund community, I quickly realized it wasn’t the most welcoming environment. Information was closely guarded, and many trainers relied on outdated “old-school” methods that prioritized pressure over communication. That didn’t align with the relationship I wanted to build with my dog. Determined to learn a better way, I sought out modern professionals known for clarity, engagement, and balanced training—studying under leaders such as Ivan Balabanov, Dave Kroyer, Michael Ellis, and STDK9, absorbing everything I could to strengthen communication and deepen my bond with my dog.
My hunger for knowledge led me back to school, where I studied canine behavior, psychology, ethology, and behavior modification. With a new puppy and a new mindset, I joined an IGP club in Massachusetts and spent over six years training, competing, and learning from experienced decoys and handlers. That journey eventually led me to discover PSA—an advanced civilian protection sport built on versatility, control, and real-world application. In PSA, I finally found the mentorship, teamwork, and community I had been searching for.
During that time, I also completed college-level courses in aggression, handling, and behavior modification, and had the privilege of training a service dog for a veteran—free of charge—through a community-supported fundraiser.
In 2025, I relocated full-time to Central Florida, where I now focus on helping pet owners build safer, clearer, and more fulfilling relationships with their dogs. My specialty remains what first inspired me—behavior challenges, reactivity, and aggression.
I proudly serve Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Ormond Beach, Flagler Beach, and surrounding areas. If you’re ready for real solutions and real communication with your dog, I’d love to help. Give me a call today to get started!!!
https://www.takealeadk9trainingandtransport.com
