I offer private training and behavior modification in your home or environments you frequent with your dog. I am a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and also have a Certificate In Canine Studies from The Northwest School of Canine Studies. I adhere strictly to the CCPDT’s principle of utilizing a least intrusive,
minimally aversive approach to training. Not only because I don’t believe in harming animals to teach them from an ethical standpoint, but also because there is no efficacy in doing so either. A punished dog is a fearful dog and a fearful dog is far more likely to develop anxiety and unpredictable behavior which are the exact things we want to work to avoid or address in behavior modification. I utilize a three-pronged approach to training and behavior mod that involves managing a dog’s environment to set them up for success, finding outlets for drive behaviors so that a dog is both physically and mentally stimulated with learning opportunities and enrichment activities, and clear owner leadership–I help you understand how your dog learns and processes information so that communication between you and your dog is clear and consistent. I not only want you to understand what we do to train or modify a behavior but to empower you by helping you understand why we do it and why it works. I believe strongly in the value of continuing education and collaboration in the field of dog training and routinely seek out opportunities to learn, teach and advance my skills from attending conferences to discussing cases and sharing feedback with a team of mentors and colleagues in the field. I see other trainers as my support network, not my competition. A great trainer is part of a community of professionals that share our passion and knowledge so that we bring the best to our clients. Outside of Whole Dog, I am a passionate animal welfare worker having worked at PAWS, on the behavior team at Kitsap Humane Society, and at Seattle Animal Shelter. Prior to working in animal welfare I worked in veterinary medicine for several years. I also taught everyday skills and manners classes at Four Paw Sports Center. I sincerely believe in the magic of helping humans understand their dogs, and dogs their humans, and I look forward to working with you and your dog to build strong communication and a bond that lasts a lifetime.
