Offering virtual training options to individuals looking for help with puppy training (including potty training), basic manners, clicker training, and tricks. I teach in-person classes with the Dog Training Center of Chester County, Exton, PA (I have been teaching with then for over 20 years).

 

Certifications:

 

Locations Served: Virtually anywhere ;-)

 

Languages: English

 

I am a positive reinforcement dog trainer who believes all dogs are effectively trained through dog-friendly techniques enabling them to be lifelong companions in a relationship based on mutual trust and respect. My background: I started training dogs when I was 9 yrs. old through 4-H. My first competition dog (a Cairn Terrier) earned her C.D. obedience title when I was 14. I won numerous Junior Handling Awards through High School. In college (Wheaton College, MA) I studied Animal Behavior and had the opportunity to do field research on coyotes with Marc Bekoff; intern for David Premack's primate research center; and work at the National Zoo's research facility in Front Royal, VA under Chris Wemmer. I graduated from college with departmental honors as the result of my senior thesis "The Influence of Hormones on Dominance and Social Behavior in the Rat." The year after graduation was spent working in a research lab at a teaching hospital after which I left the sciences to pursue a corporate marketing career. More recent past: In 2000 I decided to get more active in dog training again and that's when I became involved with the Dog Training Club of Chester County. It is a wonderful club that is extremely active, offering a wide selection of venues. I began assisting with classes in 2001 and became an instructor in 2003. I earned my CPDT in 2006. I have successfully competed with my current Cairn in conformation, rally, agility and obedience, having earned titles in each venue. We are currently playing around with freestyle. I love dogs! I thoroughly enjoy working with dog/handler teams to help them: build their relationships, mutual trust, appreciate their time together and perhaps most importantly have fun!