I am a pet dog professional. I have worked with pet dogs in various ways for 30+ years, from veterinary care to foster mom, shelter veterinary tech to pet sitter and dog walker. Starting my formal behavior and training education and career has been the most fulfilling experience of my life. I am passionate about helping pups and dogs find their place, not only in our hearts, but fitting into the family and household to the best of their abilities. I am always participating in continuing education and integrating new ideas into my work. I keep up with the new science and do not have a one size fits all “system.” There is so much happening in canine behavioral science!

 

Certifications:

 

Designations: CPDT-KA, PMCT

 

Job Title: Owner

 

Training Equipment: Harnesses, leash, long line, clickers

 

Locations Served: Anne Arundel County

 

I am a pet dog professional. I have worked with pet dogs in various ways for 30+ years, from veterinary care to foster mom, shelter veterinary tech to pet sitter and dog walker. Starting my formal behavior and training education and career has been the most fulfilling experience of my life. I am passionate about helping pups and dogs find their place, not only in our hearts, but fitting into the family and household to the best of their abilities. I am always participating in continuing education and integrating new ideas into my work. I keep up with the new science and do not have a one size fits all “system.” There is so much happening in canine behavioral science! My goal is to help build a mutually beneficial and respectful relationship between you and your dog. I’m not focused on obedience of old, I am looking to help realize what is most important for your dog to learn what meshes with your family, and meets your dog’s needs. Not every family dog needs the same skills. I adhere to the standards of training and behavior modification set by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviorists: https://avsab.ftlbcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/AVSAB-Humane-Dog-Training-Position-Statement-2021.pdf I also adhere to LIMA which is an acronym for the phrase “least intrusive, minimally aversive.” https://m.iaabc.org/about/lima/ I do not use fear, pain, pressure, or intimidation in training or behavior modification. I do not use electronic (shock) collars, prong (spike, pinch) collars, choke collars, or slip leads. All of these tools work via pain, fear, and Intimidation. They do work to reduce behaviors, however they do not teach our dogs what to do. We want to encourage them to learn behaviors we want, to take initiative, and to have agency in their lives. To learn to self soothe, and most importantly to teach you to understand what they are saying to us, as well as helping you communicate more effectively to them. Work smarter, not harder. It’s really based on common sense and is easier and has better long term success. I am certified CCPDT-KA by an independent organization CCPDT which requires continuing education. I am also a Pat Miller Certified Trainer (PMCT.) I am a professional member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) and the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and adhere to their standards. I am a supporting member of the IAABC.