I offer private lessons in your home & other places where you want your dog to behave well to help with behavior problems. I also offer group classes for dogs and puppies,

 

Certifications: KPA-CTP

 

Training Equipment: Clicker (optional, you may use a verbal substitute if you prefer) When in an open area, flat collar or harness and leash or long line. Toys, if your dog likes them.

 

Training Philosophy: I aim for students and dogs to enjoy learning together. We train using positive and force-free methods. I teach you to discover what motivates your dog and how to break tasks down into small steps so you can both enjoy success right from the start

 

Locations Served: Lexington, KY in person; distant locations via Zoom.

 

Languages: English

 

My experiences in fostering dogs for rescue organizations and working in a shelter have helped me understand first-hand what it's like to live with a variety of behavior problems. I love the feeling of connecting with a troubled dog and teaching my clients how to live in harmony with their dogs. I began assisting in dog training classes in 1999, and started my own training business in 2005. I became a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP) in 2013. I'm also a Fear Free Professional and Certified Control Unleashed Instructor. I continue to hone my skills through attending workshops and conferences. With a Ph.D. in biology and decades in biomedical research. I enjoy the synergy between my training in biological science and a science-based approach to dog training. I live in Lexington Kentucky with my Australian Shepherd. How I became a force-free trainer When I adopted 9-month-old Cassie, her exuberant approach to life covered me with bruises. I started training her using the traditional methods I learned as a child: pushing and guiding her. Once I thought she knew what to do, failures were enforced by jerks on her choke collar. I was surprised by what happened and what failed to happen. She learned the basics of obedience, but her ballistic behaviors didn’t go away. She still lunged and jumped, but in an anxious way. What did go away was her joyfulness. Training wasn’t fun for either of us. Then I heard about clicker training. We took a break from “real” obedience and learned some tricks together. Cassie’s joy returned and in time we were able to learn obedience and so much more. My passion is to share this way of training that enables dogs for joyful partnership.