My great passions in life are dogs and teaching. I started formally training our family's dogs when I was nine years old. Over many (many) years, I've trained my dogs for obedience, AKC show trials, and volunteer Search and Rescue work. When I retired after thirty-three years of public-school service as a credentialed teacher and administrator, I decided to become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and open my own business.

 

Certifications: MEd

 

Designations: CPDT-KA

 

Job Title: Certified Professional Dog Trainer

 

Training Equipment: Properly Fitted Harness, Flat Collar (or Martingale Collar for dogs with narrow heads), leash of cloth or webbing material, and high value treats in a treat pouch which opens and closes quickly and provides easy access for your hand.

 

Training Philosophy: All beings are at their best when they feel safe and understood, can communicate effectively, and have agency over their lives. I teach my clients with these key features in mind, to optimize the partnerships they have with their dogs.

 

Locations Served: Delaware County, PA (or nearby)

 

Languages: English,Spanish

 

I teach people how to train their dogs with clear mutual communication, so they and their dogs can enjoy life together. I employ humane and respectful techniques to prevent and avert problem behaviors. During my 33-year career as a teacher, school principal, and district administrator, I helped countless students, teachers, and parents in general and special education programs to navigate behavioral challenges with positive behavior support. Being a both an educator and dog handler taught me how to help set learners up for maximum success! In addition to being a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, I am now learning through the Grisha Stewart Academy to be a Certified Behavior Adjustment Training Instructor-Knowledge Assessed (CBATI-KA) for dogs with reactive behaviors. We share our home with two dogs, and a cat who thinks he's a dog.