I am passionate about dogs. I am enthusiastic about my profession and I love to share my knowledge with other dog owners. My formal dog training certification began with attending Animal Behavior College. After graduation I taught group classes for Animal Behavior and Training Associates and then launched Mutts Better in 2004. In 2006 I became a Certified Tellington TTouch® Practitioner, and in 2009 I earned the title Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed from the CCPDT. The Tellington TTouch method is a gentle, positive approach to training that helps animals easily learn new and more appropriate behaviors. I enjoy teaching dogs and people using gentle no-force methods which set the dog up for success. I love seeing that moment when a dog happily offers you the exact behavior you have taught him to do.
In addition to my formal dog training education, I strive to continually increase my professional development by reading relevant material, attending conferences and seminars, and pursuing other educational opportunities. I have completed workshops in Acupressure for Animals, Healing Touch for Animals and Animal Communication. Most recently I attended an Advanced Tellington TTouch Training in 2008, the Masters Of Behavior Conference in 2009, and in 2010 the S.A.N.E. Solutions for Extreme Dog Behavior with Kathy Cascade and the Ian Dunbar Science-Based Dog Training (With Feeling) seminars. In 2011 I passed the skills portion of the CPDT-KSA exam and earned the title Certified Professional Dog Trainer- Knowledge and Skills Assessed. At this time there are less than 60 trainers nationwide who hold that honor. In 2011 I also attended the annual APDT conference for five fun filled, education packed, sunny days in San Diego.
My greatest pleasure comes from seeing dogs find their forever homes, which is why I volunteer with the local animal shelters and rescue groups. I also thoroughly enjoy helping people work through any issues they are having in order to form a loving, lasting relationship with the pet of their choice.
Dogs are man’s best friends and well behaved ones can make that friendship even better. As American Humorist and Screenwriter Corey Ford said, “Properly trained, a man can be dog's best friend.”
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