Our Team

I started training my own dogs in basic behaviors. It was with my first Papillon, Maxwell, who brought me to Agility, my first love. With following dogs, I delved into the Dog Sports world of Rally, Obedience, Nosework, Dock Diving, Frisbee, Tracking, Tricks,Conformation and Therapy work. Although I enjoyed competing with my dogs, it became evident that when we could not do sports due to injury or age, they were first and foremost my beloved pets. And as their caretaker I must ensure they were physically and mentally happy and comfortable. My focus shifted from sports to Life Skills. I found it more gratifying to take my dog to various locations and have him learn to take in the World around them quietly and calmly. Not all dogs can do this, as I have learned, but I am always after a calm and functional mind in everyday life with all dogs. Not every dog is meant to be a rockstar, sports star or know a bazillion cues. Most are happy living a simple life with some happy surprises. Growing AND Learning is a process for all beings. It is not a cookie cutter path. I strive to help people understand and accept the individual they are living with and help both set practical coping skills with the emphasis on a strong relationship that will make all other training fun and easy. My technique is simple but nuanced, build a solid relationship, teach your dog what youwant them to do with reinforcement relative to the individual, appropriate and fair consequences, management until you get to your desired path, replicable rehearsal with incremental addition of distraction, patience on your part and……time. Your experiences and those who have influenced you shape who you are today. The true is same of thedogs in our lives. We owe it to them to take this approach.

Dogs bring me so much love and happiness. My world is complete being involved with them. I currently share my life with our Miniature American Shepherd.  She is our little princess, and together we enjoy training and playing in many sports.  Previous dogs that entered my life were 3 wicked smart Akitas and one fierce protector Great Pyrenees. One day when the timing is right, we will bring another Pyrenees into our life. All of these dogs have given me so much insight on behavior and learning.  Every dog is an individual and it is up to us to match the training that works best for that dog.

My fascination with how dogs learned started at a young age. I was always the one questioning other training methods and asking trainers “WHY”. I believe training should be fun for the dogs and humans alike. There needs to be a bond that travels up both ends of the leash. Games help create that bond and take the pressure off of training.  My training doesn’t use force or intimidation. I earn the dogs trust through games and we work together at the dogs own pace to establish a base learning level.

Canine behavior and training has always been a part of Kitchi’s life. As a hobby, she’s helped friends and family understand and integrate dogs into their lives. On a more professional level, she worked on the Wolf/hybrid handling team at the Wildlife Waystation, a wildlife sanctuary in California. While living on the West Coast, she trained wolves and wolfdogs for the film and television industry as well as volunteered at shelters/rescues.

Upon moving to Valparaiso, she became a volunteer at Porter County Animal Shelter and Lakeshore Paws which led to her becoming a dog trainer on staff at LSP. More recently, she received her certification as a Canine Professional Dog Trainer through the accredited CCPDT, Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. She shares her home with her husband, two kids, and three rescue dogs that consist of a doodle, a shepherd mix, and a bloodhound/herding mix.

I found my calling of working with dogs at a very young age. I had always been a fan of dogs, cats, horses, and other animals. I was able to read and understand them. Flash forward to when I was eighteen, I started working at Lakeshore Paws where I met Lisa. She helped me work with the dogs to understand them and make them more adoptable. I started interning for her doing dayschool and watching classes. Realizing this is my calling, I jumped fully in. My ultimate goal is to help educate owners on the dog they have and help their pup grow to their full potential. Also, helping owners understand each dog’s full potential is different compared to another.