About Me

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.

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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.

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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 you want 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 the dogs in our lives. We owe it to them to take this approach.