My areas of focus:

– Puppy training, from foundation skills to potty training and biting plans
– Fearful/anxious/stressed dogs, often manifested as reactivity and aggression
– Basic skills for dogs of all ages, including newly adopted dogs
– Cooperative care training, to help make medical exams and procedures more comfortable
– Tricks training
– AKC Evaluator for Canine Good Citizen and Virtual Home Manners titles

My training methods:

You want results. I want them for you, too. You love and want the best for your animals, and I want that, too. That’s why I study and use only science-endorsed, humane training methods.

Rather than old-style methods that force good behavior through pain and intimidation, I use techniques that focus on teaching dogs to actively enjoy making good choices and that address the underlying emotions and motivations behind poor behavior.

For example, a dog that barks and growls at other dogs out of fear or anxiety can be taught to stop by punishing the behavior. But the reason for the behavior remains, which means it can crop back up easily. Plus, a stressful training process adds to the dog’s anxiety. It is far better to use positive training to address the root of the problem—the fear. If a dog is no longer fearful, there’s no longer a reason to bark or growl. Problem solved, effectively and kindly.

Modern, science-based training has another advantage. It’s actually quite fun for both the animals and their humans. I want you to get great results, but I’d like you and your pet to enjoy getting them, too.

My professional training and credentials:

Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Certified Training Partner (CTP) KPA is widely regarded as one of the most respected and rigorous schools for trainers. I am not only a proud graduate of the Academy, but I am also a KPA Certified Training Partner. My KPA experience includes the Dog Trainer Foundations, Dog Trainer Professional, Cat Training, and Better Vet Visits courses.

L.E.G.S. Family Dog Mediator Endorsed by leading canine scientists and celebrated by dog pros worldwide, this revolutionary model of integrated dog behavior and welfare goes beyond basic dog training by addressing dogs as individuals based on their:

Learning history

Environment

Genetics, and their unique

Self.

Fear Free Certified Pet Professional (FFCPP) As a FFCPP, I work in partnership with dog parents and veterinary/grooming teams to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress and improve an animal’s emotional well-being during veterinary care, grooming, and home care by expertly identifying, responding to, and reducing stress/fear signals.

Certified Trick Dog Instructor with Do More With Your Dog, an internationally recognized titling program focused on dog trick training, fitness, and enrichment.

Continuing Professional Education To keep up to date with all the latest animal training science and techniques, I attend at least two seminars, conferences, or professional courses every year.

Professional Teaching I currently offer in-person private sessions for dogs, pigs, and cats in Wasatch and Summit County, Utah. I offer virtual training worldwide. For five years, I professionally taught private and group classes with a team of fellow professional positive reinforcement trainers at imPETus Animal Training, one of Las Vegas’ leading dog training studios. I have assisted in reactive-dog classes for Helping Idaho Dogs, have assisted in the KPA Dog Trainer Professional course, and have mentored new trainers through Animal Behavior College.

Related Certifications I’m a certified American Kennel Club Evaluator for Family Dog Programs including their renowned Canine Good Citizen, Virtual Home Manners, and Tricks titles. I’m certified in pet CPR and First Aid and have achieved certification in Animal Reiki as part of my holistic interest in animal behavior and well-being.