My ultimate goal in training dogs is to teach our dogs how to make good choices on their own, so we don’t have to micromanage throughout our days together. This takes a combination of concepts, including teaching skills using motivational methods, using clear cues and makers in our training, and prioritizing our dogs’ emotional state so they can feel and think clearly. Every dog is an individual, so each training program is unique and dependent on exactly what your dog, you, and the situation needs for the best results. 

My personal dogs do more than just competition training - they’re also my best friends, adventure buddies, and couch cuddlers. I love helping build my dog’s skills and confidence so they can find their full potential in sports and pet life. All along the way we’re developing a relationship and understanding together.

The training techniques I use take advantage of neuroscientific concepts and neuroplasticity (the ability of the brain to rewire itself). By using modern cognitive science, training both behavior issues and obedience can be so much more effective. I always prioritize reading the dog's body language and so we can stay in an optional state of learning - engaged and clear. I specialize in working with dogs that are dog reactive/aggressive, precision heeling for competition and engagement/focus around distractions.

I know first hand the journey from difficult behaviors, to finding success. I began with fostering rescues from rural shelters, who were all in need of extensive training help to be able to find, and stay, in their forever homes. Many of my personal dogs and I have worked through extensive behavior training and confidence-building, to be able to travel the country and compete in canine sports together.

Surly was a former very(!) dog-reactive and aggressive rescue Cattle Dog who came with the impulse to bark and chase anything that moved, and lunge at every dog. As she gained skills and confidence, we were able to bike tour throughout the US, and compete in herding, agility, obedience, and Rally together.

Rex came to me with a suite of issues, including a major lack of impulse control, shutting down under any stress and a history of some very rough treatment in training. With lots of work, Rex earned his IPO3 title (three times!), the highest of three levels in Schutzhund competition which includes obedience, tracking and protection phases, including winning Top Scoring Dutch Shepherd at the 2016 Working Dutch Shepherd Schutzhund Nationals

I currently live on 14 acres in the Santa Cruz mountains with my two Dutch Shepherds, Tango and Archer.

Tango started competitions at just 6 months old, and retired at 7 after competing in the Dutch Shepherd IGP World Championship in Sweeden. Tango’s varied achievements show what concept based training can do, allowing us to be successful in a range of dog sport

Archer is a fast twitch, highly observant, intense Dutch Shepherd. He has needed a calm, clear, training style to work with his low frustration tolerance and fast-paced thinking. In his first IGP competition, he earned the highest scores in all three phases of obedience, tracking, and protection, and a V/Excellent rated obedience phase.

Both Tango and Archer have an incredible ability to read canine body language. They are an indispensable part of helping reactive dogs learn they can feel relaxed and safe around other dogs. 

Our dogs are companions, family, and our adventure partners. I am so looking forward to helping your dog to be able to join you both out in the world and to be the best friend they can be at home.

Education:

• BS Environmental Sci and Policy, Minor in Wildlife and Society and GIS from the University of Maryland

• Trish King’s Academy of Dog Behavior

• Certified Pet Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)

• Certified Behavior Consultant Canine (CBCC)

• Regular attendee at seminars and study programs to continue my education

• Began fostering rescues, 2005

• Founded a non-profit rescue, 2010

Tango:

• 2018 and 2019 Dutch Shepherd Schutzhund National Champion (Schutzhund is a sport combining obedience, protection/bite work and tracking)

• 2019 Vice World Dutch Shepherd Schutzhund Champion

• 10th place at DVG Championships

• 2022 World Dutch Shepherd Schutzhund Championships competitor

• FH1 Advanced Tracking - 3 years

• French Ring Brevet with a perfect 100pt score

• French Ring 1 title

• Nosework Odor Recognition Tests - 6mo

• Rally Novice Obeidence - 9mo

• Preferred Novice Obedience - 10mo

• NACSW Nosework 1 - 12mo

• NACSW Nosework 3 Elite

Rex

• IGP3 x3

• FH1 and FH2 Advanced Tracking titles

• AKC Rally Advanced

• United Masters Jumper Dock Diving

Surly

• AKC Novice Obedience

• AKC Rally Advanced

• AKC Herding Tested