I have always had a connection with dogs and worked in a German Shepherd kennel as kennel help during Jr. High and High School. It was there that I began training dogs in Schutzhund (German obedience, tracking, and protection).
While in High School, I taught the 4-H obedience classes in my home town. I owned and trained German Shepherds for several years until I met my first Borzoi and began showing in the conformation ring. Over the years, I have shared my life with several German Shepherds and Borzois, a Westie mix, a Basset mix, a Doberman Pinscher, a Chinese Crested and now American Hairless Terriers.
Each dog has helped me to evolve my training methods and philosophy from the Schutzhund military-style to the fully Fear-Free and relationship-based approach that I use today. I taught puppy classes and levels 1&2 at Town & Country Kennel Club from 2008 to 2014 . I was the owner of The Urban Carnivore Proactive Pet Health Center from 1999 until 2015 and did both private and group classes there between 2012 and 2015 under the name Gently Educated Dogs.
I have been studying cognitive dog training methods under the mentorship of Kathy Kawalec for the last five years and applying these methods to help rehabilitate shelter dogs. I am currently playing Agility, FastCAT, Conformation, and Terrier Drag Racing with my AHT, Poni, and we are having the time of our lives! Additionally, I am competing and training in nose work with my dogs Soda-pop and Broderick.
It is an honor to be able to share my experiences and help others build cooperative relationships with their dogs.
