About My Training

I began my journey with dogs in 2001 when I met my Aunt's Golden Retriever, Sam. The connection was instant, and since then, I've spent over 23 years working with and learning about dogs.

I began professionally training dogs in 2022, and have experience with breeds of all sizes and dogs of all backgrounds, from pedigree imported working dogs to mixed-breed rescues. Because my passion lies in helping dogs and people thrive together, I specialize in Behavioral Diagnostics and Modification, and focus on holistic training and handler education, which allows me to help dogs rehabilitate, heal and overcome problematic behaviors so that they can thrive comfortably with their human families, and help people have safe, fulfilling and enjoyable experiences as dog owners.

In addition to basic obedience, I have trained dogs for Medical Mobility Assistance, Search and Rescue, Object Retrieval, Livestock Guardianship and Hunting, and I have experience with severe aggression and anxiety. 

In 2024, I achieved major success as a trainer when my Search and Rescue Team certified Nationally in Tracking and Trailing.

I strongly believe in the importance of education and variety. My education is ongoing, and I am committed to constantly expanding my knowledge through attending annual comferences and seminars, current scientific research and varied training experiences.

Most importantly, my dogs are my family. If they choose, they may sit on my couch, and sleep in my bed. I am not my dogs 'owner': I am their Kahu.

I offer private, personalized dog training in Leonard, Texas and the surrounding cities, including Blue Ridge, Celeste, Wolfe City, Bonham, Bailey, Bells, Whitewright and Denison.

Training is a mutual educational experience where both members of the team, human and canine, are provided with means and opportunities to bond, communicate, and develop and advance personal skills. I believe that training should support and enhance your canines well being, and your life together, and that as responsible trainers, we should want dogs to achieve their best, while having the wisdom to recognize and respect their limitations. 

I developed my personal training approach based on intuition, decades of scientific research regarding Animal Behavior, Psychology, Genetics, Anatomy and Health, and 23 years of experience both working with dogs and working with other Canine Professionals from across the country. 

My training style is 

• Holistic, meaning that training considers and seeks to improve all aspects of canine health and wellness, including environment, routine, breed specific needs, behavioral causes, and skills development.
• Personalized, meaning that every dog is different, and so our approach to training techniques depends on factors such as your dogs breed, personality, ability, history and learning style.
• Science Based, meaning that I incorporate decades of research into my training techniques. 
• Balanced, meaning I incorporate both positive and negative reinforcement into the natural learning process. 

I offer private, at home, one-on-one training with you and your dog. Anyone you want to participate may, but because your dog's behavior and training is based on YOU, it is essential that you are the main component in your training. 

My training methodology is built around 4 core values: 

Individuality.

Every dog is different. That's why I consider your dogs breed, age, history and personality before deciding which training technique will most benefit them. 

Leadership.

You are an enormous influence in your dog's life. While genetics, personality and experiences play a huge role in influencing your dog's behaviors, your behaviors also play a significant role in shaping your dog. That's why my training focuses on handler education, and teaching you how to communicate with and train your own dog.

Wellness.

Training should seek to support and improve the wellness of dogs and their people. My training prioritizes health, safety, skills development and manners, so you and your dog can cohabitate comfortably and enjoy life together to the fullest extent.

Respect.

I believe that having a dog is a privilege and a responsibility. As our dogs guardians, it is our responsibility to understand and to provide for their needs to the best of our abilities. I recognize and respect dogs as fellow living, intelligent and feeling creatures.