My Story
All dog trainers love dogs (we hope), but to be truly effective, we need a passion to figure out that magic mix of human/dog interaction to create a life-long relationship that is healthy and rewarding for both. I have that love, knowledge and passion to help you and your dog. 

With a degree in textiles from The Ohio State University, I found years of stability and success in the home furnishings industry until the U.S. textiles market turned to less expensive imports. I had to re-think my career. 

In the past, a new job meant one in the field in which I had experience. And then a dear friend asked me the question, "If money were no object and you could do anything you wanted to do, what would it be?" It took half a second before I blurted out, "I'd like to train dogs!" As it turned out, it was a great choice and anyone who knows me thought it was a perfect fit. Finally! I have a career that I love and one that is fulfilling. 

A career change meant additional schooling. I graduated with honors from the Animal Behavior College in Northridge, California and am now a certified mentor for their students. I continued my training with a wonderful mentor, Monique Williams and with the Humane Society of Charlotte. Years of teaching and individual lessons, and achieving my CPDT-KA designation (more on that below) has provided me with additional training to better serve my clients. I've since become a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and Star Puppy Program Instructor through the American Kennel Club. 

Dominance vs. Leadership
Thanks to the countless hours spent observing and documenting dogs' behaviors, animal behaviorists (also known as ethologists) all over the world have scientifically proved that dogs will repeat behaviors that benefit them, i.e., reinforced with food, attention, toys or social interaction, and will not repeat behaviors if they aren't reinforced. They also proved that there is no reason to dominate our dogs or train with force. In my opinion, this is not training, it is coercion. 

In her book, "Family Friendly Dog Training: A Six-Week Program for You and Your Dog," author and Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist Patricia B. McConnell, PhD stresses how coercion training can be effective in undesired ways, such as teaching your dog to be afraid of you, eliciting defensive aggression, or role modeling that one gets what one wants by being violent. 

Various other training methods use the study of wolves to support their "alpha" theory of leadership. However, humans cannot mimic the behavior of wolves in a pack. It just doesn't translate. It's just as silly as thinking that if we learn a few words of French, we could be mistaken for a native.  

It's common for owners to assume that their dogs are purposely challenging their authority when they don't comply with everything they're asked to do. We are guilty of calling this disobedience when it really should be called miscommunication, says McConnell in Family Friendly Dog Training. Dogs often don't do what we ask of them for many of the same reasons that we don't do what we're asked; we may be confused, scared or motivated to do something else. As leaders, we should learn how to give our dogs every opportunity to succeed. 

Remember that dogs are animals first, so we need to let them act like animals, but with human-world appropriate rules and behaviors. 

What is a CPDT-KA?
Certified Pet Dog Trainers with a CPDT-KA designation have earned this credential by demonstrating their knowledge and experience in dog training. Each professional dog trainer who earns the CPDT-KA designation is required to achieve a minimum of 300 hours teaching classes and providing private training before being permitted to sit for a psychometrically sound written exam.  

The written examination covers all facets of the dog training profession, including canine ethology, the science of learning theory, animal husbandry, classroom management and technique, and more. A Certified Pet Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed stays informed on current knowledge in the field and is familiar with the latest, most effective training techniques and equipment, and is required to attain continuing education units to recertify every three years. A CPDT-KA adheres to a strict Code of Ethics and must provide a reference from a client, colleague and veterinarian as part of their application for certificartion.