Dog Training and Behavior

In 1996 I found a homeless Rottweiler mix who became my pet. I struggled to figure this dog out.  I had no idea how to  effectively communicate with a dog or how to address her insecurity, reactivity, or aggression towards dogs and people.  After attending a few traditional force-based classes and seeking help from trainers with the same methods, I was relieved to discover reward-based training.  Obviously, life is not all positive,  but I do my best to teach my animals using primarily positive reinforcement methods.  I regularly attend workshops and seminars given by experts in dog training and behavior.  I try to stay current on the most humane and effective strategies.  I love the art, science, and magic of good animal training.  It has become a lifetime practice.

 I founded, owned and operated a dog-walking, boarding,  and cat care business in the mid 1990’s. I also worked part-time at a local dog daycare facility during this time.  After completing my School of Dog Training apprenticeship at the Anti-Cruelty Society, I became one of their senior instructors, teaching classes for ten years at the shelter.  I have fostered dogs for the Anti-Cruelty Society, Chicago Canine Rescue, Chicagoland Shepherd Rescue, Illinois Doberman Rescue, and Simply Shepherds Rescue.  I have conducted behavior evaluations at Chicago Animal Care & Control for Safe Humane Chicago and was one of Safe Humane's  Community Training Partners.  I received approval from the Illinois Department of Agriculture as a Humane Investigator in 2016 and 2017.  In 2020 I graduated from the three-month Explosive Detection Canine handler school at JBSA Lackland.  My current schedule includes working  as an EDC handler.

Working with horses has influenced my dog training, just as my dog training has influenced how I work with horses. I bought my first horse in 2009.  I adopted my second horse in 2019. The method for working with both species is based on trust, understanding, clarity, repetition, and patience.  In addition to dogs and horses, I occasionally foster cats and have participated in TNR programs in Chicago, IL, and San Antonio, TX.  My current crew consists of two German Shepherd Dogs, an American Eskimo Dog, a Siberian Husky, a German Shorthair pointer, and two Quarterhorses.