Coltrain, a coonhound mix from a horrible abuse situation, now enjoying connection with me.

Training Philosphy

I believe in getting positive results for the dog and the family. There is a lot of dogma and division in the dog training world that sadly, harms dogs and limits their potential. I do not subscribe to one school of dog training thought. I base my success on the dog’s success and happiness. Dogs have taught me more about dogs than people have, so the dogs are my overall guide. If the dog’s behavior is improving and the relationship between client and dog is improving, then we are on the right track. I strive for overall quality of life improvement for the dog and human team.

I have found ways to utilize a dog’s greatest sense, the sense of smell, to rehabilitate and train dogs with fear and reactivity issues. Most traditional training focuses on using the dog’s eyes and mouth (for food rewards), but the greatest gift to a dog is using his nose. Sniffing and guiding a dog to explore like a dog has a myriad of positive side effects that can help dogs overcome behavior concerns.

I offer an opportunity to have a deeper understanding of dogs. Dog training is an art, not a hard science. As an artist, and I found it perplexing that many art students would ask my masterful painting instructor what canvas, brushes, and paints she used. They went and bought those tools, expecting to be able to paint like her because they had the same tools. Obviously that didn’t happen because those students didn’t have the experience, or fundamental understanding of color theory, value, and skills to paint like my instructor. It isn’t the tools that make the artist, but the artist that makes the tools produce the desired results. Yet people believe that if they buy the right tool or use enough gadgets, their dog will behave the way they want.

Tools and traditional training are sometimes band-aids to obfuscate symptoms of a larger problem.

Usually the relationship between dog and human needs to improve in trust, security, clarity, and mutually beneficial lifestyle. I prefer to address the holistic causes and the relationship while using the effective tools and training techniques. The time used on learning and exploring options for the latest and greatest electronic gizmo or contraption is often time that could be better spent learning about the dog in front of you and how to connect with it. Many dog training techniques are moving further away from the nature of dogs. I reduce the reliance on gadgets and teach people how to communicate with their dog in a holistic and natural way.

I specialize in fearful/feral dogs and have had success in rehabilitating them into happy pets since 2009. I have worked extensively with fearful/feral dogs in rescue and shelters. I teach feral dogs how to walk on leash and live in pet homes, using a protocol I have developed over years of observing and rehabilitating fearful and feral dogs. I don’t want fearful dogs to merely survive. I help them to thrive.

I believe in collaborating with other great trainers. I take workshops and teach workshops with other trainers. This is a priceless bonus and adds to my ability to help my clients and expand my knowledge.

Dogs have given me skills that apply to my life with humans. Dogs have taught me about confidence, real leadership (not dictatorship), fairness, patience, boundaries, and how to work with a group of dogs as a unit. (and this can translate into life with people). This journey has given back to my life tenfold.

I have a certain skillset many do not have due to the circumstances and dogs I met here in New Mexico. My mentors and my training have given me a unique perspective of understanding dogs for who they are and how we can guide them through mutual partnership, while setting boundaries and using benevolent leadership.

I am a Certified Relationship-Based Trainer through the Canine Human Relationship Institute, meaning I base my training and rehabilitation on building a trusting, mutually beneficial, relationship between dog and human. I am also a Certified Dog Trainer through IACP. I am also in a Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive (LIMA) workgroup with the IACP and Cynopraxis/LIMA Certified with the IACP. I integrate the true meaning of the LIMA principle and Cynopraxic training into my work.

I have volunteered with dog rescues since 2009, assisting many when needed and primarily working with People’s Anti-Cruelty Association as foster coordinator, dog intake evaluator, newsletter writer, trainer, foster dog parent, veterinary liason, and anything else necessary. Currently, I am president of Friends of San Miguel County Animals, a volunteer non-profit that benefit dogs and cats in a underserved county in New Mexico. For three years, I volunteered for the Albuquerque Welfare Department’s Pit Bull Awareness Week, offering safety and dog training classes. My dog Shiloh was a therapy dog for years, mostly helping with the dog safety classes in schools.

Lucky the Redbone Coonhound

Shiloh, my dog that came from Valencia County Shelter. I brought her home after she crawled to me on her belly at the shelter. Her fear of the situation was high but that didn’t deter her love of people. She was a therapy dog for many years.

Tipton, my ex-feral, former street dog, posing for his photo. He was extremely scared of a leash, but proved to want a connection with people, so I brought him home. He turned out to be the most amazingly smart and social dog (with those he trusts) I have had to date.