I am here to help you succeed. My focus is more than just obedience, but on cultivating a community of happy, healthy dogs and responsible pet owners.
What’s my story?
Although I grew up with dogs and have always had a love for them, I didn’t grow up thinking I would become a dog trainer!
I attended Mount Royal College in Calgary where I earned a degree in Applied Accounting, and continued on to earn my Chartered Accountant designation in 2008. I now work as a Certified Trainer/ Educator as well as a Chartered Accountant in Red Deer, Alberta. I am proud to call Red Deer home, it is a great community.
I actively volunteer with various dog rescue groups as well as volunteer for other organizations in the Red Deer Area.
As far as training goes, many people ask me – why dog training? For me, it was a combination of things. Although, let me tell you, I was certainly skeptical of the trade – intially. For those that know me, I am a completely analytical, technical, and substantive person, so I did my research.
First and foremost – our two dogs were out of control. Always misbehaving, listening only when they wanted to, barking at dogs, barking at people, destroying the house, you name it! A pet owners worst nightmare and to say it simply, I loved our dogs, but I didn’t like them. Needless to say, this causes stress and tension in any household. This was not how we pictured a life with dogs.
Secondly, I have spent a number of years volunteering for dog rescues, something that is near and dear to my heart. I saw dog after dog enter rescues for no other reason than they were simply misunderstood and uneducated. Only a portion of these sweet souls survive to find another chance. Millions of pets are euthanized annuallly, and to me, this is unacceptable.
After reading numerous training books and trying EVERY training tool, I got no where with my dogs! Finally, in early 2010, I made the call to take an intensive, hands on training course. It was about more than my misbehaving dogs, I also wanted to help other pet owners who felt like they were running out of options. I wanted to show people that having a dog should be fun, not stressful. Dogs are so super smart, and with the correct training tools and understanding, they are waiting to show you what they are truly capable of.
With the knowledge I have gained from the course, I truly understand what it means to have a loving respectful bond with your dog. I now know the so called ‘training tools’ I previously tried, are nothing but a cover up of a much deeper issue. Here – there’s no covering up, no tools, no treats, just you, your dog and an earned relationship of mutual trust and respect.
