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About Me
My Background
My personal dog training journey began in 2021 with my first puppy, Koda, a 10-week-old Pomeranian. Although I had worked with other dogs since I was young, getting my own puppy inspired me to refresh my training knowledge and techniques. I was determined to start off on the right foot. I started training koda in basic obedience and family manners the day I brought him home, but we attended our first professional obedience class when he was 12 weeks old.
Koda's intelligence and trainability amazed me! He passed his first obedience class with flying colors earning his AKC (American Kennel Club) Canine Good Citizenship Title at just 6-months old! While I enjoyed obedience training, I was captivated by the agility classes held at other side of the training facility… The complexity of the courses, the handlers' ability to communicate with their off-leash dogs using just words and body language, and the dogs' courage to tackle each obstacle with such speed and power enthralled me. While I had no previous experience with canine agility, I was determined to learn! And in that moment, I knew then one day soon Koda and I would be out there on the other side of the fence, running courses and competing together!
For the next three years, Koda and I attended weekly group and private agility lessons with professional trainers who had national and international success. I quickly learned that agility training was much more than just teaching a dog to jump and climb over obstacles. It required a solid foundation built on trust, achieved through understanding the complexity of canine behaviors and effective communication. and effective communication. Training the basic skills to prepare for the agility ring was challenging, but with hard work and dedication, we both fell in love with the sport. Seeing Koda’s joy and energy just from pulling into the parking lot of the training facility each week assured me that we were in it for the long run. And at just 15 months old, Koda and I competed in our very first agility competition, qualifying in 5 out of 6 classes that weekend!
Awards and Titles
Koda flew through the ranks moving from Novice, to Open, to Excellent, to a Master AKC agility competitor in just seven months! He has earned multiple AKC titles, including Novice and Intermediate Trick Dog, Excellent Jumpers, Excellent Agility, and Excellent FAST, an agility event that tests a dog's speed, strategy, and athleticism.
Koda is also a two-time winner of the UK International Master Series Event, which earned us a spot in the UKI 2024 US Open Master Series Final in Florida
Credentials and Qualifications:
Training and Education:
I graduated from Southern Illinois University with my Master’s Degree in Industrial Orgniazational Psychology In Spring of 2024.
My background in Industrial Organizational Psychology is highly relevant to dog training because we specialize in behavioral analysis and the design and implementation of training and development programs. While I am skilled and successful in training and working directly with dogs, my expertise in psychology and external consulting equips me with the knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate the individual needs of my clients and design customized training programs to fit those needs. After all, training the dog is only a small part of the business; working with the owners and teaching them how to do it all on their own and transfer those skills effectively makes up the majority of a good dog trainer's mission.
Extensive Training and Education: Includes estensive research in animal behavior, and recurrent training with professionals at national and international levels, and hands-on practice with dogs of all sizes and breeds.
Finding My Confidence
Inspired by my journey with Koda, I considered turning my passion into a career. Becoming a professional dog trainer would give me the priveledge off helping other dog owners experience the same joy and strong connection with their dogs that I have with Koda.
For years, I debated whether I was ready to pursue my passion for dog training and start my own practice. I researched animal behavior, trained both of my dogs in competitive agility, and attended weekly private and group lessons with professionals who have competed at national and international levels. I watched countless hours of seminars and lectures on learning theory and its application to canine training, and worked with dogs of all sizes, from Beagles and Chihuahuas to Great Danes and Rottweilers, all while pursuing my Master's degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology.
Despite my extensive training and education… I still doubted myself. I questioned my credentials and capabilities, wondering if I knew enough or was skilled enough to call myself a professional dog trainer. Two years ago, I gathered the courage to talk with one of my trainers about my aspirations. To my surprise, she encouraged me to "Go for it!"
My Turning Point: Why I Chose Compassionate Dog Training
Witnessing the harsh methods of a local "dog trainer" was a turning point for me. The trainer’s techniques were deeply disturbing, to say the least—jerking dogs around by their necks with no clear purpose or direction, refusing to use treats, hitting them, and mocking them when they showed fear. They took pride in the stress and fear that they inflicted, offering harmful reassurances and claiming that these methods could never really hurt the dog. They even used props to intimidate and force reactions from anxious dogs, and then punished them for their fearful responses. Despite boasting decades of experience, this person misled countless pet owners into believing that such cruelty was both necessary and acceptable for effective canine training.
In that moment, I realized just how crucial it is for dog owners to have access to professionals who will prioritize ethical and humane training methods and advocate for the dog’s well-being and fair treatment when they have no voice of their own.
My desire to make a difference in dog training and ownership inspires me every single day. I strongly believe that if compassionate professionals like myself don’t step out of our comfort zones and have the courage to try, harmful training methods will continue to dominate the industry, and dogs will continue to suffer in silence. My mission as a trainer is to equip my clients with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to raise happy, well-behaved, obedient dogs while fostering a positive bond based on leadership and trust.
Make it stand out.
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Dream it.
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Build it.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
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Grow it.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
