Since I was a little girl I had a fascination with animals, dogs in particular. I was and still am intrigued and entertained by their antics. I always wondered what made dogs tick. My first experience with dog training was taking our Miniature Schnauzer to training classes held at an elementary school by our home. I believe I was around 10 years old. My education about dogs was limited at that time to what I could read on the subject and what I could observe watching neighborhood dogs. I loved watching Lassie and Rin Tin Tin. Old Yeller made me cry.

My Experience AKC CGC Approved Evaluator (link) Official Dog Trainer of the University of Washingtons's Mascot: "Dubs" Featured Pet Expert for News and Lifestyle television and local radio Contributing writer for MSN website: www.dogcentral.msn.com Masters degree in education with an emphasis in behavioral psychology Over 25 years offering comprehensive training programs through private training, classes, and boarding training Expert on dog behavior staying current with new theory and application Experienced in rehabilitating dogs presenting phobias to aggression Consult to boarding and daycare facilities on canine behavior Hosted a radio call in show about pets on KVI in Seattle California; qualified for a sentry license to train dogs for protection work Imported and trained dogs from Europe for specialized service including Schutzhund Pet Q & A columnist Conducted seminars with Veterinarians addressing behavior and pet health Conducted behavior seminars for dog owners at various pet stores Registered Pet Partner® with Delta Society(hospital and nursing home visits with personal dogs) Former Licensed Delta Society Evaluator(evaluate handler-pet teams for Delta Society) Introduced and helped implement Pet Visitation program at Overlake Hospital in Bellevue, WA Program coordinator/trainer for pet visitation program at Overlake Hospital Program coordinator/trainer for pet visitation program for Camp Korey in Carnation Program coordinator/trainer for pet visitation program for Overlake Hospital's Specialty school Vice President; Volunteer Advisory Panel at Overlake Hospital Certified school for dog trainers in California Wrote, produced, directed, dog behavior and training tapes successfully selling internationally since 1996

Fast forward to a post graduate degree in education, diverting off a path as a psych major, through a couple of brief career paths and then finding the wonderful profession of dog training. Now, not only do I get to work with animals, most of my best human friends come from my business. My dog's best canine friends also come from my business. Dog (and horse) people are the best.

I started my dog training business in California. Then, in the early 90's moved to Seattle where I began another training business. Los Angeles gave me the opportunity to become "trainer to the stars," although all my canine students are stars! A few of my human celebrity clients were: Kirk Douglas, Jimmy Stewart, Dinah Shore, Carrie Fisher, Dionne Warwick, Burt Bacharach, Linda Laven, Ben Murphy, & Ruth Pointer of the Pointer Sisters.

My training approach for educating both ends of the leash has evolved over the years. I believe in integrating mind, body and spirit. I have had the great fortune to work with wonderful dogs and great owners.

My training opportunities include everything from 7 week old pups with relatively clean slates to senior canines with some doggie baggage. I address on and off leash obedience, socialization, problem prevention and solutions, manners and reality training. I also work with very tough cases. I find it is the challenging cases that effect change and promote professional growth.

I enjoy reading the mountain of books on dog behavior, training and canine nutrition. However, one could read everything available about canine behavior to gain insight into the species but there is nothing like hands on experiences to facilitate thinking outside the box. My experiences which I define as gifts, have afforded me the opportunity to continue to learn more about dog behavior and the important element of the human-canine relationship. And, along the way improve my training and teaching skills.

My Basic Training Philosophy is;
Catch your dog doing something right!

Thousands of dogs and their people have graduated from my training programs over the past two plus decades. YOU can be a graduate too!

I am proud to say that the majority of my business is generated by referrals. These referrals come from clients, Veterinarians, groomers, and top breeders. I do not just drop off business cards or my training information at pet related businesses where people do not know me. The people who are kind enough to refer me know my work.

I am not professionally involved in showing or the breeding of dogs. Personally, I do not care if your beloved pet is a purebred dog with a room full of ribbons or a lovable mixed-breed. All dogs are gifts. I support dedicated breeders whose goal is to not only improve the breed standard but care about the temperament of their dogs and who do not disappear once the check clears. I also support those individuals who give their heart and time to animal rescue organizations helping to re-home dogs in need.

I want to give you the tools to mold, shape or rehabilitate appropriate behavior in a positive, fun way so you will be motivated to include your pet in your everyday life and keep the dog forever!