Experience and Qualifications

I've been working with animals professionally since 2007.  I've worked for:

  • A small, cage-free daycare and boarding facility
  • A service dog company as a Puppy Supervisor
  • A large-scale kennel (Barkingham Palace)
  • Florida's largest pet store

I received my ABC training certification in February, 2015. This involved:

Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer

  • Studying the dog training trade and basic obedience principles
  • Testing to verify my knowledge base
  • Volunteering with an animal shelter
  • Interning with local dog trainer Shaun Woodard

I became an AKC CGC Evaluator in January, 2016

The American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen is awarded to dogs demonstrating exceptional manners in home and in public.

As an AKC CGC Evaluator, I can administer tests for any of the 4 CGC certifications available. I can also help dogs prepare to take and pass these tests successfully.

I do volunteer work whenever I can:

  • I offer free workshops on dog behavior and training at least once a month.  This is where I post the events. 
  • I volunteered with Amy, the lead trainer in Utah Valley for Canines With a Cause. This is a non-profit organization that trains Service Dogs for Veterans. I helped teach classes once a week.
  • I have volunteered with shelter dogs and continue to do so whenever time permits
  • I enjoy learning from other trainers and often volunteer time helping out with clients and classes, providing a win-win for both of us!

I've been teaching group classes since May, 2015. I have created and offered the following classes:

  • Free Socialization classes
  • S.T.A.R. Puppy classes (a CGC certification)
  • Life Skills (all-levels obedience)
  • Intro Agility
  • Intermediate Agility
  • Additional classes coming soon!
I've partnered with a local facility to provide these classes for the Utah Valley community from 2015-2017.  I'm currently only teaching Intro and Intermediate agility, but I hope to start offering more classes again in 2018. 

I took a T-Touch class in November, 2013

I had heard numerous wonderful stories of the relaxing and nurturing nature of TTouch, so I decided to take a class to learn more about it.  I'm happy to report that I now know several of the beginning techniques and, though my dog wasn't a fan of it at first, he's learned to enjoy the help of TTouch as he ages.

I hope to host TTouch classes in the future.  I think many pet parents and pet professionals would benefit from learning the TTouch technique.

I am CPR Certified and Dog and Cat First Aid Certified

I also decided it would be beneficial for me as a trainer and dog caretaker to educate myself in dog and cat health.  I took a class through the American Red Cross and received my certification for dog and cat CPR and first aid.  I have also taken the time to learn a few things from veterinarians in my area.

I became an ABC Mentor Trainer in February, 2016

I recently became a mentor trainer for Animal Behavior College.  As a mentor trainer, I'll be able to guide aspiring trainers, provide them with resources to help grow their own business, and evaluate their training techniques.  I still have a good relationship with my mentor trainer and I look forward to helping other trainers get their start.

I'm a member of The Associate of Professional Dog Trainers

I'm currently working on membership with a number of other professional training organizations. 

I have an apprentice program for those interested in learning about dog training and behavior on a professional level

I have custom-designed a program that teaches apprentices through observation, reading materials from other experts in the field and hands-on application.  My goal is to educate anyone who'd like to learn science-based theory and methodology to improve the lives of owners and dogs they come in contact with.  If this sounds like something you might be interested in, please contact me to talk about the program. 

Future Plans:

I plan to pursue higher level education and certifications as I learn more each year: