How we train animals

Positive Reinforcement Training: Build a Stronger Bond with Your Dog 

Positive reinforcement training is a kind, effective way to teach your dog. Instead of punishment, we reward good behaviors with treats, praise, or toys. This builds trust and makes learning fun, helping your dog feel confident and engaged. It's used everywhere, from family pets to zoo animals!

My Approach: Tailored Training for Every Dog

My passion is helping you and your dog build a trusting, respectful partnership. Every dog is unique, and I tailor my training to their individual needs and your goals. Whether it's improving obedience, tackling behavioral challenges, or excelling in dog sports, I empower you with the knowledge to understand your dog better.

For dogs, training isn't just commands; it's about confidence, enrichment, and problem-solving. I work with all types of dogs, ensuring you gain the tools to reinforce success at home.

Proven Training Methods I Use:

• Constructional Aggression Training (CAT): Helps reactive or aggressive dogs learn to make calmer choices by rewarding relaxed behavior around triggers.

• Predation Substitution Training (PST): Channels your dog's natural hunting instincts into fun, controlled activities like scent work or toy play, improving recall and impulse control.

• Constructional Affection (Caff): Teaches dogs that calm, relaxed behavior earns affection, building a strong, positive bond without encouraging pushy behaviors.

My extensive background in animal training is built on a blend of ethical practices, precision, and a deep understanding of canine behaviour.

• 4H (American Youth Program): This is where my journey began, establishing my foundation in ethical training methods, animal care, and youth mentorship in animal handling.

• United States Marine Corps (USMC 0331) K9 Training: I learned the importance of precision, discipline, and high-reliability obedience for dogs in demanding environments. This emphasized clear communication and engagement under distraction.

• Schutzhund Training: This honed my skills in obedience, tracking, and protection work, fostering confidence, control, and teamwork. It focuses on drive management, impulse control, and problem-solving under pressure.

• The Delta Institute (Animal Behaviour and Training): Here, I gained a deeper understanding of canine psychology, behaviour modification, and force-free training techniques for long-term success.

• Susan Garrett’s Recallers Program: This provided a structured, game-based approach to building an incredibly reliable recall, ensuring dogs choose to return to their handler even amidst high distractions.

By integrating these proven methods, I can adapt training to suit each dog’s temperament and needs, from high-energy working breeds to anxious rescue dogs. Whether it’s rehabilitating reactive dogs through CAT, giving high-drive dogs an outlet through Schutzhund-inspired training, reinforcing affection-driven behaviours with Constructional Affection, or ensuring pet dogs have a strong recall through game-based learning, my goal is to make training engaging, effective, and rewarding for both dog and handler.
By helping handlers read their dogs’ behaviour, respond appropriately, and use evidence-based training methods, I foster stronger connections between dogs and their humans. Seeing both dog and handler grow together, overcoming challenges, and building confidence is the most rewarding part of my work.