My Journey to a lifetime of dog training began as a child watching my father train hunting dogs. I raised my first litter of puppies when I was 14 years old, from the time they were born until they were ready for my dad to sell. This included daily care, vaccinations, deworming and socialization. For over 40 years, I have dedicated my life to understanding and improving the relationship between dogs and their people. Like many trainers of my generation, I learned from my dad traditional methods that relied on correction-based tools, including shock collars, choke collars, whips and other correction based methods. At the time, I believed I was doing what was best-teaching dogs through discipline and control. But deep down, I always felt there had to be a better way, one that built trust rather than fear.

As I became an adult and my experience grew, so did my understanding of canine behavior. I began studying the science of learning and animal behavior more deeply, and I couldn’t ignore the overwhelming evidence supporting positive reinforcement. I witnessed firsthand how dogs learned faster, retained information longer, and became more confident when training was based on rewards rather than punishment.  The shift wasn’t just about improving training results – it was about respecting the emotional well-being of the dogs I worked with.

Today, as a Certified Pat Miller Trainer, I am committed to helping dogs and their families using methods that are not only effective but also compassionate. I focus on uncovering the root causes of unwanted behaviors, addressing fear, anxiety, and aggression with patience and understanding. I have worked with 120 pound aggressive German Shepherds helping them change their opinion of their triggers all while using no fear, no force, no pain. My goal is to empower owners with the knowledge and skills to build a lifelong, trusting relationship with their dogs – one based on communication, not coercion.

My journey has been one of growth, learning, and transformation, and I m passionate about sharing what I’ve discovered. Whether you’re struggling with a reactive dog, dealing with anxiety-driven behaviors, or simply looking to create a stronger bond with your canine companion, I’m here to help. Together, we can train with love and create lasting change-because when we know better, we do better.