Education, credentials, associations and accomplishments-

Training Program Supervisor at Crossroads Pet Resort, Instructor Petsmart Training Academy, Mentor Trainer for Animal Behavior College,  Owner K9 Tech Support Dog Training,  AKC Examiner, Member of Association of Pet Dog Trainers, Member of The Best Friends Animal Rescue Network, Partner in Husky Camp Siberian Husky Rescue. Published in Dog and Kennel Magazine, The Pet Press, and Park Santiago News.

I grew up with dogs. I do not know exactly when I “became” a dog trainer. I have always had animals as family members, and I can never remember a time that I did not feel deeply connected to them. My documented work with animals began 12 years ago when I worked on a horse ranch in Texas training and caring for the dogs and horses there. When I moved to California, I worked with a Siberian Husky Rescue Group helping handle the dogs at adoption events, doing shelter temperament assessments, and working as the adoption counselor and webmaster for the group. I also began working for Petsmart, and became their Senior Pet Trainer. In this position I trained dogs and their owners and apprentice dog trainers through the Petsmart Training Academy.

I have since continued my training education by working under Dan Tambourine the owner of Crossroads Pet Resort and attending seminars such as Clicker Expo and APDT Conferences. I have also learned alot from the other trainers I have mentored. I believe we often learn best by teaching. Some of the amazing trainers I have had the privilege to assist in becoming working professionals are Jamie Lurtz of Solutions Pet Services, Laura Nott of Canine Charisma, and Chris Pernick of Paws Pet Resorts.

I have done several television appearances representing my rescue group for Fox 11 news in LA and also did an appearance on MTV's reality based show "The Newlyweds" with Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson. I have articles published in Dog and Kennel magazine, The Pet Press, and The Park Santiago News. But the thing I am most proud of are the successes of the dog and person teams I have taught. Nothing feels better to me than the satisfaction I get from watching an owner feel proud of their dog and the dog feeling proud of himself.

My training philosophy is based on positive reward motivators to establish a bond of trust and open communication with dogs and their humans. I believe the most loving thing a pet owner can give their dog is good training. Training is the way dogs learn to understand and accept the world humans live in. This understanding makes your pet more adaptable, thus more able to enjoy doing things with you.