When I adopted my first dog I was overwhelmed. She was the opposite of the previous family dog who was a super tolerant couch potato; Active with quick wit, independently confident and socially insecure. Trying to understand my dog and how best to move forward is what launched me into dog training. The realm of dog training can be overwhelming for someone who just wants what is best for their dog. I realized that I needed to educate myself so that I could better understand what was holding us back. I wanted her to learn how to make 'better' choices instead of having to avoid things for the rest of her life. Through independent learning my passion for training grew, and I started assisting trainers to gain hands-on skill with a variety of personalities (both dog and human).

In a sincere effort to stay informed I constantly consume educational content provided by industry leaders. To raise the bar for dog owners everywhere, I'm passionate about sharing what I know. As it goes, friends and family started asking for help with their own dog concerns. With an emphasis on higher level leadership and mutual fulfillment, I coached them on how to let their dog be a dog while also building desired skills. I found joy in their successes and started to accept their referrals.
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The biggest lesson I’ve learned over the years is that 'training' doesn't really ever end, because maintenance requires effort. However, if some of the work is presented as fun, that's not as daunting of a statement. Sometimes the training will feel like work, but my ultimate goal is to make the process become less of a chore. I want my clients to find what works for them and run with it. When we commit to being consistent leaders and provide new experiences that give context to our rules, what really happens is a well-rounded evolution of our companionship. We start seeing a feedback loop where efforts pay off and adventures seem limitless - and that's what it's really about, right?

I am committed to providing compassionate and wholistic training. It is my goal to lead companion teams down a path of understanding and education, with a focus on bonding and mutual fulfillment. I will always consider the dog and family before me, and sincerely advise on the training path I believe to be best for the dog.

I favor associating positive experiences with obedience expectations, and strive to train with a teamwork mindset to help clients build confidence for the real world. I use all 4 quadrants of operant conditioning to increase a dog's critical thinking skill, which enables families to have a more balanced pet. I advocate for the proper use of training aids and tools when I feel they would be beneficial to training. For example, if an avid hiker would like to grow off-leash reliability and trust with their dog, transitioning from a long line to an e-collar is helpful to communicate over larger distances.

In addition to my own business, I teach group classes at Dog Trainers Workshop in Fountain Inn and compete in AKC sports like Scentwork.