As a horse
trainer for over 20 years, I found the teachings of the ‘Horse Whisperers’ MontyRoberts and JohnLyons who trained without force. My goal was to
train animals without force. I learned to develop relationship based training
methods. For over 15 years I worked with horses using a gentle approach. My
husband and I managed Thoroughbred horse farms in Ohio, MD. and PA.
Using gentle techniques to handle and train race horses.
When
career changes brought me back to the dog world, I made it my mission to teach
dogs without force by teaching dog owners to develop leadership and build a
better relationship with their dogs. Since that time, I have attended classes,
seminars, and conferences, read books and watched videos to learn all that I
could about dog training and behavior.
My Border Collie
Lucky has appeared on television and is an AKC Canine Good Citizen. Lucky was adopted at
5 months of age when he became aggressive towards his former owner’s children.
He has since earned numerous titles in Agility and Rally Obedience. He was one
of the first 16 dogs in the country to earn a Rally Obedience title R1MCL (Rally, Level 1, Magna Cum Laude) from
APDT in 2000. He also holds a Rally Excellent title from AKC and has passed a Herding Instinct Test.
My
younger Border Collie, Brody has competed successfully in Agility with titles and
placements in both AKC and USDAA competitions. He earned his AKC Rally Novice title early in 2008. Brody
has also appeared in a film and competes in Frisbee Toss and Fetch. Both dogs are “Second Hand” dogs. Brody had
already had 4 different homes before he came to me at four months of age.
I
have been featured on local TV shows speaking about dog training and safety.
Currently, I appear regularly on WSPA's Your Carolina with Jack and Kimberly. I have appeared on the
Montel Williams Show with other dog trainers. I have given demonstrations on
Obedience and Training at Pet Expos, been interviewed about training techniques
for articles in national dog magazines, and written training articles for local
newspapers.
I have
taught more than 2000 dogs and their owners. Some of my graduates have gone on
to become Search and Rescue and Pet Therapy dogs. Graduates have appeared on
television and been shown in Agility and Rally Obedience. Most have simply
become beloved family pets.
Moving to South Carolina in 2004, I worked
at Top Dog LTD in Greenville teaching classes
for Puppies, Basic Training, Advanced Training, CGC, Agility and Rally Obedience. I currently
teach group classes for Puppy, Basic and CGC at Speedy Paws.
I opened The
Puppy Nanny LLC in June, 2006. Running my own dog training business has long
been a dream of mine. Becoming "The Puppy Nanny" has fulfilled that
dream.
* Member Association of Pet Dog Trainers
* Certified AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator (#961)
* Certified to
teach Red Cross Pet CPR
* Mentor Trainer for the AnimalBehaviorCollege of California.
I believe that participating in continuing education is one of the
most important things that any trainer can do. Learning new techniques and
exploring new ideas on behavior and training helps create a better trainer. Over
the years I have had the opportunity to learn from some of the best.
