I am happy to say I have over 11 years experience working with and training dogs and owners. I have trained in both NH and MA and have trained for Petco and NHHS. I have given seminars on leadership at the Conway Area Humane Society and currently hold classes at VCA Lakes Region Veterinary Hospital. I carry a degree in Small Animal Science and am well educated in behavior modification and dog training applications. My skills range from Puppy and Basic Dog Obedience to Behavior Modification.

Here's my story........

It all started with a dog named Timmy! 

After college it didn't take long for me to set out to adopt a dog! Off to the local animal shelter I went and had to adopt the cutest dirtiest dog I could find. The very last kennel at the shelter held a medium sized black and white Springer mix named “Timmy”. He did not bark, he just circled around and grabbed a ball and stared at me with big brown eyes. I had to walk him, and then I had to have him. He was the sweetest thing I had ever seen, so excited and crazy on the leash but willing to please. I went home to gather references and other information I needed for adoption.
 
When I returned to the shelter I was told that Timmy had a hold on him and was not available for adoption. They told me that he was aggressive and had a submissive urination problem and may be put down since they had tried to place him 4 previous times. I was shocked to say the least! After a lot of convincing I was able to persuade them to allow me to adopt Timmy before the decision to put him down was made. I brought him home that day :-) I have always had a love for animals and a natural connection with dogs so I was confident that I could help.
 
It was not long after I owned Timmy (actually that night) that I realized he had the need to attack other dogs, urinate when I left, and growl if I took his bone, chase cats, squirrels...ok everything that moved and I got myself into more than I could handle. How could such a sweet dog be so crazy?
 
My search for help .....
 
I was told by multiple trainers that Timmy was aggressive and they would not be able to help him, one trainer actually suggested having him put down because of his dog aggression. There was no way this dog could be put down. Off to the bookstore I went and bought every dog training book I could find....and read them. From that day forward my job was to help Timmy become a better citizen. My employer at the time was not only a groomer but a trainer as well. I started taking her classes and eventually taught a few for her, I loved it! It took me 3 solid years of daily work and a lot of trial and error to get Timmy to a point I was comfortable with him around other dogs and I felt confident I had him under control. I lost count of how many obedience classes we attended just so I could get him socialized and able to focus on me.
 
Timmy taught me that not only did he need to be loved but more important than that he wanted a leader. He needed clear rules and boundaries and lots of structure. We walked and hiked and he wore a backpack, he swam and jogged with me and we walked with other dogs every day.
 
How I started teaching.....
 
Over 11 years ago I decided to start teaching dog obedience classes and providing private in home training so I could offer assistance to others with naughty dogs. Timmy (now retired) was always my "demo" dog and my students were able to see that dogs can change! I thank Timmy for teaching me to never give up and to stay calm. I am now dedicated to teaching others what has taken me years to learn! Timmy lives with my husband and I, 2 other dogs (a great dane mix "Josie" and "Valantine" a pit bull) and 2 cats. All my pets live, sleep, exercise, play and eat together in harmony!