Work Experience

• Owner, private dog training business, 1997-present

• Dog training group class instructor: Animal School, Beaverton, OR (1996-97), Austin Canine Training, Austin, TX (1994-96)

• Boarding and Training kennel work, Austin Canine Training (1994-95)

Continuing Education

• Certified Professional Dog Trainer—Knowledge Assessed: since 2023. Certification measures a trainer’s understanding of instructional skills, learning theory, ethology, animal husbandry, and equipment. Trainers must abide by a code of ethics and use Least Invasive Minimally Aversive (LIMA) methods. Continuing education required.

• Independent Study: reading and observation on positive, force-free training methods, dog body language, canine genetics and anatomy, canine behavior. Continuing education courses.

• Classes: Suzanne Clothier, “Practical Exercises for Reducing Reactivity” 2024; Steffi Trott, Tackling Reactivity; John Rogerson’s Behavior Level I 6-day course (Austin, TX) and Teaching and Training 5-day course (Durham, UK); Cheryl Smith’s Growl Class; Patricia McConnell, behavior seminar; Debra Potts, Tellington Touch; Suzanne Clothier, Gait Analysis and Scentwork; John Fisher, “The Thinking Dog” and “A New Perspective on Dominance”; training participant in courses: Tracking, Agility 2, Basic Obedience 2 & 3, Fun & Games, Action & Distraction, Schutzhund training

• Seminar Attendance: Association of Pet Dog Trainers annual conferences, 1995, 1996, 1997. Workshops and pre-seminar trainings with Ian Dunbar, Karen Pryor, Wendy Volhard, Jean Donaldson, Terry Ryan, Sue Sternberg