For as long as I can remember, I have loved all animals.  I have been training my own dogs since the age of ten, and have been committed to using force free methods since 1998.  I take great pleasure in sharing with my clients the thrill of achieving harmonious partnership with dogs and other creatures through positive reinforcement training – seeing a hyperactive puppy choose to take a nap after a training session, or a formerly barky-lungey dog able to walk calmly past other dogs.

I began teaching dog training in 1999 as an apprentice, and started an independent training business in 2005. I have participated with my dogs in service projects and group activities with Dog Scouts of America, and enjoyed making nursing home visits with a certified therapy dog.  I have honed my training skills through workshops, webinars and conferences. I became a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP #63199) in 2013. As part of this experience, I added cat training to my repertoire.  I obtained my CPDT-KA certification from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers in 2019. With a Ph.D. in biology, I am employed in biomedical research in the Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.  I enjoy the synergy between my training in biological science and the science-based approach to pet training that I learned through Karen Pryor Academy and my continuing education.

Learn more about why I train the way I do on the Training Style page. 

​

What do the letters mean?

​

• KPA CTP means I am a Certified Training Partner with Karen Pryor Academy.  Anyone certified by KPA graduated with an "A" (90% or higher) score in each of three examinations: general knowledge of training and behavior, a practical exam in teaching ability and group class management, and a practical demonstration of training ability with our own dog.

​​

• CPDT-KA means Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge-Assessed. It requires passing an examination administered by the Council for Certification of Professional Dog Trainers to assess knowledge of dog behavior, training principles and class management.  The CCPDT is an independent accrediting organization not linked to any school or training business.

​​

• These certifications require the adherence to a unified code of conduct and code of ethics, and a commitment to continuing education.  You can learn more about the Joint Standards of Practice here:

  • short video

  • code of ethics

  • best practice principles

​