How long have you been working as a dog trainer?
I began apprenticing as a dog trainer and learning on the job in 2016, though I’d started offering “Jogs 4 Dogs” less formally as early as 2006, via Craigslist. I didn’t call myself a dog trainer during that first decade though, because I knew there was so much, I had yet to understand about dogs and how we shape their behavior.
What inspired you to become a dog trainer?
It became increasingly clear that I needed to know more than what was intuitively available to me as a well-meaning guardian of four dogs, and I wanted to provide a better experience for my boarding and outings clients. Admittedly, after many years of dedication to environmental anthropology, I was also eager to turn my focus to a less tumultuous species.
What kind of training do you specialize in?
In our introductory webinar, I cover the fundamentals of communicating with dogs of all ages, basic behavior management, and problem prevention. For in-person training, I’m partial to supporting the socialization journeys of young puppies. As a boarder, I assist dogs in tapping into their abilities to cohabitate harmoniously with new canine acquaintances.
What’s your favorite high value snack? (For yourself)
A juicy mango–messy, but worth it!
What’s one accomplishment you’re especially proud of in your training career?
I’m inspired by friendships that form between dogs who stay with me as guests and by the bonding that happens between them and my own dogs, the cohosts in my boarding business. It’s particularly heartening that the three dogs of mine who have gone to the great beyond enjoyed so many enriching interactions with other dogs as my coworkers.
Why do you swear by positive reinforcement?
It’s the golden rule! For me, a dog is a spiritual being as complex and sensitive as any human. I strive to treat them as I would want to be treated, especially if I were making efforts to learn new skills in challenging contexts.
Give us a tale of a training success that makes you do a happy dance…
The latest addition to my family (my newest canine coworker) has a recall that is so on point, I don’t even have to verbally call him in from the backyard. I can just tap on the glass door or simply slide it open, and he’ll sprint over to me as fast as his little legs can go, catapulting himself back into the house. This response reflects his joyful personality, no doubt, but it also demonstrates the quality of our relationship and how I conditioned him to the concept that coming when summoned is always worthwhile.
What’s one piece of advice you wish every dog guardian knew?
As long as you say the same words in the same ways and a meaningful outcome consistently results, your dogs will undoubtedly grasp the meaning of those words.
Do you currently have any pets? Tell us about them!
My dogs who still walk among us are Talula, a seasoned Chihuahua mix whose heritage includes nine other breeds if her DNA test was accurate and Theodorable, the youngster who overachieves at recall. He’s a spitz mix: mostly Pomeranian with some American “X” Dog (I’m redacting here because this breed name contains a slur). We got Theo when his first family was in a crisis, and I was inspired by his resemblance to the Coast Salish Woolly Dog of precolonial times. Talula and Theo get along beautifully and I love them both more each day.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
I’ve only sung karaoke once, but I still know a lot of the words to Gangsta’s Paradise, so I’d probably choose that if it were an option.
If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be?
Ireland
If you were a dog, what breed would you be and why?
I’d hope to be a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, like my sister’s sweet boy, Max. To me Staffies look the most like quintessentially cute cartoons in canine form in all of dogdom. Muscles with a smile and heart of gold.
