FAQs
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a participating member of the IACP as well as other training forums to keep up to date on different training tools and techniques. I have attended seminars given by leading trainers from around the country.
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
I began training dogs because of my own rescue dog. My dog Mila developed serious reactivity issues towards other dogs shortly after being adopted. Many trainers and facilities were not equipped to handle Mila's behavior and were not able to help Mila recognize her full potential. I knew the wonderful dog Mila had the potential to be, but didn't know how to get her there. After researching other area dog trainers whose expertise were with dogs exhibiting behavioral issues, I found my only hope. After training my dogs with Tyler Muto and his training staff at K9 Connection in Buffalo, NY I was able to see some incredible results in not only Mila's behavior around other dogs but also in myself. Their training methods and techniques proved to help Mila overcome her issues in real world settings. I then began volunteering and training dogs at the local animal shelter where I could help other dogs reach their full potential and assist them in finding homes. Eventually I began fostering dogs which gave me the opportunity to train a new dog every few months until they were adopted out. I was able to use all of the tools and techniques that I had learned as well as develop new techniques given different situations. After realizing my passion lies in helping dogs overcome hurdles small and large, I knew that I wanted to help other people and impact their lives the same way mine had been. So, after leaving my position as a high school teacher of 9 years, I began apprenticing at K9 Connection in Buffalo, NY. I was able to work with the same staff that helped Mila, under the direction of Tyler Muto. After completing my apprenticeship I began my transformation into a dog trainer in the same place my journey began. Now, I am able to help people the same way that I had been helped. I enjoy the reward of changing people's lives every day. My goal is to help people live life in harmony with their best friends and make some dog super stars!
- What types of customers have you worked with?
Many of my clients range from needing basic obedience and learning household manners to behavior modification with dog or human aggression. I have many clients who have recently rescued a dog and they need some help showing them the rules of the house, crate training, potty training, getting along with the resident animals and walking nicely on leash. I have encountered many clients whose dogs need help learning how to behave around stressors or triggers such as other dogs or humans.