Credentials

FAQs

• What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
  Before getting started, I like to provide a free, no obligation consultation at my dog fitness and training center in White Bear Lake. It’s a great chance to meet you and your dog and take some notes on what type of training you’re interested in and whether there are any behavioral issues you’d like addressed. Plus, your dog will have fun! If you prefer, we can do the consult by phone. One of my most requested services is the “Family-Life Training Program” package of 4 sessions. This package provides a discount and is usually all you need to get your puppy or dog familiar with basic obedience and good manners. I am committed to the ongoing success of your dog so I always offer continuing support, at no charge, by text, email or phone after the package is complete.
• What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
  The initial face-to-face meeting or phone consultation is always no-obligation and free of charge! It's a good opportunity for you to ask me questions, tell me about your dog, let me know what you expect, and, if it's in-person, we can see how your dog relates to me. It's also a great opportunity for me to begin designing a personalized plan based on your needs and what you want for your dog. We can talk about which service(s) interests you and you'll have a chance to decide if this is a good fit for you - all without spending a penny! Plus, if we meet at the dog gym, your dog gets a free playtime while we talk!
• What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
  I am certified in Canine Fitness Training (CCFT), Canine Sports Massage Therapy (CSMT), and am a FitPaws Master Trainer (FP-MT). I am a certified trainer for the Train a Dog, Save a Warrior (TADSAW) program, helping veterans train their dog as a PTSD service dog. I am also an approved, qualified trainer and evaluator for the AKC's Canine Good Citizen program (CGC), AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program and their various other training programs. I am very active in canine training and behavior continuing education via webinars, live seminars, online classes, and independent study. Professional obedience training and behavior adjustment have always been a big part of my life and, while I still teach formal obedience, I’ve designed a plan that is, by far, my most requested service. It’s called the Family-Life Training Program and it encompasses general obedience, proper house manners and basic dog social and living skills which are all tailor-made for your dog’s unique personality. We will enhance the good things your dog already does and we’ll address any issues that may be making life a little less than perfect. The Family-Life Training Program helps our dogs ‘fit in’ and become loved and valued members of our family. I have 10+ years of experience as a veterinary x-ray and treatment technician and a vet surgical assistant, was a group trainer at the Animal Humane Society, and, for some real fun, I worked at a doggie day care and learned so much about group interactions among dogs! I also have quite a bit of experience with rescue dogs and am the rescue coordinator for Irish Wolfhounds in Minnesota and North Dakota. Love rescue work! All of this experience has helped me really understand dogs and working with them has always come very naturally to me. There’s nothing I’d rather be doing.