FAQs
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been training my own dogs since I was 10 years old. In 1988 I started competing in AKC obedience trials and dog shows. I began teaching obedience classes in 1993 and soon became an AKC CGC Evaluator (#323). I have taught over 1000 people how to train their dogs. I have also titled numerous dogs in competitive sports and conformation shows. I have a bachelors degree in math and English and a masters in counseling. I specialize in behavior modification as a key to training a dog.
- What types of customers have you worked with?
Teaching obedience training to handlers and their dogs. Providing private or group lessons to families (or individuals) to help them train their dogs to be a well-behaved member of the family. Training handler/dog teams preparing for competative obedience. Training handler/dog teams to track (ground and air scents) for finding lost people. Working with handlers and their dogs preparing to be therapy dogs (personal and social therapy dogs).
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Ask what qualifies the person to be an obedience instructor. Years of training. Years of experience teaching obedience. Certifications. Number of handler/dog teams taught. Ask the trainer if he/she has trained and titled a dog in obedience or other dog sport. Look for a trainer who will personalize training to meet the needs and desires of the handler; taking into consideration the breed and temperament of the dog. Look for a trainer who knows the characteristics and standards of each breed of dog in the class.