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About the trainer
FEMA Canine Search Specialist handling both Live Find and Cadaver dogs
CNWI certified instructor with National Association of Canine Scent Work/K9 Nose Work
Trial Judge NACSW
I began my animal training career working with horses. I rode and trained horses for many years in the disciplines of Hunt Seat Equitation, Dressage and Combined Training. I spent many years teaching English riding lessons to both adults and children. I also spent 6 months on a Dude Ranch in Colorado teaching western horseback riding and escorting guests on rides.
Search and Rescue K9 Handler: In 2005, with my German Shepherd Dog, Griffin, I joined a wilderness SAR team and in 2007 we also joined the state USAR team. Griffin was certified as a live find air scent dog on both teams by 2009. I started training my first detection dog, Remus, in 2009 and certified him on both teams. My current and 3rd partner, Flint is also a certified live find wilderness and USAR dog. I am very fortunate to have been able to work with and learn from some outstanding working dog trainers. Without them I would not have the education, skill and experience I have today. I am also training my 5th and 6th German Shepherd dogs in Agility and IGP respectively.
I began my path to certifying as a K9 Nose Work instructor in 2014. After hearing about the sport, I was very eager to become an instructor and share my love of scent detection with a larger group of dog enthusiasts. Scent detection training is a unique way to work with and communicate with our dogs. I love the partnership that builds between canine and human. I am a NACSW judge and a CNWI.
I teach AKC STAR puppy class, beginner and continuing obedience, as well as K9 Nose Work classes with Princeton Dog Training club. I have been teaching with PDTC since starting their NW program in 2015.
I believe that dog training is a way to teach communication between dogs and people. Whether it is scent detection or obedience, the act of training a dog creates a bond and an understanding. I believe that most dogs’ behavioral problems come from misunderstandings between the canine and human. I also believe that all dogs need obedience training. Just like children, they are happiest when they know what is expected of them. When training is begun with a puppy (I start fun obedience training at 8 weeks old), many behavior problems that normally crop us as the puppy matures into a ‘teenager’, are never seen. And problems that occur are easy to modify. Older dogs can learn new tricks too! Since motivational dog training teaches the dog to get what it wants, even older dogs are motivated to learn obedience. My goal in teaching is to give both human and canine partner the tools and language to communicate and understand each other so they can live together happily.
Continuing education:
Aggression in Dogs Master Class--Michael Shikashio
Living & Learning with Animals--Susan G Friedman
The Engaged Dog--Brenda Aloff
Circle Tracking--Ivan Balabanov
Competition Heeling--Ivan Balabanov
Finishing Work--Michael Ellis
Training the Retrieve--Michael Ellis
CNWI certified instructor with National Association of Canine Scent Work/K9 Nose Work
Trial Judge NACSW
I began my animal training career working with horses. I rode and trained horses for many years in the disciplines of Hunt Seat Equitation, Dressage and Combined Training. I spent many years teaching English riding lessons to both adults and children. I also spent 6 months on a Dude Ranch in Colorado teaching western horseback riding and escorting guests on rides.
Search and Rescue K9 Handler: In 2005, with my German Shepherd Dog, Griffin, I joined a wilderness SAR team and in 2007 we also joined the state USAR team. Griffin was certified as a live find air scent dog on both teams by 2009. I started training my first detection dog, Remus, in 2009 and certified him on both teams. My current and 3rd partner, Flint is also a certified live find wilderness and USAR dog. I am very fortunate to have been able to work with and learn from some outstanding working dog trainers. Without them I would not have the education, skill and experience I have today. I am also training my 5th and 6th German Shepherd dogs in Agility and IGP respectively.
I began my path to certifying as a K9 Nose Work instructor in 2014. After hearing about the sport, I was very eager to become an instructor and share my love of scent detection with a larger group of dog enthusiasts. Scent detection training is a unique way to work with and communicate with our dogs. I love the partnership that builds between canine and human. I am a NACSW judge and a CNWI.
I teach AKC STAR puppy class, beginner and continuing obedience, as well as K9 Nose Work classes with Princeton Dog Training club. I have been teaching with PDTC since starting their NW program in 2015.
I believe that dog training is a way to teach communication between dogs and people. Whether it is scent detection or obedience, the act of training a dog creates a bond and an understanding. I believe that most dogs’ behavioral problems come from misunderstandings between the canine and human. I also believe that all dogs need obedience training. Just like children, they are happiest when they know what is expected of them. When training is begun with a puppy (I start fun obedience training at 8 weeks old), many behavior problems that normally crop us as the puppy matures into a ‘teenager’, are never seen. And problems that occur are easy to modify. Older dogs can learn new tricks too! Since motivational dog training teaches the dog to get what it wants, even older dogs are motivated to learn obedience. My goal in teaching is to give both human and canine partner the tools and language to communicate and understand each other so they can live together happily.
Continuing education:
Aggression in Dogs Master Class--Michael Shikashio
Living & Learning with Animals--Susan G Friedman
The Engaged Dog--Brenda Aloff
Circle Tracking--Ivan Balabanov
Competition Heeling--Ivan Balabanov
Finishing Work--Michael Ellis
Training the Retrieve--Michael Ellis