Before I was educated in positive reinforcement, I would get upset at things very easily, especially when it came to training my dog. I took classes to help with my anger in hopes of improving myself and my dog training skills. The classes helped me, but I found myself still having trouble training my dog. I would regularly use shock and prong collars because they are easy to access. However, once I discovered "positive reinforcement training," I saw a tremendous improvement in my dogs' trainability, and they seemed much happier.

After my certificate, I started changing the way I approach challenges by ensuring I was using a positive approach. Starting with my dogs. In the beginning, I could still feel that frustration inside of me when I would see my dogs behaving poorly and not listening. But i realized my dogs were not used to hearing a cue being spoken, only a command being yelled.

It's been 5 years since I earned my certificate, and I've learned to use positive reinforcement in everything I do. People and dogs are similar in the fact that we do something to get something out of it. For example, my toddler puts his toys away because he knows that once he's done, his dad will dance all around and praise him. This excites my toddler, so he likes to put his toys away now. More examples include "finish your food, then we can play outside", or "pick up your toys, then you can have screen time". Setting up our toddlers to be responsible adults. We need to do the same with our dogs, setting them up for success, not waiting to react with punishment.

Before becoming a positive reinforcement trainer, my dog would break out of the kennel and run away constantly. Now he is willing to go into his kennel just to relax; it has become a safe place, not a punishment. He also used to struggle staying by me on walks and pulling away from me. Now he has no trouble at all because I've taught him that if he does well on the walk, he will get to stop whenever he wants to smell things and enjoy the scenery. No more color pop needed, just compromise.

When you hire me to train your dog, the first thing you'll hear me say is "I'm teaching YOU how to train your dog". I'm only with your "fur-babies" for a limited time; you're with them for a lifetime. It's important you know all the same tips a tricks that I do.

My certificate made me a better mom, wife, friend, and all-around better person. If you hire me as your trainer, my goal is simple. It's not only to help you communicate better with your dog but to hopefully make you a better person, too! 🧡