| About me I have been a dog training instructor since the mid-1980s. In the early years, I was a student under Roger Abrantes in Denmark. That lead to working as an instructor for a small, private dog training business. Later I was certified as a Danish Kennel Club instructor and ran classes with them before I moved to the US. For many years, I have volunteered as a Dog Evaluator for the Idaho Humane Society. I fosters dogs with mild to severe behavior issues, and also work with problem dogs at the shelter. Through the years, I have taught volunteer classes on general dog behavior, breed specific behavior, handling, and training. I advise foster parents and adopters about a variety of topics. I am a strong believer in continued education and consequently read books and websites, watch videos/CDs, and attend seminars. Some of my favorite authors are: Suzanne Clothier, Ian Dunbar, Jean Donaldson, Terry Ryan, Ali Brown, Patricia B. McConnell, Pat Miller, Brenda Aloff, Karen Prior, Pamela Reid. |
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Training style
I believe in treating dogs with kindness and respect, and emphasize being a good
leader. I use and promote different training techniques depending on the needs and
personalities of individual dogs. Well-timed rewards and reinforcements are central
to my training as are considerate and effective dog-owner relationships.
Dog owners are showered with myths about dog behavior from well meaning
strangers friends, and family members. Many of these myths stubbornly persist in
spite of overwhelming support for their inaccuracy from and modern trainers, and
many of them can be downright harmful. In my lessons, I help you sort fact from
fiction so you can get a grip on what you really need to know.
Here are some common myths:
leader. I use and promote different training techniques depending on the needs and
personalities of individual dogs. Well-timed rewards and reinforcements are central
to my training as are considerate and effective dog-owner relationships.
Dog owners are showered with myths about dog behavior from well meaning
strangers friends, and family members. Many of these myths stubbornly persist in
spite of overwhelming support for their inaccuracy from and modern trainers, and
many of them can be downright harmful. In my lessons, I help you sort fact from
fiction so you can get a grip on what you really need to know.
Here are some common myths:
 | Dogs follow commands because they are eager to please. | |
| If you comfort your dog when it’s afraid you reward its fear. | |
| You should never allow a dog to growl or it will become aggressive. | |
| Playing tug will make the dog more dominant. | |
| If you give a dog chew toys it will learn to chew everything. | |
| You can’t change a dog’s behavior – it is born with that personality | |
| The dog will learn a word/command faster if you say it often and get it used to | |
| hearing it. |
| Dogs are inborn pack animals with a clear social order. | |
| If you let dogs exit doorways ahead of you or walk in front of you, | |
| you’re letting them be dominant and in charge. | ||
| Rewards, especially treats, are bribes and may ruin your leadership. | |
| Dogs should obey “because I say so”. | |
| In multi-dog households, you support the hierarchy by first giving | |
| the presumed dominant animal food, patting, attention etc. |
| Get a Grip |
| Companion dog training |