My training philosophy is: A good trainer will render themselves
obsolete/out of a job quickly. A job well done is one where you feel
confident, empowered, and inspired. If the time and circumstances can
have some degree of fun/humor for all involved, the eagerness to
participate and learn will be dynamic.
For your reassurance, I have a squeaky clean federal, state, even
driving background, co-lead a scouting troop, and volunteer at shelter,
schools, and other forums where background checks are meticulously run
often. The business is also fully bonded and insured.
My skills are the product of over two decades of good teachers,
trainers, behaviorists, veterinarians and mentors (and a few not so good
- what not to do). The science broadened in research and method the past
decade, which blossomed into a much greater range of skills and
enthusiasm for the work. Through science, training is faster, stronger
and funner these days for pet and people both.
Aside from service dog training work and my continuing service to
shelters and rescues (both training and medical), I now take on a
limited private clientele, and a few public class days a month, for a
broad spectrum of training needs.
In addition to my library (2 college's current curriculum for training
and behavior programs & shelves full of standard books) , I spent tens
of thousands of dollars working with private and public
trainers/behaviorists/veterinarians in my history, and averaged hundreds
of hours volunteering for animals each year for over two decades. The
animals and people along the way were very inspiring.
Thank you for your time and attention in researching. Whether we have
the opportunity or not to meet, I wish you all the best in each of your
endeavors.
Volunteer affiliations:
Girl Scouts of America, Troop Leader
Oregon Trail School District
Project Pooch - events and enthusiastic advocate
Multnomah County Animal Shelter - trainer, fostering, critical home care
for orphan babies
Oregon Humane Society - events
Dove Lewis Emergency Veterinary Hospital (animal blood donor program)
Pet and Human First Aid current
I give seminars and tutorials for groups as requested, in varying
degrees of format, but most often for when to intervene with a stray
animal, training, and basic animal behavior. Costs range from free to
two hours of private services. There are two scout badges for animals
(and the time is free), but I ask that troops of an area coordinate and
combine for large group meetings.
