Adept at enhancing pet well-being and behavior, my tenure at WAG and as the owner of Pickwick Pugs showcases my animal handling expertise and problem-solving skills. Leveraging advanced training techniques, I've titled many dogs through AKC sports such as Rally Obedience and conformation and have managed websites and client satisfaction. My approach blends my decades experience as a teacher with my compassionate care and positive approach to training, ensuring both human and animal clients thrive.
Taught Piano Secondaries
WAG Reviews (all 5 star ratings by clients):
Pickwick Pugs are regularly the star students of their Puppy Classes. There are several certified therapy pugs, and others who compete in agility, FastCAT, and many hold CGC's and tricks titles, not to mention the numerous AKC Champions in conformation.
Nationally Certified Teacher, MTNA
My years as a dog handler and exhibitor in AKC conformation, rally obedience, fastCAT, and other sports has greatly broadened my skills in animal husbandry, grooming, care, and training. It has also exposed me to many breeds, and All-Americans as I've learned from professional handlers, breeders, judges, and helped exhibit other breeds as well. We have obtained championships on 10 pugs and multiple additional titles such as CGC, RN, RA, TKN, TKI. Our pug Sebastian was one of a few dogs in the country who received the Achiever Dog status from AKC before they discontinued the program. Dog shows also afford exposure to learning about the latest technics in pet care such as massage, holistic treatments, fitness (i.e. Fit Paws), supplements, and health testing. Hiking at Moss Rock with my pugs and my 2 Lab-Chow-Golden mixes is a passion. Camping with dogs is my favorite vacation.
I like to learn. I'm open to learning new things. Dog training is my passion of over 2 decades. As a dog trainer, I've found that the most successful approach is one that uses force-free, positive reinforcement and never intimidation, force, or fear to produce results. As an award-winning teacher, lecturer, and adjudicator, my teaching philosophy honestly applies both to humans and animals: "While no two students are alike, I believe that students of all ages and personality types learn best when they are in a happy, motivated and calm emotional state. It is also vital to have fun with learning, teaching, and performing, and I always try to provide an upbeat atmosphere in the lessons and group classes. I always try to make sure that the first thing out of my mouth is positive, no matter how a student might have performed that day. I am relentless in trying to find new and better ways to challenge my students. I always try to put the welfare of my students over any personal gain."
Nationally Certified Teacher, MTNA