| 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 for them before I moved to the US. At the University of Copenhagen I majored in General Psychology and Developmental Psychology with an emphasis on the interaction of dogs and people. For many years, I have volunteered at the Idaho Humane Society with some of my roles being dog evaluator, play group lead, and foster parent. 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, listen to podcasts, and attend seminars. Some of my favorite dog professionals are: Sarah Owings, Ken Ramirez, Chris Pachel, Susan Friedman, Chirag Patel, Suzanne Clothier, Patricia B. McConnell, Karen Prior, and Pamela Reid. |
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A successful dog owner is a trustworthy leader and head of family who provides
good things and positive experiences but also guidance and boundaries. Building
good dog-owner relationships are key. I don't believe in treating all dogs the same
but treasure and take into account the personalities of individual dogs.
Well-timed rewards and reinforcements are central to my training. Treats are only
one albeit a major part of this.
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 science and modern
trainers, and many of these myths 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 I help you work away from:
good things and positive experiences but also guidance and boundaries. Building
good dog-owner relationships are key. I don't believe in treating all dogs the same
but treasure and take into account the personalities of individual dogs.
Well-timed rewards and reinforcements are central to my training. Treats are only
one albeit a major part of this.
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 science and modern
trainers, and many of these myths 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 I help you work away from:
 | 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. |
| 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. | ||
| If you allow the dogs to walk in front of you you’re letting them be | |
| dominant and in charge. |
Training Style
| Get a Grip |
| Companion dog training |