"Creating a healthy balanced relationship
between you and your dog"

More than 20 years ago, a boyfriend talked me into getting a dog. We went to the pound to pick out a Schipperke mix. He named him Pizon (paeseano), which in Italian means friend. I watched my boyfriend not take care of him. He would never take Pi out in the morning to exercise, nor would he put him on a routine or schedule. When asked, his response would always be “I want him to be natural”. Frustrated, but not educated enough on the subject to speak with confidence, I went out and bought a book on how to train a dog. My boyfriend wouldn’t read it. I did. Best thing I ever did! End result: I kicked the boyfriend out, and kept the dog.

After about 4 years with Pi, my neighbor Michael found a flat coat retriever black lab mix named Sally that Pi loved to play with. The minute I saw them playing, I fell in love with Sally as well. She had been abandoned on the beach; she was starving, and afraid of everyone. Michael could not handle her; she kept peeing and tearing things up. He had to keep her in a crate most of the time, which he hated doing. So, finally he asked if I wanted her, and of course I said yes! She turned out to be “the daughter my mother promised me”.

Living in a beach community in the 90’s, most dog owners on the beach let their dogs off leash, Pizon had OBD, (Obsessive Ball Disorder), so it was perfect for him. But Sally would take off, chasing dogs, cats, basically anything that moved and she was a bully! She never listened, brought me lots of vermin, and ate other dog’s poop. When I left for work she’d tear up the baseboards on the walls, and my shoes, typical dog boredom stuff. I would yell and scream at her, mainly because I was naïve and frustrated. I started reading behavior books. The Other End of the Leash, and Don’t Shoot the Dog, I read anything I could get my hands on. I started checking out websites on problem dog behavior. Sally helped me learn what a dog really needs. Exercise, Structure and of course Affection (at the right time).

I took a class on “A Career In Dog Training” with 4 Paws Training. I learned behavior theory, as well as solving dog owner’s frustrations. After listening to a speaker in Dog Nutrition, I changed dog food, and learned what not to feed my dog. This also made a difference in my growth as a dog owner and trainer. I followed this up with “Hands-On Dog Training” through 4 Paws Training. I learned how to train every size and type of dog, with or without treats. We trained from an average 10 dogs a day. I accomplished the following: Sit, Down, Stay, Sit Stay, Down Stay, Come Sit in Front, Finish Behind Back, Heel, Heel with Auto Sit, Wait at Door, and Settle. I was taught how to use the Gentle Leader, Choke Collar, Prong Collar, Harness, & Martingale Collars, with an instructor’s guidance every step of the way. I now had the confidence to train dogs successfully.

I’ve been training dogs and humans now for over 20 years now. Everyone wants a social happy dog. A pet they can take anywhere, and to not worry about manners, I’ve raised many dogs to be that. I love teaching and being of service to others. I have helped the lives of owners and their dog to become healthy and balanced. I love being able to actually make a living using my passion and talent, teaching dog owner’s awareness, educating others and myself continually.

Email me or call (310) 339-9895