Thanks for visiting!  I started training dogs professionally in 1996 when I was invited to apprentice with the trainer I was taking my own dog to for obedience classes.  Wanting to learn how to teach more than basic obedience, I started another apprenticeship with Al Milner of Milnerhaus Kennels in Dunmore, PA.  There I started learning how to solve behavior struggles and work in advanced obedience, along with raising and training Milnerhaus-bred German shepherds to become working K9s for local law enforcement, and teaching K9 officers how to work with their dogs.  During this time I also earned my Veterinary Technician license and worked at Finch Hill Veterinary Clinic in Greenfield Twp., PA.

In 2008, I moved to Florida and began to study more modern techniques for training and behavior modification, creating DogWorkz in the process.  As a Veterinary Technician, I use my continuing education credits each year to attend veterinary and behavioral conferences with trainers, veterinarians, and behaviorists on the cutting edge of training, keeping current with the all the newest information available.  From that pool of knowledge and experience, I have formulated my own style of training, using what I have found to work best with dogs and people of all different personalities and abilities.

As of 2023, I'm back in the northeast (Albany, NY) and continuing to expand my own learning and training!

Certifications/Memberships:

Licensed Veterinary Technician, State of Pennsylvania
Professional Member, Society for Veterinary Behavior Technicians 
Professional Member, International Association for Canine Professionals
Certified Pro Dog Trainer/Pro Dog Partner, Absolute Dogs
Certified Canine Athlete Specialist, Northeast K9 Conditioning
Certified Pet Nutrition Coach, North American Veterinary Community
Certified Trick Dog Instructor, Do More With Your Dog
Certified Trick Dog Evaluator, AKC Trick Dog Program
Certified Evaluator, AKC's Canine Good Citizen program

Personal accomplishments:

Multiple personal dogs trained to Schutzhund/IPO titles  (Tracking, obedience, & protection)
Multiple personal dogs trained and worked as therapy dogs under Therapy Dogs International
Multiple personal dogs trained to multiple Trick Dog, Canine Good Citizen, and AKC obedience titles
1 personal dog trained to Trick Dog Champion level  (Do More With Your Dog)
1 personal dog trained to Irondog Obedience level 3 (IDOB3, high score)
1 personal dog trained to Irondog Protection level 2 (IDP2, high score)
Current personal dog training in PSA (Protection Sports Association) at competition level (obedience and protection)
Multiple time handler/trainer of other owner’s dogs in obedience/protection sports
Handler/Coach/Trainer for multiple dogs in stage productions