**Erin and Dahlia; 1st Place Rally-O Competition, 2017**

Experience

I have over twelve years of experience working with dogs. I am a certified professional dog trainer, (CPDT-KA), a Karen Pryor clicker training partner, and am certified in pet first aid.

I love all dogs and all aspects of working with dogs. I have worked in a wide range of dog-related areas - large vet hospitals, day care facilities, feed stores, dog training academies and rescues. Throughout the last 12 years I have gained a wide range of knowledge about dog behavior, health, emotional care, training, and nutrition. This broad experience has helped me immensely in understanding dogs and made me a better trainer.

Being the Dog Lady

I have been a “Dog Lady” for as long as I can remember, but it all came together for me after adopting my first dog, Otis. When he and I first became our own little pack, I noticed how frustrated he would get in different environments which resulted in him having sever anxiety and reactivity. I knew I needed to educate myself more about different methods of dog training in order to really help him.

We began the Karen Pryor clicker training program together, where I was able to help Otis overcome his anxiety and aggression issues. It was with Otis that I realized I was driven to support other dog guardians who struggled like I did. I then raised my Australian Shepherd, Dahlia and multiple foster puppies with those same methods. I have continued to hone my craft throughout the last decade. In 2016, my training expanded to incorporate special needs dogs when I fostered my first deaf and then deaf and blind dogs. In 2020 I adopted Darla, who was born with limited hearing and almost no ability to see. In 2022 I adopted Clark a completely blind rough coat collie. I have trained all of these dogs using the power of positive reinforcement training. After multiple disabled foster dogs and now currently having my own blind and deaf dogs I am extremely passionate about helping disabled pets and their guardians connect on a higher level.

Professional Credentials

Karen Pryor Clicker Training Academy, 2011
Clicker Expo (2012, 2016, 2018, 2021, up-coming 2024)
Lead dog trainer and manager for a Portland Oregon Dog Daycare, 2014 - 2016
Board member and foster home for the rescue Deaf Dogs of Oregon, 2016 - 2019
Faculty member and teacher at the Portland Oregon Whole Dog Academy, 2016 - 2019
Certified Professional Dog Trainer ( CCPDT-KA) since 2016
Pet Expert for Portland Oregon local news channel KPTV; More Good Day Oregon, 2015 - 2019
All4Paws rescue Training Partner (2020-Current)
Speak! Rescue and sanctuary Training Partner (2021-Current)
Administrator of Speak! St. Louis Training Support (2020-Current)
Ambassador for Deaf Dogs Rock (2022-Current)
Michael Shikashrio Masters in Aggression Course (2023)
Angels Retreat Rescue Training partner (2023-current)
AKC Certified Judge for Farm Dog certification (2023-current)