I left my native England for Dallas, Texas, in 1999 and took my horse with me! I have been an animal lover my whole life – being with dogs and riding horses since childhood. I started my dog trainer career over 15 years ago working in doggy daycare under the mentorship of a Certified Professional Dog Trainer.In January 2013 my husband, rescued dogs and I moved to Chandler, Arizona and have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the area, making new connections and friends and helping the dogs and their families in Ahwatukee, Chandler, Gilbert, Johnson Ranch, Mesa, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Tempe, and surrounding areas of the East Valley. For over 15 years now, happy clients, veterinarians, groomers, pet sitters, dog walkers, rescue groups, other trainers, pet photographers, and even our local feline behaviorist, have been referring clients to me.

I am a pioneer of Force Free dog training and one of only a few dog trainers in Arizona who are educated in this approach. What does this mean?

Simply put, Force Free means that at no time will your dog be deliberately hurt, startled, frightened, intimidated, bullied or forced. My philosophy is that Force Free & Positive dog training results in a dog that listens to the pet parent because it wants to, rather than out of fear.

I am recommended by one of the largest, most successful, service dog organizations in the U.S.- Canine Assistants based in Alpharetta, GA. Unlike most other service dog organizations, Canine Assistants only uses Force Free methods with their dogs and, as a result, they have the lowest rate of returned dogs in the industry! Force Free WORKS!! To learn more about this wonderful service dog organization and Jennifer Arnold, my mentor, please visit their website.

I offer In-Home One-on-One Behavior Consults, Pre-Puppy Preparation, Pre-Baby Preparation, Pre-Wedding Preparation, Phone and telephone behavior consultations and Mini Seminars for veterinarians, pet sitters & dog walkers, rescues, groomers and other organizations.

It is my firm belief that the traditional methods of dog training applied by most dog trainers using various forms of physical force and psychological intimidation are not only cruel and unnecessary but hamper the development of the optimum relationship between dogs and humans.

Such methods often can cause dogs to display aggressive behaviors that could otherwise have been avoided.

I will NEVER recommend the use of shock, choke or prong collars or squirt bottles, coins in cans, hitting, yelling, yanking or physically forcing for your beloved pet.

I am a member of the No Shock Collar coalition, an organization committed to the elimination of shock collars being used in dog training by dog trainers and pet dog owners.

I have an avid interest in canine behavior and by investing time and hard work have achieved many Certifications & Memberships.

This is the mission I follow:

“To help make every pet a valued member of their family and improve the relationship and the quality of life people share with their pets by;

• Providing the greatest value and highest quality, force-free, scientific based dog training and care for each client. Always demonstrate integrity, compassion and an uncompromising commitment to excellence in the care of clients and their pets.
• Continually expand my knowledge and improve my skills to serve my clients by providing the most innovative, up to date science based dog training information possible. Always advocate and speak up for the welfare of dogs with emphasis on the prevention of the use of shock, choke and prong collars and other aversive tools and methods.”

In order to be an effective canine behavior consultant it is essential to have an in-depth knowledge and understanding of humane science-based training. I have attended countless seminars, webinars, workshops and studied the books, videos and papers of Dr Karen Overall, DACVB, CAAB, Dr Michelle Duda, PhD, BCBA-D, Dr Juarbe-Diaz, Chirag Patel, BSc (Hons), Patricia McConnell, Ph.D, Dr. Ian Dunbar, Dr Adam Miklosi, Jennifer Arnold, Turid Rugaas, Deborah A. Jones Ph.D., Sue Sternberg, Jean Donaldson, Pat Miller, Emma Parsons, Trish King, Terry Ryan, Susan Garrett, Suzanne Clothier, Alexandra Kurland and Dr Jesus Rosales Ruiz to name but a few.

I am an active campaigner against puppy mills and circuses. For more information go to www.stoppuppymills.org and www.ringlingbeatsanimals.com

If you aren’t in need of a professional dog trainer but know someone who is, you can also purchase a gift certificate to give to your friends, family or co-workers.