My experience as a trainer, veterinary professional and the knowledge gained from the courses I have taken all contribute to my approach to training. I am pleased to be a trainer at the Hampton location of No Leash Needed for the past 2 years.  During my training career, I have enjoyed working with a variety of dogs from varied backgrounds.  Each has their own unique personality.  Each responds to certain stimuli. Part of my training philosophy is to train the dog in front of me.  My training consists of positive reinforcement and LIMA.  My 16 years of experience as a veterinary assistant and licensed veterinary technician gives me a holistic view of each dog I work with.

   During my 5 years as a trainer at Petco, I taught group classes private lessons and Canine good citizen classes.  Group classes consisted of basic obedience and manners.   Canine good citizen classes consisted of criteria set by the AKC for good citizenship in dogs.  This is also the first tier of training for therapy dogs.  I came to No Leash Needed as a student of the Karen Pryor Academy professional trainer program.  Where I learned professional training skills using positive reinforcement and LIMA.  As a certificate holder of the IAABC Principals and Practices of Animal Behavior Consultation course, I learned basic skills in evaluating behavior problems in dogs which has been helpful working with shelter dogs, reactive dogs, and separation anxiety.   As a certificate holder of the shelter dog training course led by Sue Alexander and Trish McMillan my knowledge base about the developmental stages, current training methods, dog behavior and much more increased.

     I enjoy watching the transformation of each dog as they go from jumping, not coming when called, and pulling on walks to being well-behaved furry members of their families.  I would like to see all dogs stay in their forever homes and shelters that euthanize a thing of the past.