A certified behavior consultant with more than 15 years of training and behavior experience, I pride myself in offering high quality and effective animal behavior services.
Originially from Michigan/Indiana, I found myself in Virginia after college. While working for the Richmond SPCA, a well-respected behaviorist, now with the ASPCA, introduced me to dog training. I earned my first training certification in 2010 (CPDT-KA) and then my second in 2012 (CPDT-KSA). I am currently a certified canine behavior consultant (CBCC-KA).
I was the first trainer with Richmond Animal Care and Control, then a Behavior and Training Specialist with the Richmond SPCA working with the enrichment, training, and behavioral rehabilitation of shelter animals. After promotions to Coordinator then Manager of Training Education, I grew their behavioral assistance programs for the public and soon began taking behavior clients with Honest to Dog RVA.
After moving back to Michigan, I started Full Life Behavior & Training to help meet the behavioral needs of pet owners in the community.
I strongly believe in continuing education and am working towards certifications with the IAABC, and Fear Free Pet Professionals.
I believe in fear free training utilizing only reward-based training techniques, also known as “positive reinforcement”. This doesn’t mean that I allow dogs to practice unwanted behavior, but that I utilize techniques that do not cause pain or fear. Reward based training is an incredibly effective way to train animals and modify behavior. It is supported by well-established scientific principles.
This style of training
I can provide solid research supporting all training and behavior modification techniques I utilize,
as well as research supporting why there are training techniques I recommend against.
Education:
Ongoing Education:
