I have been training and playing with dogs since childhood.
Early on, I discovered a talent for the precision of competitive obedience. My first dogs were eager to please and easy
to train using the traditional methods of the day. Years later, I realized just how damaging compulsion training
can be to the sensitive species we call our "best friend."
Working with hundreds of shelter dogs, I learned to appreciate individual and breed differences. Tuning
in to my own dogs, all shelter adoptees who arrived with baggage, gave me the insights needed to make the transition
to positive training.
Tansy was my first rescue dog. Deaf, neglected and abused, she taught me the finer points of
communication and forgiveness. Vada, an out-of-control border collie, responded to gentle guidance after traditional
training worsened her aggressive streak. Peabody, a sheltie-beagle mix, showed me the importance of addressing
stress in competition dogs. At one time leaving the agility ring without attempting a single obstacle, Peabody
now plays agility at the top levels of the game:
