I have been training dogs as long as I can remember. As a young girl, I would hold “dog shows” for all of my friends’ dogs. I was the kid that would always take care of the animals when neighbors went out of town, and truly loved spending time with them. As an adult I was constantly housesitting, and gaining experience working with a wide variety of breeds. We have also always had our own dogs, and our children showed them in 4H, which gave me a coaching job. I worked for a local breeder and in addition to providing care for the dogs, I also got to train and teach puppy classes.
When our Leonberger, “Presley” joined the family, my passion for dogs led me to get more serious and start competing. In under 2 years, Presley became an AKC Champion, and received her Grand Championship by the time she was 2-1/2 (all owner-handled). We were so excited to get into the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York! Presley currently has 11 AKC titles in conformation, obedience, temperament, therapy and sports. We also got involved in therapy work, and are certified through Alliance of Therapy Dogs, and volunteer at the Boulder County Courthouse in Longmont, the Juvenile Assessment Center in Boulder County (juvenile detention), the Boulder County Jail, and Longs Peak Hospital.
In addition to working with an amazing mentor, I decided to enroll in an intensive dog obedience instructor certification program, and was able to work with a wonderful, very established trainer in the Denver area. I graduated from the program with honors and became certified through the Animal Behavior College. I am a professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, an AKC approved Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and FIT DOG instructor, and I am also certified in Pet CPR and First Aid.
I believe that training should be fun for both the dog and the humans, and would love to help you meet your goals. I am so excited to work with your dog!
Please let me know if you have any questions!