I have always had a passion for helping animals and began working with family pets (dogs, cats and horses) from a young age. While living in Calgary, I volunteered with the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS) to assist at their shelter (feeding, cleaning, walking, administering medications, etc.) with both dogs and cats until they could either be released (if they are a cat from the TNR pro
gram) or placed in a foster home. I successfully completed my Pet First Aid while working for them and learned a lot about medication administration, as well as disinfection protocols surrounding easily transmittable diseases (such as mange, leukemia, etc.). Upon moving to Nova Scotia, I volunteered with Homeward Bound (walking dogs) and began working with Good Bones Dog Rescue fostering dogs until it became clear to the Founder of the rescue that I had a natural talent for helping dogs to overcome difficult behavioral problems. She encouraged me to take the Dog Trainer Apprenticeship Program under Tristan Flynn at Jollytails Dartmouth, and promoted me to Foster Coordinator and Dog Trainer within her organization. I continue to volunteer my services to help many of the dogs within their care, often creating training plans for the adopters (if they are open to that) and their dogs to ensure the dogs are set up for success moving forward. I have been steadily taking courses, attending seminars, reading books, and listening to podcasts to ensure I stay up to date on how dog training is evolving and how to navigate the quickly growing field of dog training. My natural inclination seems to revolve around reactivity and leash work, however my passion is to help people understand their dogs, and alternatively to ensure their dogs understand them to foster a deeper connection between dog and owner.
