I grew up with family dogs, and all of our dogs were well-loved, faithful companions. For the most part they each fit into our home and lives very well … except for Annie. Annie was a chow mix my sister found wandering around on the street outside of our church one day. Annie was malnourished and dirty but still leaned into my sister and just wanted to be loved. My sister fell head over heels for
Annie and convinced my parents she should come home with us. Annie was wonderful with the family and an excellent guard dog, with one huge problem - she was dog aggressive. We had an Australian shepherd already living with us, and she went on go on to send him to the vet multiple times over the remainder of his life (they both lived to a good old age and eventually passed away due to cancer). I realize now that true aggression such as we saw with Annie is pretty rare but seeing it so frequently as a teenager had a huge impact on my desire to learn about behavior. I wish I’d known then what I know now - even with the best of intentions there was a lot we did wrong and there were measures we could have taken to improve our lives and Annie’s. That experience motivates me today! After I left the Air Force and began working at zoos and aquariums around the United States, I saw the power of positive reinforcement training and the amazing results that trainers are able to get by building strong relationships with their animals. I want to apply these same principles to help people and dogs cohabitate in a way that’s positive and rewarding for both species. I want to see you and your dog live your best lives and enjoy each other!
