Betsy is certified through the CCPDT as a canine behavioral consultant and is a Fear-Free Certified trainer. I have had a strong appreciation and love for dogs my entire life. When I was little, I used to drive my mom crazy pretending to be a dog. I would crawl on all fours, beg for food, bark, and even lap water out of the dog dish. Gross, right!? I was fortunate enough to grow up with lots of do
gs, but we mostly had Boston Terriers, Bulldogs, and Boxers. I love ALL dogs, especially rescues, and have been grateful to have the opportunity to rescue Bostons and Beagles throughout my adult life. My husband and I currently have 3 dogs-Ducky, Levi, and Trudy. They bring so much joy to our lives. During my time on this earth, I have experienced a great deal of death, grief, and loss. During the times of tremendous sorrow, my dogs always provided a light even on the darkest of days. They gave me something to take care of and to focus on other than my pain. When it wasn't enough to do so for myself, my dogs provided me with a reason to get up in the morning and keep pressing forward. Each dog that has blessed my life has taught me a new and valuable lesson. I have learned to love unconditionally, to be patient, to be in the moment, and to stay positive despite the circumstances. I struggled throughout my adult life to find my path. I graduated from Siena Heights University with a BA in Psychology and a MA in Community Counseling. I have worked at Northside Veterinary Hospital since 2005 as a Veterinary Assistant. As I finished graduate school, I knew in my heart something felt off. I just could not imagine a career without dogs. I continue to this day to work as a Veterinary Assistant at NVH in addition to running Betsy's Canine Consultations LLC. It took me 2 degrees, too many student loans, and more time than I would have liked to carve out a career path, but here I am. No matter how long the road, I am grateful that I get to wake up and do something that I love. Dogs have given me so much throughout my life and I feel like it is my turn to return the favor. I am hoping to make the world a better place for dogs one client at a time. During my consultations I focus on providing appropriate outlets for dogs, the pet parent's bond with the dog, and teaching new and incompatible behaviors to help diminish unwanted behaviors. I work hard to educate my clients on management, prevention, canine body language, training tools, positive reinforcement principles and training, enrichment, bond building, and specific behavioral issues. I do not claim to know it all, but I continue my education by attending conferences, webinars, reading books, journals, and other materials. My certification requires that I obtain CEU's to remain a certified professional. I am also Fear Free certified. This means that as a trainer, behavioral consultant, and veterinary assistant, I do what I can to keep your pet from experiencing fear, anxiety, or stress and provide the most positive experience possible. Sometimes I think we take dogs for granted by looking at them as "less than" or something to be controlled or dominated. We expect perfection. We want them to easily and seamlessly assimilate into our human world with little effort. At the end of the day dogs are a completely different species that should be respected and appreciated for what they are. As human beings, we have so much to learn. We can all be self-centered and feel as though everyone and everything else is here for "us." However, the reality may be that displaying empathy, grace, humility, and love to all beings (including dogs) may get us much further along and better our respective lives. That is perhaps the biggest lesson dogs have taught me. Remember, our dogs are completely at the mercy of the environment and life we provide. What kind of life are you providing? I am here to help my clients have a cooperative, considerate, and meaningful relationship with their canine companions and feel deeply grateful to be on this journey with all of you. "Dog is God spelled backwards..." -Poem by Jackie Ann
"Everything I know I learned from dogs." -Nora Roberts
"All his life he tried to be a good person. Many times, however, he failed. For after all, he was only human. He wasn't a dog." -Charles M. Schultz
"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went." -Will Rogers
