I began training dogs almost 20 years ago when I joined my town’s local search and rescue group and became interested in training a search dog. I joined up with some other dog handlers who also had SAR dogs and began training with them. We used some of the “traditional” methods of dog training; choke chains (we called them training collars), electric collars, and used methods such as “choking off”
and “alpha rolls.”
It wasn’t until my application was accepted by Best Friends Animal Sanctuary to adopt one of the dogs rescued from the Michael Vick dog fighting bust that I first heard the term “positive reinforcement” training. In order to foster and eventually adopt one of the “Vicktory Dogs”, the judge ordered that we work with a positive reinforcement trainer. I had no idea what that even was so Best Friends found me a trainer named Skye Poitras which I ultimately hired as a trainer for my Vicktory dog Halle. I worked with Skye for several years and learned all about clicker and reward-based training. She was not only my trainer but also became a good friend, and because of our mutual love for pit bulls we started a pit bull rescue organization in which we raised money for spay/neuter, a low- and no-cost training program, medical expenses, and promoted education about the breed and responsible ownership. While Skye was helping with the training of Halle, I was amazed at the transformation she was making. I asked Skye if she could help me train my other pit bull, Tacoma, to become a therapy dog. It was through this process and my love of training that I decided to pursue dog training myself. I was so excited to see first-hand that dogs could actually learn without being forced, hurt, or intimidated into doing what I wanted. My dogs enjoyed training and were so eager to please through leadership rather than dominance. I started as an official positive reinforcement trainer at the beginning of 2013 and later started Three Little Pits Pawsitive Dog Training, named after my three adorable pit bulls. Along with a few private clients I began volunteering with two local rescue organizations, Friends of Animals and Paws For Life, and would work with dogs that had behavioral issues in order to get them to the point in which they could be adopted. I became acquainted with another pit bull advocate who would also become a close friend – Kate Callahan, executive director of Jasmine’s House, a Baltimore-based pit bull rescue organization. I began volunteering with Jasmine’s House and worked with Kate in organizing a shelter enrichment program and setting up a no-cost training program for low income pit bull owners. In January of 2014 I was deployed by the Humane Society of the United States to volunteer with the 367 dogs rescued from the second largest multi-state dog bust. Probably one of the most exhausting weeks I’ve ever experienced, both emotionally and physically, I learned a lot about dog behavior and was able to observe how each dog was evaluated. That experience gave me even more motivation to want to help other dogs overcome fear-based behaviors so that they can remain in their homes rather than end up in the shelter. Currently, I work with private clients who want basic obedience or some who have dogs with behavioral issues. My dog Tacoma and I have been a member of Therapy Animals of Utah for the past four years and started the Best Friends’ I Read to Animals program at our local library, so I also work with people who are interested in training their dog to be a therapy dog. I am also working on getting my pit bull Jagger ready to take his certification test to become a certified therapy dog. I offer puppy classes where basic obedience and manners are taught, as well as how to have a positive experience while visiting the vet. While working full time at a busy vet clinic, I have seen first-hand the importance of ensuring that your pet has the most positive experience possible. Early socialization and play with other puppies is also emphasized in puppy classes. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, snow shoeing, camping, reading, and spending time with friends and family. I also play several instruments and love getting together with friends for a good jam session!
