About Us

About Us

In the Beginning:

Besides  possessing certification as a Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT-KPA) and being a member of the Animal Behavior Society (ACAAB), I have well over a decade of hands on, in the field, experience.

There is a term describing a time in canine or the "Canid" evolution called Proto-Dog. It  comes from a time long ago (some 20,000 years they say) when human and wolf began interacting , creating a hybrid or...the "Proto-Dog". The term has come full circle to be used in modern times; now being used (correctly or not) to describe the cross-breeding that brings us Golden Doodles and the Puggle..to name only a couple. I combine successful, long proven methods from decades past with more modern techniques and tools of today. No two dogs are a like.. nor have they lived the same life. I approach each dog...each family, with an open mind, positive energy, and a willingness to bring a more balanced way of life to both. Many in the professional canine world would say a dog "Trainer" is not the same as a dog (or canine) "Behaviorist". The thinking is one (trainer) works with dogs to teach them a "skill" i.e.; sit, stay, leave it, agility..and so on. While the other (Behaviorist) works on a deeper, psychological level to help with anxieties, aggressions, fearfulness, socialization, or deep rooted behavioral issue. I'll not enter on one side or the other of that discussion.  I will say however; the work I have done over the past 12 years, and continue to do today, combines the best of both approaches. I combine training and behavior modification in order to achieve the desired goals ...My own type of hybrid I guess.  Whether that results in the dog doing something differently, or thinking about something differently, my style is results oriented and based on positive Operant Conditioning methods. At yourk9guy.com we work using instincts first, then well over a decade (and hundreds of dogs) of experience, and then the various aids ,(if I use any at all) ,available to me to achieve the goals and outcomes we have set.

If we are working on learning basic commands that can be achieved with highly interactive repetition/positive/reward work.  If it's deeper issues such as separation anxiety or unbalanced social behavior (various types of aggression, or shyness to name a few)... I let the dog set the pace and never attempt to put the dog in a situation that could possibly do more psychological damage. It's about being in tune with the dog and listening to what the dog is telling me. It works..it's about letting the dog BE a dog. Sometimes I need to help the dog relearn how to be a dog in certain situations. Many times this is the first time the dog has someone actually hearing what it's trying to say. And with-in that positive, well balanced journey, the dogs owner comes along.

The Growing Years:

Over the years I began spending time at the local animal shelters doing evaluations on new intakes and temperament assessments. To this day I continue to give back to the shelters and other rescue groups. Working with dogs as much as I have over the years, it is so clear to me how giving dogs are...and so I choose to give back.

 So many people make the decision to become  a professional dog trainer ...they go to school and come out the other end with a wealth of text book knowledge but, unfortunately, they possess little or no hands on, in the field experience...that takes years. Besides  possessing certification as a Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT-KPA) and being a member of the Animal Behavior Society (ACAAB), I have well over a decade of hands on, in the field, experience. I've worked with hundreds of dogs. Whether it's anxiety, fearfulness, aggression issues, or other other psychological barriers your dog faces, I have the knowledge, patience, and leadership abilities to guide you and your dog back to a more balanced life...It's an absolute gift to here a client tell me "I'm so happy for my dog...he/she can be a dog again". So if it's getting the dog under control when the doorbell rings , potty training, skills training, or deeper psychological behavior issues...I take pride in knowing the trust given me by my clients over the years has resulted in bringing those families a healthier happy home.

Where we're going:

In the near future yourk9guy.com will be expanding the website to include product sales, free promotional events, educational "quick read" news letters, "Twitter Tips", "monthly must read book choices"...and more. But most of all, I do this for the dogs so my main focus will always lead me back to hands on work..at the shelters, helping in public non-profit events...and mainly working one on one with you and your dog...because that's what I love to do.