About Me
My mission is to transform the lives of pet parents and their dogs. My approach to dog training and behavior work is modern and evidence based. I believe in reinforcing behaviors we want rather than punishing those that we do not. To that end, I follow a LIMA (Least Invasive Minimally Aversive) approach. Think of me as a relationship coach for you and your dog. I begin by assessing and meeting the dogs wellness, exercise and enrichment needs as this is often the first step toward improving behavior concerns. I then work with you to develop management and training strategies that suit you and your dog. The goal is to bring joy back into your relationship between you and your best friend.
My Story
For as long as I can remember, I have loved animals. I have had dogs my entire life but my first dog as a "grown up" was a game changer. Like most of us who get into this field, it all began with one special dog that forced me to learn more about training. That was Mayzie. She was full of energy, whip smart, and reactive to other dogs and people. I had no idea what I was doing and I made every mistake one could make. I have come a long way since then and have been rescuing and rehabilitating dogs for 20 years. I love all animals but I have a special place in my heart for the ones with, shall we say, quirks.
I have always had a passion for the science of behavior so I majored in psychology. However, I didn't care as much about human behavior. Back then, degrees in animal behavior were hard to come by so I put my dreams of working with animals on the shelf. Then 2020 happened. As if the pandemic wasn't stressful enough, I was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer. Thanks to my amazing partner and my 4 dogs, I kicked cancer's ass! I also realized that life is too precious to give up on your dreams...or your dog.
So, I went back to school, refined my skills and made my dog training dreams come true. For me, counseling human-dog teams goes beyond behavior and is beyond rewarding.
Canine Department
The Beyond Behavior Team consists of four furry members. Each rescued from various situations, they have each come a long way from humble beginnings.
Nola
9 y/o Pit/Lab Mix
Nola was transported up north from Tennessee at 4 months old. When she came to me she was mouthy, guarded her food and had zero manners. She is now a model citizen and enjoys pretending she is a tiny lap dog and going for long sniffy walks in the woods.
Sophie
5 y/o Boston Terrier
Sophie was a discarded breeder mama from Arkansas. She likely has a history of abuse and trauma and has a couple of level 3 bites under her belt. Today, she is happy, healthy and will greet company by jumping their laps and passionately kissing their faces.
Fiona
4 y/o American Bulldog/Boxer Mix
Fiona aka "The Foof" was dumped at a local shelter after just giving birth to a litter. She has what's called Cerebellar Hyperplasia, a neurological condition that causes her to be a bit wobbly. Don't let that fool you! Her disability doesn't slow her down and she's the happiest dog on earth.
Oliver
2 y/o French Bulldog
Ollie was found as a stray on the streets of New Jersey as a baby. When his owners learned he was sitting in a scary pound, they chose not to come get him. The ultimate mama's boy,
Ollie is the communications director of BB. He has much to say.
Why I Work With Rescues
Around 3.9M dogs end up in shelters every year. Though compassionate shelter workers do everything they can to ensure the wellbeing of these animals, the shelter environment is extremely stressful for most dogs. Some dogs make a long journey from rural areas and end up placed in busy urban settings. Others have traumatic pasts that we will never truly understand. A number of them cannot even begin to fathom trusting humans.
Opening your heart and home to one of these dogs, giving them a second (or maybe third or fourth) chance to be a part of a family is a beautiful thing. It can also be extremely challenging.
When I rescued my Mayzie at 20 years old, I had lived with many family dogs before. Nothing prepared me for life with this little firecracker. I wish that I knew more back then. I wish I had the skills I have now but I can't turn back time and do things differently for my "heart dog".
What I CAN do is help others.