I grew up in Ohio
and received my first dog, a shetland sheepdog, when I was eight years old. I
began training my dog immediately and joined my local dog 4-H club. My 4-H
instructors taught me traditional training methods that involved leash pops and
corrections.
In time the forceful methods became tiresome to both my and
me. Through traditional training, I did an excellent job at teaching her to not come when called. When I got my next
dog, a border collie mix, she responded to leash pops very submissively by
ceasing to walk and laying down. While practicing at a show, a judge approached
me. He was a dolphin trainer at Sea World, and he was very knowledgeable about
alternative training methods. He taught me that training in a positive fashion
could be more fun for both my dog and me. I wanted to become an advocate of
positive reinforcement, also known as reward-based training.
First, I needed to conduct more research. I read books about
positive reinforcement, one of which was Don’t
Shoot the Dog by Karen Pryor. I also attended many dog training seminars
while in high school. I became acquainted with a dog trainer named Denny
Mentessi, and I became her apprentice. For the next 3 years I assisted her with
beginner obedience classes.
I attended college at Ohio Wesleyan
University, and I focused
on psychology (for both animals and people) and zoology. My advisor, Dale
Swartzentruber, was a wealth of information regarding research and terminology
of animal learning and behavior. With his guidance, I conducted experiments and
consulted text books about these subjects. I also apprenticed another dog
trainer, Pam Burtt.
Dogs were not my only fascination. During and after college,
I worked seasonally at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, the Columbus Zoo, and Utah’s Hogle Zoo. I
trained numerous exotic animals, from birds to porcupines. I sure did avoid the
bite by training in an understanding manner!
After moving to Utah
and realizing what a dog friendly community it was, I started my own business
in January of 2006. Four Legged Scholars is not only a dog training school but
also a pet-sitting and dog-walking service. I love rehabilitating aggressive
dogs because the bond between the dogs and their families strengthen. I also
enjoy teaching group obedience classes especially the puppy classes. In all of
my group classes I focus on clicker training, another positive reinforcement
method. The owners love it, the dogs respond to it willingly, and I can smile
knowing that I have accomplished my purpose!
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