I began formally training dogs when I turned 12. My sister and I were the youngest members of Old Colony Obedience Club in Massachusetts. This was in the early 1980s. Training was much different then. The majority of the training was based on competitive obedience concepts. Training was based on physical corrections and dominance/alpha theory. I am what is some times called a "crossover" trainer. This is a trainer who was schooled in the old ways but evolved and changed as we learned more about behavioral sciences.
In 2020, I opened West Wind Dog Training in Northern Virginia. In 2024, we relocated to Sanford, NC (Lee County).
My focus with clients is helping them understand their individual dog based on breed traits and/or observable behaviors. Over the years I learned that training classes based in competitive obedience are often not what the average pet person needs. For example, how we teach dogs to come when called for competition is not practical for use in the real world.
Many of the behaviors we were taught to call dominant are really confusion behaviors or fear behaviors. The dogs are trying to figure out how to survive with us. Therefore they do what works in their mind to get what they want. Feral dogs do not form packs as early researchers assumed based on observing wild wolf packs. Even early assumptions of wolf pack behaviors have been proven erroneous. We need to eliminate the old “Alpha,” “Pack Leader,” and similar older theories.
Training is building a positive relationship. You cannot do this through pain and intimidation.
My first job is to relieve stress, build trust in me and alleviate confusion. My job is to teach you what you need to do humanely to help create what you need from them while remembering that these are dogs and not little humans in fur coats. We need to respect them for their species.
Understanding what your dog is both as a dog and as an individual within his breed or assumed type is important. I cannot make a Border Collie behave like a Basset Hound. That Golden-Poodle cross will not be Jack Russell Terrier. What we see in behaviors is a combination of: genetics, the influence of hormones during pregnancy (stress hormones can affect fetal development), early interactions between mother, puppies, and humans and then the work done by the new owner. It is a myth that certain breeds or types need certain training, chokes, prongs, shocks, etc. Every dog can learn with positive reinforcement training.
Once we understand dogs and how to work with them in a manner that reduces stress, fear, and changes how we respond to dogs, we can work with our dogs in a more effective manner.
I am a member of the Pet Professional Guild and an affiliate member International Association of Animal Behavioral Consultants.
Finally, if needed, I will refer to one of two veterinary behaviorists in the region. Veterinary Behaviorists are a vital tool for me. If it is determined a VB is the best route, I will teach you management of the situation and then put you in contact with one. Any trainer who states there is no dog they cannot train is a trainer to avoid.