Biography
Growing up, I was always obsessed with dogs. From feeding stray cats and dogs in the woods of South Carolina (against my parents rules), to working with my family’s Shepherds, Dobermans, and rescue dogs, I was always surrounded by animals. Because my older brother is actually allergic to dogs, I could not have one in my own house, so I went crazy with everything I could have! I’ve had Iguanas, Turtles, Bearded Dragons, many different breeds of Fish, Rabbits, Rats (so fun to train!), and Guinea Pigs. I worked on a farm for years where we did “travelling farms” to educate children. Putting a menagerie of farm animals into a white van and driving them to a school to present to a group of children is quite a unique experience!
I got my first dog as an adult in 2011, right out of high school. Wesley was a 3 year old Yorkie who was an overanxious ex show dog. After a little love and some training, he became the best dog in the world, and I was able to start fostering other pups with him, in early 2013. This is when I started getting officially into the training world. At this point, I have fostered hundreds of dogs, of all breeds, sizes, and challenges. My favorites are the more nervous or shy dogs that need a little extra patience, mommas and their litters, and the high energy crazy pants pups!
In 2015, I adopted Ozzy, an Austrailian Shepherd/Cattle dog mix who at the time was very dog selective and reactive on leash. When I realised he was a challenge I had not yet faced, and another trainer told me that he would never be manageable, I was introduced to Nicole. She was absolutely amazing and gave me confidence that he could be a “good boy”. After some private sessions and advice, he became quite the gentleman, who still has lots of spice, but is in fact a very good boy.
A few years later, I was able to take a position training with Philly Unleashed, and I absolutely love it! I especially love watching the pups go from Kindergarten through the level obedience classes and see how much they have grown and learned. Watching the bond between the owners and their dogs strengthen through working together is an added bonus to working with dogs. I have so much fun working with high energy dogs, to find ways to channel their energy through games and even trick training. There is always something to learn, and every dog is different!
I now have 5 dogs Wesley (Yorkie), Ozzy (Aussie blend), Mila (Rottie mix), Dodger (Golden mix), and Quinn (Boxer/Husky). In addition, we have 2 Guinea Pigs (Hendrix Carbleton and Simon KinkyBoots) and a Fish (Morvin Musturd). When not training, I love camping with my wife and the dogs, hiking, or pretty much doing anything outside. Fun fact, I have never owned a cat and while I want to, I also have an irrational fear of them. I am AKC Certified to do Puppy STAR and Canine Good Citizen Evaluations, and am working towards a Professional Training Certificate.
