I started my private dog training business in 2003.  After graduating from UC Berkeley with a B.A. in History, I decided to forego law school and follow my real passion: working with dogs.  From 2004-2010, I trained thousands of puppies and their owners through my group classes at Laura for Dogs.  In 2006 I was fortunate to form a close working relationship with Tri Valley Animal Rescue (TVAR), a wonderful non-profit rescue organization, and I continue to work with TVAR and dogs at the East County Animal Shelter in Dublin.  I have also worked with the East Bay chapter of Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) and several other rescue organizations.

I served on the Board of Directors at Oakland Dog Training Club from 2008-2010.  I volunteered for German Shepherd Rescue of Northern California for seven years, and have also done volunteer and foster work for other breed rescues.

I have been competing in AKC obedience since 2004.  My first obedience dog, a rescued male German Shepherd named Tucker, completed his CDX (Companion Dog Excellent) and his RE (the top level of Rally, Rally Excellent) before retiring due to hip dysplasia.  Tucker also had his BH (beginning Schutzhund level), CGC (Canine Good Citizen certificate) and TT (Temperament Test).  My second German Shepherd, another rescued female named Amara, had her CDX, RN, BH, TT and CGC.

My current dogs are Mozart, a rescued Border Collie, and Kira, a Belgian Tervuren.  Mozart completed his UD (Utility Dog) in obedience with three first places, and also finished all three levels of Rally with nine consecutive high scores in one year, earning his RE title.  In 2012 he completed his UDX (Utility Dog Excellent) and OM2 (Obedience Master 2) titles, and in 2013 he achieved the ultimate obedience goal by earning his OTCh (Obedience Trial Championship)!  He is now OTCh Twinkle Twinkle Mr. Mozart, UDX, OM2, RE, TT, CGC.  Mozart is also an experienced helper and often assists in my training, particularly of dog-reactive dogs.  Kira recently finished her UD title with three 1st places and is currently working towards her OTCh.

I bring my background of both horse training and competitive obedience to my work as a trainer. My experience in AKC obedience, in particular, informs and influences my approach to training, even at the basic level.  Graduates from my puppy classes find they have a much more solid grounding in basics like stay, heel and come than they would get in a typical pet store class.

My training philosophy is grounded in common sense: reward good behaviors, correct or redirect bad behaviors, provide basic structure and leadership, and BE CONSISTENT!  I also believe that training should be fun for both humans and dogs!