A little about me… Well, as pertaining to dogs, let me come back to that. For 25 years I have been a dance instructor, teaching Swing, Latin and Ballroom dancing. I still do this, although remotely and in a more limited capacity. One dream I was always working toward was that I wanted to someday live on an island in the Caribbean. That someday came in January of 2020, when my husband and I, after very recently signing on a new home, began the process of renovating that home and living on the island. Obviously it was 2020 and much change was coming to our plans, but we did no know this yet. I set out to live for a few months in the home I was renovating, while there I came across my first dog rescue (see blog). This changed a lot of course for me. I began to really see the dogs all around the island, and to understand the needs of these dogs, but also the people who rescue them. I wanted to see what help I had to offer in this regard.
I have had dogs my whole life. From the dogs my parents had as I was a kid, to my first rescue and placement, Kona, to my first adopted dog Hugo, and so on until now. I have three rescued dogs and in my time on the island (less than a year) I adopted a three legged puppy I named Bucky. I never really thought about dog training, but yes, my dogs have always been well behaved. I never had formal training, I just do what I do with my pets. I know what I want from them and they know what I want from them and we work together. I always received compliments on the behavior of my dogs, and I did take pride in that, but really I could not pinpoint what I do. Also I have a tendency to lapse in my rules when they are sick or old, and When we walk there are behaviors I could never really get right with them. I decided to attend formal dog training school and get a certification for my efforts to better pass on information for others and how they communicate with these wonderful companions. I of course chose my favorite and most influential trainer, Victoria Stillwell and her VSA courses for dog trainers.
Now I hope to help others, You, learn to live in great harmony with your pet. Use positive training and get the most out of your relationship with your dog. Build trust with rescues, and help all dogs be “adoptable”
On a more personal note: I am a mother with three grown kids, I have 4 dogs of my own and 3 cats. I am from Bellingham WA but have lived in other locations. My husband is my partner in everything from dance to house renovating to dog training. We also run an Airbnb in Puerto Rico and we hope to someday host you!