As you see with many dog professionals, I grew up with dogs of various breeds and personalities and temperaments. 

 

In 2008, I started to think about what I could do to help my dog be the best pet dog he could be. I became a certified dog trainer through a school that promoted a dog friendly approach, and I used my own dog for videos of the testing processes.

 

Later the same year, I started a business to help other people gain the same knowledge I had. In the meantime, I became a co-parent to a sweet little black dog with severe anxiety issues. I started learning how to work to make his life the best it could be while enriching my own dog's life. Thus, the anxiety, fear, and aggression aspect of terriers with my business was born.

 

Those two dogs have left their legacy for my own current dogs and my clients' dogs.

 

Professional Memberships and Qualifications

 

In 2008, I gained the lifetime Pet First Aid Certification from the American Red Cross. At that time, not many dog training professionals were in a class.

 

In 2010, I became a Premium Professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Professionals and the organization's historian. 

 

Since 2013, I have been a member of the Pet Professional Guild--the first active member in the Charlotte metro area.  The same year, I became a licensed educator with Family Paws Parent Education, the US-founded international organization for preparing expectant mothers and fathers to share a home with a dog and a baby--or a toddler. 

 

In 2013-2015, I completed a course about dog body language and received the accompanying certificate and related materials. I implement this information with all of my clients. 

 

In 2016-2017, I became the first dog training professional in the Charlotte metro area to be a Certified Fear Free Professional.  The program was originally created for veterinarians' offices and their staff. Recently, the founders have created a program specific to dog training professionals, and I will be taking that refresher program.

 

In short, I am a dog trainer in obedience, body language and anxiety and fear expert, knowledgeable in dog and baby/children interactions, and an expert witness for legal cases.  It will be my pleasure to help you, your family, and your dog gain the same knowledge and peace of mind that has helped my clients and their dogs and my own family and dogs have a better, more fulfilling life.

 

-- Elizabeth, Business Owner and Primary Dog Trainer