I use a holistic approach to training and behavior management that encompasses the whole dog; body, mind and spirit
These methods are complimentary to veterinary care. They encourage people to take an active role in their dog’s total well-being to prevent behavior and health problems and maintain a happy, healthy dog in balance with you and their world.
I partner with others who have expertise in acupuncture, chiropractic care, healing massage and therapeutic exercise so you have a team of skilled professionals supporting you with your dog.
Body
Structural Assessment. If you are having trouble with some aspect of training and cannot identify the cause, it may be helpful to look at whether the problem could be related to a dog’s physical structure. Is the construction of the dog’s body hampering its ability to do what you ask of it or do what it was bred to do? If so, I can do a structural assessment to see if this may be the source of the difficulty.
To learn more, read my article, “Training the Whole Dog,” which appeared on the cover of The Chronicle of the Dog, the Association of Pet Dog Trainer’s magazine, in 2007.
Diet and Exercise. Good nutrition and exercise are essential for our dogs to be fit and healthy, as they are for us. A dog getting good food and adequate exercise is energetic, has bright eyes, a shiny coat, and well-developed, toned muscles.
I can recommend a diet and exercise and program to transform your dog into one who will be visibly different from what they are now. I can tell you how to determine whether your dog is getting what it needs from his food and what options are available for improving diet. I can also suggest ways to ensure your dog is getting the type of exercise that will build a strong body. A good exercise program will go a long way toward keeping your dog out of trouble, too.
We may also want to explore the mind-body connection for shy dogs and ways to release fears through the magic of touch.
Mind
Dogs, especially young ones, need not only exercise but mental stimulation to lead full lives. Yet many dogs today spend many hours alone while we work, and it is our responsibility to make sure the time they share with us is 
quality time.
I can coach you in how to do this by using positive, relationship-building training methods that teach our dog’s to think and make good choices. See My Mission and Methods.
I can show you how to teach them tricks and engage in play with them that will increase the bond between you. I can reveal creative ways to enrich their lives when alone.
Spirit
I believe each dog, as each person, has a special God-given gift and talent that needs to be expressed in the world so they can be whole and complete.
A dogs emotional well-being may be doing what a dog was bred to do, e.g., herding, tracking or fieldwork. It may be using a dog’s natural abilities to connect with others through therapy visits to nursing facilities, retirement centers or hospitals.
Whatever it is, when this is shared, we are all the better for it.
We can discuss your dogs’ natural abilities and how their special gifts can be unleashed.
