My passion for dogs began when I was 12 years old. My mother and I showed and bred Japanese Chins in AKC conformation dog shows. As a young person, I worked as kennel help for various show dog fanciers and boarding kennels. During this time I worked with breeds ranging from dachshunds to salukis, to Bloodhounds to Mastiffs and all mixes in between.
I got my very first “adult” job as a veterinary technician when I was 18 years old. I worked as a Vet Tech for many years, working in Animal Emergency clinics and regular Veterinary clinics. I am proficient in animal first aid and CPR. I can also recognize early signs of critical animal issues such as bloat which commonly affects large and giant dogs.
After many years in the vet industry, I decided to completely change careers and work in the beauty industry however my love for dogs never waned. I continued to be involved in small dog rescue and rehabilitation as a hobby. In 2012, my husband and I were introduced to Schutzhund with our Cane Corso. This opened up a whole new and exciting world for me and our dogs. We trained with several well known dog trainers in Northern CA to learn more about Schutzhund and protection sport as well as competition level obedience. I also started training one of my Corsos for AKC agility competition, tracking, barn hunt and basically whatever was available for us to try. I titled that dog in several levels in AKC agility, Schutzhund, Conformation and a host of other performance sports. During this period I also applied and successfully became an AKC dog Show Judge.
In 2016 I met Sara Walchlii and Jess Pombo, both trainers and instructors at the Michael Ellis School For Dog Trainers and owners of Sonoma County Canine Dog Training. The 3 of us met because they picked up a Corso in the San Francisco shelter. They’d contacted me via my non profit rescue I founded, West Coast Cane Corso Rescue, which still operates today. We all clicked immediately and I started training and being mentored by them in all things dog training and behavior. We also successfully adopted out that dog that they contacted me about. They showed me how to work with different temperaments, how to address problem behaviors, how to assess a dog and how to figure out the best training plan for each dog and its presented challenges as well as teaching me training for even more competition behaviors. During this period, I also became very good friends with Oscar Mora of Elevated Canine in LA. In 2020, Oscar Mora and Sara and Jess both gave me my first client dogs to train and helped guide me with these dogs to ensure a successful outcome. Boy was I in love with dog training!!! After that first experience working with someone else’s dogs, I decided I was ready to quit my day job and start my own business as a professional trainer. I continued to be mentored by the Sonoma County Canine ladies until purchasing my first home outside of Sacramento in 2022. Now I take online classes with the Michael Ellis School and attend workshops with other trainers.
In 2022 I was introduced to Theo of RefinedK9 and started to work with her and her team of talented trainers.
I truly love ALL DOGS and I enjoy showing owners how to deepen their bond with their pets. Dog training isn’t only about “sit” and “stay” its also about learning how to communicate with your dog and learn what your dog is communicating with you. I am always grateful to each and every owner who entrusts me with their dog and I am committed to you both for a successful outcome.
I got my very first “adult” job as a veterinary technician when I was 18 years old. I worked as a Vet Tech for many years, working in Animal Emergency clinics and regular Veterinary clinics. I am proficient in animal first aid and CPR. I can also recognize early signs of critical animal issues such as bloat which commonly affects large and giant dogs.
After many years in the vet industry, I decided to completely change careers and work in the beauty industry however my love for dogs never waned. I continued to be involved in small dog rescue and rehabilitation as a hobby. In 2012, my husband and I were introduced to Schutzhund with our Cane Corso. This opened up a whole new and exciting world for me and our dogs. We trained with several well known dog trainers in Northern CA to learn more about Schutzhund and protection sport as well as competition level obedience. I also started training one of my Corsos for AKC agility competition, tracking, barn hunt and basically whatever was available for us to try. I titled that dog in several levels in AKC agility, Schutzhund, Conformation and a host of other performance sports. During this period I also applied and successfully became an AKC dog Show Judge.
In 2016 I met Sara Walchlii and Jess Pombo, both trainers and instructors at the Michael Ellis School For Dog Trainers and owners of Sonoma County Canine Dog Training. The 3 of us met because they picked up a Corso in the San Francisco shelter. They’d contacted me via my non profit rescue I founded, West Coast Cane Corso Rescue, which still operates today. We all clicked immediately and I started training and being mentored by them in all things dog training and behavior. We also successfully adopted out that dog that they contacted me about. They showed me how to work with different temperaments, how to address problem behaviors, how to assess a dog and how to figure out the best training plan for each dog and its presented challenges as well as teaching me training for even more competition behaviors. During this period, I also became very good friends with Oscar Mora of Elevated Canine in LA. In 2020, Oscar Mora and Sara and Jess both gave me my first client dogs to train and helped guide me with these dogs to ensure a successful outcome. Boy was I in love with dog training!!! After that first experience working with someone else’s dogs, I decided I was ready to quit my day job and start my own business as a professional trainer. I continued to be mentored by the Sonoma County Canine ladies until purchasing my first home outside of Sacramento in 2022. Now I take online classes with the Michael Ellis School and attend workshops with other trainers.
In 2022 I was introduced to Theo of RefinedK9 and started to work with her and her team of talented trainers.
I truly love ALL DOGS and I enjoy showing owners how to deepen their bond with their pets. Dog training isn’t only about “sit” and “stay” its also about learning how to communicate with your dog and learn what your dog is communicating with you. I am always grateful to each and every owner who entrusts me with their dog and I am committed to you both for a successful outcome.
