I have literally been training animals my entire lifetime. Growing up, we always had animals and training them simply was natural to me (dogs & cats both, believe it or not!). 

In grade school, my neighbors complimented me on how well-behaved my dogs were, as I walked up and down our street. Soon afterward, I started training their pups, and before long I was winning trophies at the Colorado State Fair for Dog Obedience!

Years passed, and I became an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter. I mention this not merely to speak of my knowledge of a second language (I actually know 4), but really to emphasize how a silent language really helps me as a professional dog trainer. In silence, so much is actually communicated, especially with our canine companions, and I always include canine body language into my lessons so you can learn wheat they are saying too.

Earning my national certification (CPDT-KA) was a pain-staking effort, but well worth it. This entailed proof of several hundred hours of training dogs (every hour had to be verified and signed for by a superior), and the written test was pretty grueling too. It tests mastery in teaching skills, learning theory (how dogs learn), ethology, equipment, and animal husbandry. I believe a well-versed trainer is something everyone should look for. And if I cannot answer your questions, I have a community of 700 trainers world-wide to seek a solution. And even if I don't become your trainer, please find a positive-reinforcement ONLY trainer. Our dogs deserve kindness and respect, not intimidation and pain, when they learn.

People always think I am a puppy because I just have so much joy and energy, even though my doctor tells me I weigh 50 pounds. My human, Kara, says in 2019, I'll actually be about 9 or 10 years old, whatever that means. I can still bounce around when I'm excited (which is a lot), dig in the dirt, and eat just about anything. I love being active. 

In 2018, I even tried swimming, but I really only wanted to fetch that greenish-yellow ball out of the water. My human tells me I'm handsome every single day, and that's alright I guess, and sure, I will keep obliging her by playing her games. For example, when she cries out "Dempsey, Return", I always run back to her - even when I am in hot pursuit of a bunny or squirrel. She does give me attention and rewards for it, so I am always willing.

Kara gives me love and attention, and I fully trust that she has my back if I feel nervous. As long as my human keeps me entertained, I'll do whatever she asks. I don't even mind that she lives with that dumb ol' cat. I just know I must be the favorite, so I'm good with that feline....for now!