"We so appreciate your wise guidance &enthusiastic encouragement. Other trainers we’ve worked with seemed more about changing the dog’s behavior, leaving me feeling like a failure. Your heart-based approach makes me feel connected to the dogs, like we’re doing these things together, on a journey together." -- Mary & Andrew Neighbour, Santa Fe

Many people adopt a dog from the shelter and want to go on long, energetic off-leash hikes and have their dogs ready-made. (And this can happen!)

But for many people, their dogs may exhibit disruptive, outlandish, and even dangerous behaviors. This is when they come to me. I teach people how to help their dogs feel safe in the environment, how to have some say in the matter without running the show, and how to "self-calm" in appropriate ways. 

I began learning how to train dogs in Santa Fe, New Mexico in February 2017. I had arrived at the park with two dogs: Spirit, my cattle dog mix, and Dulce, my Terrier mix. I had them piled in the back of my little 1980 Datsun where they barked and barked and barked and barked.

I was at my wit's end. I had never thought of going to a trainer. I figured I should just KNOW how to handle dogs. I thought if I love them they will love me back and do what they are supposed to do.

But not.

Spirit had been found on Cerrillos Road and she was somewhat feral: She attacked busses and little dogs, and even her shadow. She also was a cute wiggle-butt darling (see photo on right). 

Dulce was calmer and potentially a sweet dog but he was reactive and clever and totally self-willed. 

Inagine this: After our first session, David said he couldn't work with me! He said my dogs were too fat, self-rewarding, and neither needed nor wanted anything from me.