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Experience & Education

My Backgroud

I've been working with dogs professionally since I was 18. Not in theory - and not just in controlled settings - but hands-on, across different contexts that required structure, consistency, and real accountability in how dogs were developed.

Early in my career, I managed a kennel at Partners Dog Training. That experience shaped how I look at dogs on a day-to-day level - how behavior forms, how routines influence stability, and how clarity (or lack of it) shows up quickly when you're responsible for multiple dogs at once. 

I later worked with AZ Dog Sports, where I taught within their academy program. I wasn't just training dogs - I was teaching people how to train. That process forces a different level of understanding. You have to be able to break things down clearly, apply them across different dogs, and help others execute it in real time - not just explain it. 

Alongside that, I've trained and competed in Schutzhund/IPO, PSA, and French Ring, and continue to stay involved in AKC sports and scent detection. Those settings don't leave much room for guesswork. They demand clarity, timing, and consistency - and that standard carries into every dog I work with. 

I hold credentials as an AKC CGC Evaluator and AKC Fetch Judge, with additional certification in Canine Genetics. That background allows me to look beyond surface-level-behavior - taking into account structure, drives, and long-term working potential. My work with Belgian Malinois has also extended into the AKC conformation ring, which adds another layer to how I evaluate and develop dogs. 

I also spent 5 years in education, where I developed and led a service dog program within a college-preparatory charter school for students in grades 9 through 12 - working directly with students while guiding both dogs and handlers through a structured, real-world process.

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Training Standards

Training is carried out with consistent expectations and follow-through. Behaviors are not treated as optional or situational, and responses are developed to remain consistent across different contexts. 

Dogs are held to appropriate social standards. Jumping on people, mouthing, and escalation during interactions are not permitted, and dogs are expected to maintain boundaries within shared space.

Engagement is balanced with neutrality. Dogs are expected to remain responsive without constant prompting and to disengage appropriately when required.

Progression is based on demonstrated understanding. Stability is established before advancement, with an emphasis on responses that can be maintained without dependency.  

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My Approach

Behavior doesn't break down randomly. It breaks down when the level of distraction exceeds the dog's current level of understanding.

Noting overrides the brain - one pattern simply becomes stronger than another. When a dog appears to ignore a command, it's not a loss of training. It's an indication that the environment is asking for more than the dog is prepared to handle. 

My training is approached by developing clarity first, then strengthening behavior through controlled exposure and progression. Dogs are worked at a level they can process, so responses are understood before they are expected to hold under pressure. 

Clients are an essential part of this process. Understanding how behavior is formed, maintained, and challenged allows them to apply training effectively outside of structured sessions. 

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Professional Development

Ongoing education remains a foundational part of maintaining a high standard of training and handling. As methodologies evolve, staying current requires continued study, hands-on application, and exposure to a range of perspectives.

Experience across varied environments, combined with ongoing engagement within the training community, supports a broader and more refined understanding of behavior. This ensures training remains practical, relevant, and adaptable - without becoming limited to a single method or fixed approach. 

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©2021 by Logical K9, LLC. 

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