Philosophy
Fang Shui Canines uses positive and reward-based reinforcement training for even the most difficult situations. We don’t believe in the dominance myth, where dogs and people compete for leadership. Dogs are not “stubborn” and “dominant” if they “misbehave.” They are not “mad” at you or “getting back” at you if they potty in the house, for example. They don’t have our sense of guilt!

We have successfully trained people and their dogs to live harmoniously since 2002. We provide lifestyle coaching designed specifically for your pooch. We’ve obtained dozens of happy clients through viral word-of-mouth recommendations!

Then and Now
After bringing home 13-week-old Frisbee, my Border Collie/Australian Shepherd, from the Humane Society Boulder Valley in 1999, I found out quickly that he was bullying other dogs! Not good. Since then, while volunteering in shelter’s training programs, along with intense education, we’ve overcome most of his dog reactiveness issues by identifying his triggers. Frisbee recently retired from his career as an Animal Assisted Therapy Dog–we went to hospitals, nursing homes, juvenile delinquent centers, and libraries.

Additionally, in 2002, I adopted a fearful blue Border Collie, Luna, from Nebraska Border Collie Rescue. We are on our continuous journey to overcome her variety of fears and phobias. She’s taught me a wealth of information about unconfident and worried pets.

Fang Shui Canines helps clients in dog behavior predicaments not only similar to Frisbee’s and Luna’s, but other numerous and varied behavior issues. I learned that compassionate, humane, science-based training works. We collaborate with mentor trainers, and attend the latest workshops, classes, and seminars led by behavioral experts, including Nicole Wilde, Patricia McConnell, Trish King, Sue Sternberg, and Ian Dunbar. My portfolio also includes behavioral modification certifications and case studies.

Wooflights

• Founder of and certified (CATT) trainer for The American Treibball Association. Treibball is the newest doggy sport around—our classes are among the first in the country!
• AKC Canine Good Citizen Trainer/Evaluator for S.T.A.R. puppies and adult dogs
• Currently podcasting for Animal Cafe, a weekly show that covers information about all animals. Helped launch Bark Out Loud, a weekly dog show that brings together experts in the dog  community to discuss specific issues relating to all things dog.
• Started Rocky Mountain Border Collie Rescue in 2003, where I trained rescue dogs to coexist successfully with their adopted families by giving them confidence, manners, and focus.
• Volunteer with Humane Society Boulder Valley in their Specially Trained Adoptable Rover (STAR) program (to help dogs on the edge of euthanasia become adoptable), puppy socialization classes, and other training events (since 2002).
• Certified as an Animal Emergency Management Program Responder volunteer with the Colorado Veterinary Medical Foundation’s Animal Emergency Management Program
• Evaluate potential canine candidates and help train them for the National Disaster Search and Rescue Foundation.
• Stay current with the latest scientific philosophies/training methods by attending national workshops, seminars, conferences, certification programs (CPDT-KA and KPCT completion expected 2011), and by collaborating with professional training communities throughout the U.S.
• Certified as a PETCO Canine Instructor–held lead training position for 2 years.
• Write articles for pet publications, including Cornell and Tufts veterinary newsletters.

Pawfessional Affiliations

• International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) Member #596AF
• Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) Member #7118
• AKC Canine Good Citizen Trainer and Evaluator #82079
• American Treibball Association co-founder and BOD member; CATT certified trainer #3
• National Disaster Search and Rescue Foundation Search Dog Candidate Evaluator
• Colorado Dog Trainers Network