Once upon a time there was a dog named Jake who turned my life upside down and then set it right, inspiring me to become a certified rewards based dog trainer and start Creature Good Dog Training, a dog training company dedicated to helping fearful, anxious, reactive dogs like Jake and the people who love them.
My love for animals has always been a big part of who I am with dogs at the top of that list. My childhood was filled with books about dogs and interacting with them every chance I got. However, my real journey into dog training began on October 20, 2010, when I adopted a young feral dog from Virginia named Jake.
That day marked the start of an entirely new life for me, one I never expected but am so deeply grateful for.
From Chaos to Compassion: Jake's Story
Jake was my very first dog and I didn't know what I didn't know. I didn't grow up with dogs - or pets in general - because my family just weren't animal people (except for me, obviously). From the start, Jake was a handful! His behavior problems, shaped by his difficult past, left me overwhelmed and, honestly, a little scared of him. He was wild—tearing through the house like a tiny hurricane, knocking me over to steal my food and leaving me covered in bruises.
Despite the chaos, I loved him deeply and was desperate to find a way to help us both. Truth be told, the minute I saw him at the shelter I knew he was my canine soulmate. I sought out help from professional trainers - or what I thought were professional trainers at the time and - I tried everything.
Trainer after trainer, class after class. I was told to be the “pack leader,” to use choke collars, electric-shock-collars and other equally harsh methods in order to assert my "dominance" over Jake. One trainer even suggested I "mount" Jake to show my dominance. Yes, that really happened! I did everything they recommended (except for the mounting bit) but nothing worked. In fact, Jake’s behavior got worse. Our home life became even more stressful.
A Moment of Clarity
One day, I looked at Jake, this dog that I loved, and saw something that changed everything. He looked sad. It hit me like a ton of bricks! I had been trying to force him into being the dog I thought he should be. I used training methods I didn't understand that were not only ineffective, they were cruel. My dog, Jake, who was truly a sweet, yet anxious, dog who truly did loved me, was trying his best. It wasn't that he was being bad, no, the truth was: I was failing him.
That day, I apologized to Jake. We sat together on the porch like we often did and I promised to do better—to work with him, not against him. I dove into research, studying dog psychology, behavior and humane training methods. I learned that dog training was an unregulated field with zero oversight on who did what and it truly shocked me. Did these trainers even care about me and my dog?
I was close to despairing when I discovered positive reinforcement training. There really were trainers who cared about me and my dog. Not only that, they cared about and studies the science behind how dogs think, learn and communicate to determine the most effective, efficient and humane way to teach them how to coexist with people in a human dominated society. Talk about an "AHA" moment! My discovery of positive reinforcement dog training was a paradigm shifting game-changer for both me and Jake.
The Birth of Creature Good Dog Training
I learned everything I could about the art and science of positive dog training and started practicing these new training techniques with Jake. Slowly but surely, we both transformed. We learned to trust each other and Jake became a calmer, happier and better behaved dog. We were more emotionally connected. It was amazing and I knew I had found a powerful, life altering process that could transform the world for people like me with dogs who have a troubled history.
Once I understood the power of what I had access to, I wasn’t about to keep positive reinforcement dog training to myself! I was truly committed and wanted to help everyone I could avoid the devastating struggles Jake and I went through with traditional trainers who had yet to embrace the science of positive reinforcement dog training.
I'd previously been a teacher so I knew my next step was to educate myself about the field of dog training. I started by reading everything I could and taking classes about dog behavior and cynology (which is the scientific study of the natural history, evolution and historical development of dogs). As I learned more, I got better at applying the information to my life with Jake. I also researched the top dog training schools and chose to enroll in the Victoria Stilwell Academy for dog trainers and earned my first dog training certification. I haven’t looked back since!
Upon graduating from dog training school with my shiny new certification, I began working with clients nights and weekends while working as an office manager in my regular 9-5. I loved my little "side hustle" and working with real clients helped me to keep improving my skills. I had plenty of support from my mentor and alumni of the Victoria Stilwell Academy for when I had questions so I could do my best work for my clients and truly help them and their dogs. It was a exciting time for me, if busy! I even remember changing out of my office clothes in the car at stoplights on my way to see clients. It was thrilling and I felt like I was truly making a difference in the lives of my human and canine clients.
It didn't take long for my little side hustle to grow to the point where I had to decide to either keep it as a part time gig or take a risk and go all-in on my dog training business: Creature Good Dog Training officially became my reality in 2019. At first I worked with any client but, in my heart, I knew fearful dogs like Jake were where my heart was. Shortly after going full-time in my business I decided to specialize in helping fearful, anxious & reactive dogs and their families thrive using positive, science-based methods that not only work but also build trust and strengthen the bond between dogs and their people.
Jake's Legacy Lives On
Jake passed away on December 27, 2022, after an eleven month illness where six of those months I knew he was terminal. After having lost both my parents I can honestly say it was the hardest day of my life. Despite my loss, Jake's legacy lives on in Creature Good Dog Training which he inspired and in every dog I help.
Jake's death was so devastating to me that, in 2024, I took his legacy one step further and became certified as a pet bereavement specialist so I could help others navigate the devastating grief of losing a beloved pet. It has proven to be profoundly fulfilling work.
In the midst of my loss, I had the opportunity to adopt a blue nose Pitbull who had been used for breeding and was now - through no fault of her own - on the kill list in a Texas shelter. As fate would have it, I was able to pick her up on what would have been Jake's 13th birthday and she has brought me so much love and joy. My new dog, named, Shadow Dawn (formerly Bella Dawn), has experienced trauma that make's Jake's look like a walk in the park. She is terrified of almost everything and I am 100% committed to her rehabilitation. Thanks to Jake, I’m equipped with the necessary skills and expertise to help her live her best life.
Why I’m Passionate About Positive Reinforcement
If the above story doesn't convince you, let me say that positive reinforcement isn’t just a training method; it’s a way of seeing the world from your dog’s perspective. It allows you to work with your dog compassionately, creating long-lasting, sustainable change. As a full-time professional dog trainer, I use positive training techniques to fully customize my training programs to fit each individual dog’s needs. This makes a powerful impact on the dog, helping them thrive in their unique way, and their human family so they can enjoy each other and live in harmony.
I work with clients both in person and online and also offer online courses which makes dog training accessible to more people. My mission is simple: to help dogs and their owners avoid the devastating effects of living in fear. Using training that is kind, fun and scientifically proven to work, I'm able to give my clients peace & happiness.
My vision is that no dog need live with the devastating reality of being constantly afraid. My programs build canine confidence, improve human handling skills, create teamwork, change emotional responses to challenging events for both dogs and people and empower dogs and their families to work together to live their best lives.
Creature Good Dog Training is more than just a business—it’s Jake’s legacy and it’s driven by my passion for helping dogs like Jake and Shadow Dawn live their best lives. If you're struggling with a fearful, anxious or reactive dog, I’d love to help you on your journey to a happier, more connected life together. Reserve a spot on my calendar today for a free dog training consultation.
Comments