- Currently pursuing M.S. in Psychology/Behavior Analysis at University of Houston
- B.S. in Biology from Texas A&M University
- CPDT-KA from CCPDT, Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers
- Professional Member of APDT, Association of Professional Dog Trainers
- 25 years of experience professionally training dogs and teaching people
- 5 years of experience as a Veterinary Technician
Expert Dog Trainer Experience
Writing and Teaching
2018: Edited the re-publication of Animal Behavior by Keller and Marian Breland, assisting Dr. Robert Bailey in this project. We assembled a small team including a couple of editors and a publisher to get this classic book re-released with the addition of over 50 pages of historic photos, a new introduction and foreword by Dr. Bailey, keeping the exact words of the original authors in the main text. The original book, published in 1966, is out of print and now available only at a very high price to those who want to read it. The new book brings it back into the world of science-based animal training so everyone can have access. I’m proud to have been a part of this project.
2016: Wrote and published a service dog training manual which was subsequently customized and licensed for three unrelated, individual service dog training organizations. Complete training program with emphasis on behavior principles, planning and documentation, and uniform training procedures among trainers and handlers. Includes specific protocols and schedules with focus on training efficiently and effectively with science-based positive reinforcement training.
Training Positions
2019 – Present: Independent Dog Training Business Owner (The Mannerly Dog): In early 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, I transformed the class structure to a virtual format and continued teaching Basic Manners and then Training in the Details advanced class, with great success. The virtual format requires less time and produces extensive learning in students and dogs while including even more individual behaviors in the curriculum.
1990 – 2018: Independent Dog Training Business Owner (The Mannerly Dog): Until 2019, I saw clients on an individual basis to teach basic dog manners, competition behaviors, and service dog training. I conducted public access tests for service and therapy dogs, assisted clients in modifying behavior for “behavior cases,” including aggression, fear, and more. I evaluated dogs, wrote training plans and reports, and consulted on behaviors with pet-sitting services, rescue groups, shelters, and veterinary clinics. I have worked with some hundreds of dogs and their owners over the years, in addition to many un-owned shelter dogs. I have trained dog trainers, interns, shelter staff, rescue volunteers and other dog handlers. I taught interns, trained service dogs, and helped owners solve a variety of behavior problems.
2000 – Present: Behavior Consultant with ESRA (English Springer Rescue America): I consult on behavior issues in several states, teach behavior principles and training skills, and work on teams to plan outcomes for dogs.
2015 – Present: Behavior consultant for BARC Animal Shelter & Adoptions in Houston, Texas. I continue to consult on the behavior program I developed there and on general behavior topics with staff and management as needed.
Education and Titles
January, 2020: Started attending classes to fulfill the requirements of Master’s degree in Psychology/Behavior Analysis at University of Houston – Clear Lake.
November, 2011: Earned CPDT-KA certification, certificate number 2112795.
2001 – Present: I participated in all of Dr. Robert Bailey’s Operant Conditioning Workshops, some of them twice. I traveled to Hot Springs, Arkansas; Borlange, Sweden; and Columbia, Maryland to study with Bob. I actively pursue other continuing education opportunities as well.
August, 1984: Bachelor of Science Degree, Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences from Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.
I pursue continuing education every year. See my full resume for details.
