Real-World Skills for Pets

Board & Train 

Training yourself while you train the dog isn't impossible, but it sure eats up a lot of time! While every training interaction is a learning experience for trainer AND dog, an experienced dog trainer will notice patterns and responses that an owner will have to learn to watch for.  The  experienced dog trainer also has developed skills that are almost automatic that once weren't: timing praise or "no", using tone of voice, using treats, toys, and and training equipment, when and how to use eye contact, when to touch or walk away, et

Day School 

Ideal for long-term maintenance of trained skills. Drop off in the morning, pick up at night! Multiple short training, exercise, socialization, and/or play sessions during the day under the watchful eyes of a professional dog trainer. Locations and techniques are carefully selected for your dog's unique needs, level of training, and training goals.

Coaching (Custom Private Instruction)

Maintaining your dog's good behavior depends on consistency, but life has a funny way of not being consistent! Support is designed to help ensure your success long-term, not just during initial training phases. Get help to stay accountable, maintain your positive and in-charge attitude, troubleshoot, address unforeseen circumstances, or prep for special events like weddings, arrival of kids or baby in the household, moving to new location, new job/schedule, new neighbors & their pets, adding pets in the household, etc.

Bachelor's, University of Toledo, Education, Math, & French 

Additional coursework, mathematics, Millersville University, North Carolina State University, and University of Alaska Fairbanks

Accredited by PetSmart in 2003 and reaccredited by Teamworks Dog Training, LLC, I have received instruction and assistance from numerous top trainers, decoys, and former police k9 handlers turned dog training instructors, and continue to do so. Commitment to ongoing education is one of many ways to provide top care for the dogs we love!

In Fairbanks, AK, I started Wild Hearts. Ask for references, as I have many clients who are willing to talk directly to you. I cared for and trained with dogs from a 6 lb mini doxie to Great Danes and St Bernards, and even a Karelian working as Denali National Park's Wildlife Conflict Managment dog. I also had the pleasure of instructing for multiple ADA service dog teams working on public access manners. I was a member of PAWS search and rescue program, ASPA race participant, and had the honor of working to help prepare a young K9 handler for work with the Fairbanks PD.

I have a passion for animal rescue, and have fostered and adopted dozens of dogs over the past 2 decades. Don't get me started on dog stories, unless you have a lot of time!!  I am especially familiar with the challenges that accompany loving dogs of unknown backgrounds.

I am dedicated to helping you learn to listen to your dog's body language, and to apply techniques that maximize results while minimizing training time. Dogs live short lives! Happier, more relaxed, more confident, adaptable, and trusting dogs are simply more enjoyable pets. Better responsiveness means more access to the world for better quality of life.