About
I've been a Search and Rescue K9 handler and trainer for 9 years. About 2 years ago I received my certification in K9 obedience training from Animal Behavior College.
I currently have 2 Golden Retrievers who are certified through CARDA (California Rescue Dog Association) in Air Scent Live find & Human Remains Detection.
I am an Evaluator with CARDA, scheduling and conducting tests for new handlers and those needing to re-certify.
I am a sponsor/mentor for several apprentices in CARDA and assist many others who attend our local training days.
In addition, I am a K9 handler with both Nevada County and El Dorado County Sheriffs Departments Search and Rescue teams as well as former team leader for Nevada County Search and Rescue K9.
My other 2 dogs are Belgiun Malinois who are trained in natural gas & oil pipeline leak detection as well as narcotics detection.
I was an Animal Control Officer with the city of Grass Valley, then with the Nevada County Sheriff's Office, for a total of 5 years. This experience included learning to contain and handle extremely aggressive dogs, which has helped me with several recent clients.
My passion is working with dogs and helping their handlers find the best way to communicate with their particular K9 partner to reach a goal. There is nothing better than seeing a bond "click" into place when the handler clearly communicates what they want and the dog joyfully responds.
I conduct scent work classes to teach dog owners how to work their dogs in scent detection. I use the same scent sources commonly used in K9 nose work; birch, anise, and clove. Scent work is a great way for your dog to use his/her natural olfactory ability to solve problems and have fun while you build a better bond and means of communication with your dog.
Continuing education is paramount in any field and I strive to better my own skills whenever I can. A few examples of these opportunities include a Southern California specialized seminar called "Locating the Dead" where certified HRD (Human Remains Detection) handlers have the unique experience of working their dogs on fully intact cadavers in differing stages of decomposition and in various scenarios. This type of training, while it may sound gruesome, is essential in helping our K9 partners locate deceased individuals and bring closure to grieving families. I will also be attending an 80 hour intensive training clinic this year in Las Vegas with a master detection dog trainer and will be able to employ this added knowledge in helping my clients and apprentices become better handlers.
I love to watch the weekly improvements in the dog and handler skills and their relationship strengthen.
Specialties
Private or board lessons
Package interested in
Issues
Photos and videos
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Typically I like to meet with the dog owner and dog at the owners' home where the dog is usually most comfortable. At the first meeting I'll assess the dog and his/her relationship with the owner and we'll make a plan to attain the goals they have.
I also teach K9 scent work either in classes or individually. Scent work is a great way to get your dog using their nose to find a specific scent source. The dog is then rewarded with either a treat or a toy. It's a great way to build a dogs confidence and a better bond with your dog.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I've been a Search and Rescue K9 handler for 10 years, training and worling with dogs to locate lost people. Teaching dogs to locate human scent transferred pretty easily to teaching scent work to dogs and their owners.
I'm a Certified Professional Dog Trainer through Animal Behavior College.
I was an Animal Control Officer with the city of Grass Valley and Nevada County for 5 years.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
I charge $90/hour for obedience or scent work or $850/week for board and train.
Scent work group classes run $200 for a 3 week class.
How did you get started in this business?
I've always owned dogs and through my time as a SAR K9 handler I found that I really enjoy working with dogs and helping their owners develop a better bond with their dogs.
What types of customers have you worked with?
I've worked with many breeds of dogs from French Bulldogs to Pittbulls to various working breeds such as Golden Retrievers, Labs, German Shepherds, and Belian Malinois.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Having my younger (2nd SAR pup) dog certify in both live find and cadaver and getting him out on searches has been wonderful.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
Watch them with your dog and how your dog responds to them.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
What are your goals?
What kind of time frame do you have set to meet those goals?
How much time do you have to invest in the relationship with your dog?