How It Started...
My journey to becoming a professional dog trainer started back in 2003 when I began a career as a veterinary technician. It was during this time that I became acutely aware of concerning behaviors dogs displayed that were often misunderstood by their humans, causing both parties to suffer the consequences. I felt something had to be done about the gap between humans and their dogs to break this negative cycle.
I remained in the veterinary field over the next decade as I established a training certification and began working with real clients. After countless hours spent caring for dogs and learning to understand their nature, I was ready to take the next step toward my training goals and left my vet tech position in 2015.
The next three years proved to be a transformative period that laid the foundation for Zenni Dogs. During this time, I had the privilege of working with a respected trainer who specialized in pack walks as part of the training process. Handling packs during this time deepened my understanding of dog psychology—which in turn sparked even more questions. Never wanting to become complacent and having a strong desire for knowledge, I actively sought out opportunities to attend workshops and learn from well-established and world-renowned trainers and behaviorists. Doing so allowed me to refine my skills and gain invaluable insights into the intricate world of canine behavior, their instintual drives, and how humans can take accountability for their role in these behaviors. By 2018, I was ready to branch out on my own and share my knowledge on a larger scale.
How It's Going...
Since its inception in 2018, Zenni Dogs has been on a mission to help humans understand their dogs and lead them with confidence. My approach places a strong emphasis on working with dogs as well as educating people about how dogs understand the world, and how they can support their dogs' needs as an instinctual being. By delving into the core of dogs' natural drives and taking accountability for their role in the relationship dynamic for better or worse, humans are empowered to address their pup's behaviors proactively & effectively.
Cultivating healthier, more balanced relationships with our dogs begins by unraveling the mysteries of canine behavior. As I work with each dog, I first determine how their nature is being expressed through their behavior before diving into the core issues with exercises aimed at redirecting dogs' and peoples' mindsets. When I guide humans through dog training, I emphasize the psychological aspect and help them understand that it's not just about techniques - it's also important to consider how the dog feels and what our behavior is saying about us. Once humans have an understanding of these concepts, we're able to consistently communicate with our dogs in a way that meets their needs and establishes pack drive. I am dedicated to supporting dog lovers from all walks of life in their journey to become responsible pack leaders, ensuring that their dogs can thrive in their surroundings long after our time together.
