I was raised on a small hobby farm, where my early education was shaped by the care of a diverse array of animals—farm dogs, barn cats, goats, cows, rabbits, pigs, and more. My childhood was steeped in hands-on experience, with 4-H and FFA providing the foundation for my lifelong passion for animals. By my teenage years, I had built a successful show goat breeding operation, demonstrating a natural affinity for animal husbandry and entrepreneurship.

 

At 11 years old, a stray border collie mix found its way into my life. Recognizing the special bond I shared with this dog, my parents enrolled us in our first obedience class. Though the methods were traditional and compulsive, I intuitively knew that positive reinforcement was the key to success. Armed with a pocket full of treats, my dog and I quickly became the stars of the class, excelling through each training level with ease. At home, I taught Lucky an array of tricks, from pulling a wagon to balancing on my bicycle's handlebars.

 

My thirst for knowledge became a driving force as I grew older. When I acquired my first horse at 15—a pregnant, untrained Arabian mare—I devoured every book on breeding, imprinting foals, and horse training I could find. Despite the challenges, I successfully coached my dad how to assist me through the birth and imprinting process, demonstrating a level of preparedness and confidence beyond my years. By the time I graduated high school, I had acquired six horses of my own that I trained and competed with in various venues, including a barrel horse, an off-the-track Thoroughbred and a Clydesdale, all while rejecting the conventional methods of control and dominance in favor of building harmonious relationships with my animals.

 

A pivotal moment came when my first horse went blind almost overnight, compelling me to explore new training methods that prioritized clear communication and emotional well-being. It was during this time that I discovered clicker training, which proved to be a game-changer not only for my blind horse but for all my animals.

 

As I entered college with aspirations of becoming a veterinarian, I continued to expand my horizons. I purchased my first dog with my own money—a border collie puppy from working parents—and embarked on a journey to explore performance sports and therapy dog work. Despite encountering challenges with reactivity, I refused to give up, diving deep into studies on counterconditioning and less-confrontational training methods. My persistence paid off, leading to a successful therapy dog certification and my first steps into the world of professional dog training.

 

My career in animal training blossomed organically, as word of my accomplishments spread through the veterinary clinic where I worked and the therapy dog group I volunteered with. Clients sought me out for help with obedience and reactivity issues, and soon, I was managing a thriving part-time business. Over the years, I gained hands-on experience in various roles, including veterinary technician, municipal animal control trainer, and animal handler at the Texas State Aquarium, where I trained everything from birds of prey to sea turtles.

 

With my own dogs, I continued to explore new disciplines, from trick training and nosework to AKC tracking, disc sports, treibball herding, and canine freestyle dance. Eventually, I realized that animal training was not just a hobby, but my true calling. I earned numerous certifications, including CPDT-KA and CTDI, and dedicated myself fully to growing my business, Stay Positive Animal Training.

 

In 2020, I added two British Shorthair cats to my household, venturing into the world of animal acting and achieving success with their Advanced Trick Cat titles and a TV debut on Cartoon Network. When it was time to welcome dogs back into my life after the passing of my original canine crew, I chose the challenge of Belgian malinois and began training them in PSA, a competitive protection sport that pushes both dogs and handlers to their limits. Alongside this, I also explore dock diving, lure coursing, and continue to work with my dogs, cats, and reptile pets as animal actors and models.

 

As I approach 15 years in business with Stay Positive Animal Training, I am filled with excitement for the future. My journey has been one of continuous growth, learning, and breaking new ground in the world of animal training. I look forward to what lies ahead as I continue to pursue my passion for building trust, understanding, and harmony between people and their animals.