I have a BS in Zoology from The University of Washington in the United States.

I graduated with honours from Cat Tales Zoological Training Centre in Spokane Washington.

I have received a certification in dog training from The Animal Behaviour College. This certification required multiple written exams as well as many weeks as an intern with a professional dog trainer.

In March 2011 I achieved the certification "Certified Pet Dog Trainer- Knowledge Assessed" or CPDT-KA. The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers is an internationally recognized certification process based on hours training, letters of recommendation from clients, colleagues and veterinarians, as well as a four hour exam covering ethology, husbandry, learning theory, equipment and instruction skills.

I also spend my free time at both the Newtown and Waikanae SPCA, helping to train the dogs and puppies in order to make them more adoptable.

I  volunteered at the Humane Society in Seattle WA for over 1 year as part of the dog training and socialization program there.

Since February 2009 I have been helping to train the dog at Newtown and Waikanae SPCA. I have given a seminar for Dog Agility Wellington Group and will regularly teach the foundation agility course. I have two dogs of my own at the moment. One is a Lancashire Heeler, from England and the other is a SPCA dog that is probably a  Shepherd/Mastiff/Huntaway cross.

 Please see my book list on my website  but a few of my favourites are....

 Clothier, Suzanne. 2002, Bones Would Rain from the Sky

Donaldson, Jean. 2005 The Culture Clash: A Revolutionary New Way to Understanding the Relationship Between Humans and Domestic Dogs

Pryor, Karen. (1984) Don't Shoot the Dog!: The New Art of Teaching and Training and Reaching the Animal Mind: Clicker Training and What It Teaches Us About All Animals (2009)

Handelman, Barbara. 2008 Canine Behavior: A Photo Illustrated Handbook