It was always my dream to work with animals, I wasn’t exactly sure how, I just knew that I was drawn to dogs and I wanted to make working with animals a career. I got my first dog at 18 and that kick-started my journey to where I am today.

 

I jumped right in to running an animal shelter.  I quickly learned defensive handling and management skills for dogs with aggression, reactivity, barrier aggression, and resource guarding. I worked with various breeds from puppy to seniors and shortly thereafter, began apprenticing under a retired K9 handler training pet dogs. 

 

I studied Veterinary Science and obtained an AAS in Veterinary Technology and passed my boards as a Certified Veterinary Technician in CT in 2020. From 2021-2024, I trained board and trains, taught classes and private lessons for Coastal K9 Training and Behavior (CT).

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I became a mom in 2023 and quickly realized that I wanted to find a way to continue pursuing my career while also being present for my family. I also REALLY wanted to spend more time with working dogs and invest mrore time with my own dogs for sports. Through this, K9 Ethix was born. Whether your goal is obedience, competing in sports, trick titles, detection/scent-work, or you simply want an overall well behaved dog, I'm here to be your support system as we work towards your goals together!​

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CONTINUING EDUCATION

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I’ve attended various seminars for behavioral modification as well as for sport and working dogs.  Mentorship is important to me for accountability and growth and am thankful for my peers and mentors that continually push and challenge me to become better.  

 

 Working Dog Seminar 

Justin Rigney, Mike Nezbeth

 2022

 

Behavior Modification Seminar

Fernando Gonzalez

2023

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NePoPo Seminar

Justin Rigney

2023

 

Behavior Modification Seminar 

Fernando Gonzalez

2024

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Resource Guarding Webinar 

​Fernando Gonzalez

2024

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3-Day Decoy Fundamentals

Carlos Ramierz, Mike Nezbeth​

2024

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Virtual Mentorship

Samantha Johnson (Pack Life LA)​

2024-2025

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STSK9 MVP Mastermind

Nino Drowaert

2024

4-Day Canine Conference
Featuring: Larry Kron, Vinnie Somma, Piper Shultz, Jay Jack, Mahogany Gamble, Robert Cabral, Justin Rigney, Mariano Alvarez, Jamie Fincher, MaligatorMom, Kiley Beamer, Emilyanne Schwinn, Bee Moore, Danny Wells, Nino Drowaert, Dr. Sab, Jacqui Zakar, Jonas Black

2024

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UPCOMING: 
Decoy & Handler Development 

Dave Santiago

April 2025

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Ringsport Bitework Seminar

​Nick Gamez 

April 2025

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Protection & Detection 
Kelsey Como (Grassroots K9)

June 2025

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Dog Training Workshop Tour

Larry Kron, Jay Jack, Joe Silverman

July 2025 

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Additional LIVE Webinars featuring:

Courtney Robbins (Global K9 Protection Services), Dave Kroyer (Canine Headquarters, DKA), Jerry Bradshaw (Tarheel K9), and  Julie Starbuck (Florida SAR).

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METHODOLOGY​​

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We specialize in providing personalized training solutions to help you enjoy your dog to the fullest! Our dynamic, holistic approach prioritizes guidance over correction in order to foster good habits; teaching our dogs what we DO want to see by guiding them into those behaviors. Whether you're a new pet owner wanting to set your dog up for success or dealing with behavioral issues, we are here to support you every step of the way. We foster a relationship-based training approach by establishing healthy boundaries to benefit you and your dog for years to come. 

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I firmly believe in the “big picture” which includes implementing structure, physical exercise, and mental outlets to fulfill our dog's needs as much as we need them to fulfill our needs for companionship. My approach includes formulating a training regime unique to the dog AND the owner in front of me. I am meticulous and nuanced with details to ensure fluidity between different training approaches without causing confusion.

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Guidance > Correction

Decision Making>Obedience 

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My goal is to teach dogs a foundation to be independent thinkers and decision-makers while holding them accountable to reaching their full potential. I don't want a dog to behave just to avoid conflict, I want them to feel safe in the handler's presence. Elevating the dog to be the best they're capable of being and instilling the DESIRE to obey is my end goal. The relationship you develop with your dog is what makes or breaks any training program! 

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​COMMUNITY

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Rescue dogs have a special place in my heart. I have partnered with Wallingford Animal Control to offer free training services to the shelter dogs as well as discount service to adopters to give the dogs the best chance at succeeding in their new home. If you are interested in volunteering, fostering, donating, or adopting, contact info@wallingfordanimalcontrol.com​. 

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Additionally, we have a donation-funded program for people needing help that cannot afford professional help. While we volunteer our time and resources with shelters, this program allows us to assist even more people while still running our business! The Mason Fund is used on a case-by-case basis to cover any or all finances for select clients. 

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