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.

 

I jumped right in to running an animal shelter. Working in shelter opened my eyes to real reasons why dogs end up in shelters, how amazing dogs quickly became nightmares based on the environment. The skills I learned running the shelter are invaluable to where I am today. Defensive handling, aggression, reactivity, barrier aggression, resource guarding were a part of my everyday. I learned how to work with various breeds from puppy to seniors as well as trial and error defensive handling with human aggressive dogs.

 

In college, I studied Veterinary Science and obtained an AAS in Veterinary Technology and passed my boards as a Certified Veterinary Technician in CT in 2020. I worked as a surgery technician before transitioning to dog training full-time.

 

Throughout working at the shelter, going to college, and working in practice, I began apprenticing and later working with a retired police K9 handler training pet dogs. I worked training board and trains and holding private lessons for Coastal K9 Training and Behavior from 2021-2024.

 

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 have been mentored by Samantha of Pack Life LA who greatly shaped who I am as a trainer today. 

 

 Working Dog Seminar CT

Justin Rigney, Mike Nezbeth

 2022

 

 Behavior Modification Seminar NJ 

Fernando Gonzalez

2023

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NePoPo Seminar CT 

Justin Rigney

2023

 

Behavior Modification Seminar CT 

Fernando Gonzalez

2024

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Resource Guarding Webinar 

​Fernando Gonzalez

2024

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3-Day Decoy Fundamentals NJ

Carlos Ramierz, Mike Nezbeth​

2024

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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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Additional LIVE Webinars featuring:

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

 

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. So through this, K9 Ethix was born.

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I am thrilled to be able to open up my home to my clients and their dogs. I cannot thank my husband enough for being my biggest cheerleader and for supporting us to make my dreams a reality. I am looking forward to working with you to make your goals tangible.​

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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; think therapy for you and your dog! We will establish healthy boundaries and communication 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 be successful long term. My approach includes formulating a training regime unique to the dog in front of me as well as the owner in front of me. Every dog and owner has something to teach me as I have something to teach them. 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. 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 in the dog to be the best they are capable of being is my end goal. I don't want to tell a dog to come and the only reason they come is because they are avoiding correction or conflict, I want the dog to have the motivation to stop doing something because we've built a relationship where the human has genuine value to the dog. 

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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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