Meet The Trainer
My Dogs
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Nova
SUPERNOVA’S READY FOR TAKEOFF
Nova was the first puppy I had as an adult and was responsible for raising on my own. She was found as a stray at six weeks old in rural Texas. Nova is half Cattle Dog, half Catahoula & Coonhound - and you can certainly see all those breeds in her personality! She has the pushy, mouthy tendencies and intense stare of a Heeler, coupled with the prey drive and independence of the Catahoula and Coonhound. Best of all, she is LOUD - Nova will let you know exactly how she feels about everything.
I struggled with Nova’s barky behavior but she taught me to love her voice. She tells me what she needs or wants very clearly, and I always know when she is having a good time. While learning how to harness her exuberant personality and high energy, I discovered the world of dog sports. Nova introduced me to dock diving and lure coursing, two of her favorite things. Over the last four years, she has helped me evaluate and train numerous dogs and has shown a talent at helping shy, unsure dogs come out of their shell. Together, we fostered 11 dogs and helped them find wonderful homes (well…except for one…)
Nova is an AKC Canine Good Citizen, an AKC Performer Trick Dog, and has completed her FCAT title in AKC fastCAT, Dock Senior title with NADD Dock Diving, and her Starter Rally and Zoom 1 title through CWAGS. -
Ripley
RIP-ROARIN’ AND READY TO GO
Ripley was my 11th foster dog - and my last! She was pulled by a rescue from a high kill shelter in Texas. When I picked her up, she seemed like a “normal” puppy but I quickly realized something was wrong. She displayed severe fear reactivity and aggressive behavior towards other dogs which was beyond anything I had encountered in a dog her age. As she reached adolescence, she began showing similar behaviors towards new people.
While I had always had an interest in working with reactive and fearful dogs, Ripley helped me find my true passion as a trainer. To meet her needs and help her learn the world wasn’t a scary place, I threw myself into learning everything I could about aggression and behavior modification. With the help of a veterinary behaviorist, we found the combination of medication and intensive training that worked best for her.
As a puppy, there were several conversations about humane behavioral euthanasia and that she may get worse as she got older. At two years old, Ripley is able to co-exist with dogs and people. She competes in dock diving and lure coursing with her sister, and found a true calling in Barn Hunt thanks to her Terrier brain. She has taught me the importance of patience, compassion (for her AND myself), and that mistakes happen and that’s okay - there is always a lesson to be learned to help you grow.
Ripley is an AKC Performer Trick Dog, is working towards her Novice title in Barn Hunt, and has completed her FCAT3 title in AKC fastCAT and her Dock Junior title with NADD Dock Diving. -
Mulder
REDEMPTION’S DO YOU THINK I’M SPOOKY
Mulder is the newest member of the Mischief crew and is still learning All The Things!
It has been quite a few years since I’ve had a puppy in my home, so he is keeping me on my toes and refreshing my knowledge of potty training and management.
Mulder is half Shetland Sheepdog and half Italian Greyhound - a Lap Lurcher!
Mulder will hopefully do lots of things like his sisters, including fastCAT, dock diving, tricks, and any other sports he seems to enjoy. For now, he is learning the ropes and will hopefully fill Nova’s shoes when she retires as my Helper Dog in a few years.