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I have been involved with animals my entire life. I got my
first pony when I was four and had a succession of horses,
dogs and cats and kept hens. I currently have dogs, horses, cats
and keep sheep.
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I showed horses on the Class A Circuit, Arabs, Morgans and
Saddlebreds, did private riding instruction and trained many
different horses, for myself and worked with various
professional trainers, was a 4-H Group Leader, and involved
in Riding Programs for the Handicapped.
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In 1990 I started dog training using Traditional Training
Methods based on Koehler. Being first a horse trainer, I did
not care for some of the philosophy and methodology, so I
immediately began exploring alternative training techniques,
based on Marine Mammal and Exotic Animal training and
became absolutely fascinated with Learning Theory. I was
fortunate enough to discover a book by Karen Pryor, noted
clicker trainer. Taught Group Classes for Midland Michigan
Kennel Club based on Reinforcement and Operant
Conditioning.
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By 1993 I had dedicated myself to a Full-time Dog Career,
and closed my Architectural and Mechanical Drafting
Business. Built The Spotted Pony Kennel, a Commercial
Boarding Kennel for Dogs. Began In Home Behaviour
Consultations (first clients were by Veterinarian Referrals,
clients are now Vet or Client Referral.) and began giving
Private Lessons for Basic Obedience through Advanced
Competition.
Also conducted Group Lessons for K-9 Trainers of Midland
on request and as time allowed, using Reinforcement and
Operant Techniques.
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Next I built a building dedicated to Dog Training, Heaven On
Arf Training Center; offering Group Classes for Basic
Obedience through Advanced Obedience for pets, Group
Competition Classes, Field and Tracking Classes, Freestyle
classes, carting and backpacking classes and private lessons
for pet and competition training and Behaviour Consultations
for problem dogs.
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In 2000 I devoted myself entirely to behaviour consultations
and training and closed the boarding kennel.
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2001- published my first book and the phone started to ring
with training clubs who wished to have me do seminars.
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I have done many working clinics and public speaking
engagements both nationally and internationally to educate:
instructors; trainers; shelter workers; police, DEA & drug
detection trainers; and performance dog trainers, as well as pet
owners.
These clinics have been located all over the United States and
Canada, Italy, Australia and the United Kingdom helping people with
theirs and their clients problem dogs.
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Been an invited speaker at IAABC (International Association of
Animal Behavior Counselors) and NADOI (National Association
of Dog Obedience Instructors) annual meetings.
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roduced a canine television program for our local TV channel,
MCTV entitled “What You Should Know Before You Get a
Dog.” It was very popular and ran several times.
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served as a consultant in canine behaviour for local media
sources (television appearances, WSGN call in radio with Art)
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Beginning in 2009 I have a monthly guest spot on KTOK
Speak! Program, a radio show in Oklahoma City, hosted by Pat
Becker (producer of PBS series “World of Dogs”).
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I have competed with Smooth Fox Terriers, a German Sheperd
Dog and a Border Collie in AKC and UKC Obedience as my
demanding schedule has allowed. I have titled dogs in all of
these venues. I titled a Smooth Fox Terrier in Canine Freestyle,
including a Bronze Proficiency Badge. I ran one of my Smooth
Fox Terriers in Agility and trained my Border Collie in Agility,
but just never got to Agility Trials because of my travel and
work schedule. Out of 2 runs Zasu has 2 legs and a win.
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I have finished a Smooth Fox Terrier to his AKC
Championship. I also competed with him at Montgomery
County and he placed in a large puppy class.
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My students have numerous titles in both competition
Obedience, Tracking, Freestyle, Schutzhund and Agility. Many
more than I have!
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I work regularly with Search And Rescue Teams, including
dogs who are working in live finds and cadaver work. I have
also done extensive work with a dog who is participating in a
cancer detection program.
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My area of specialization is problem behaviour in canines. A
large percentage of my practice consists of dogs that are
referred to me when traditional training techniques have been
exhausted or failed. A high percentage of my clientele consists
of dogs with aggression problems.
I have lectured at IAABC on Core Work for Equines and Equine Groundwork.
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Currently I am re-training my Morgan gelding for dressage. His former career was Saddle Seat. (One
piece of advice here, the easy way to do dressage is to NOT career change a former saddle seat horse.) He
was Midwest Dressage Association Schooling Show Introduction To Dressage Champion in 2007,
Novice Horse Champion in 2008. In 2008 he was also the American Morgan Horse Open Competition
Awards Training Level Champion , High Percentage Nationally. I acquired a second Morgan, and both
horses are currently working at 2nd and 3rd level.
Published Material: Articles
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How To Become A Celebrity In The Obedience Ring: Front and Finish – December 1993
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Traditional Training vs. Operant Conditioning: What is the difference?: Trainers Forum, published
in 1st quarter of 2000. Article was submitted to Karen Pryor and accepted by her. Trainers Forum is a
SIG (Special Interest Group) of the ABA (Association for Behaviour Analysis).
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Too numerous to list separately: articles for the following Newsletters: MMKC (Midland Michigan
Kennel Club), MCFTC Motor Cities Fox Terrier Club), FTN (Fox Terrier Network – national rescue
league), APDT Newsletter, NADOI Notes
Morgan Dressage Association
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Books & DVD’s
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Positive Reinforcement-Training Dogs in the Real World: TFH Publishing Co: Published in May of
2001, a book on applying learning theory to dog training.
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Aggression In Dogs: (2003) A book on raising a dog to be non-aggressive and modifying and managing
the dog who has aggression issues. Has received wonderful praise from both clients and peers. It is now
commonly referred to as the “Bible” of Aggressive Behaviour in dogs. This book is used in some
university animal behaviour programs and is also required reading by many humane societies across the
US.
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DVD: Foundation Behaviours for Every dog: (2005) Brenda’s Fundamental exercises demonstrated
in a DVD format. 2 hours long.
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Canine Body Language: A Photographic Guide: (2005) A great tool for dog professionals. A truly
valuable work which will be used a reference by both the general public and the professional. This was a
Maxwell Award Winner (Dog Writers Association Of America). It is a teaching manual for humans to be
able to identify and interpret canine language.
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Get Connected With Your Dog: Emphasizing The Relationship
While Training Your Dog: (2007) Five years of research
culminated in a book that combines the best of positive
reinforcement, a thorough working knowledge of Learning Theory,
including Skinnerism and Cognitive Psychology, and the native
language of the species. This book was a finalist in the 2008
Writing Competition sponsored by Dog Writers Association of
America.
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Puppy Problems? No Problem: A Survival Guide for Finding
and Training Your New Dog (2011) I want pet owners and others
to know what we professional trainers wish they knew! There is a
section about breeders and what to look for, Temperament Testing
and other great advice for looking for your dog from a Shelter or
Rescue. There is a section on the basic exercises that all dogs should
know and this gives you the means to prevent and fix the most
common behaviour problems. There is a section on specific
problems and what protocols to use. I discuss sensitive
developmental periods in dogs and how that affects training. A 2011
Dog Writers Association of America joint winner. In addition to all
that, there is a 2+ hour long DVD demonstrating many of the
exercises, in real training time.
Professional Memberships have included the following:
AFTC; American Fox Terrier Club, Breed Oriented Club
APDT; Association of Pet Dog Trainers
Trainers Forum, A SIG (Special Interest Group) for Animal Trainers
interested in Behaviour Modification
MMKC: Midland Michigan Kennel Club
MCFT: Motor Cities Fox Terrier Club – Member since 1992, President since
1994 to 1998
Present a Versatility Award for the AFTC since 1997
FTN: Board Member by invitation for Fox Terrier Network (a Rescue
Organization) since 1996 to 1999; then sit on Rescue Fund Allocation Board,
1999 to present
MPDRA; Michigan Purebred Dog Rescue Alliance since 1999
Dog Scouts of America November 1999 to present; Board Member by
invitation for several years.
Current member of:
NADOI (National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors) accepted
after passing board review in May of 2000.
IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior
Counselors)***Certified through both of these organizations.***
I am also listed in “Voices: Extraordinary Women of Midland
County”