The Practitioner

I have always had animals in my life. As a very young child I was drawn to any four legged creature “ squealing and trembling with excitement “ as my parents still remember. After living with a menagerie of smaller pets I was finally allowed to adopt my first dog at age 13.

As a teenager I was interested in books about animal behavior by authors Konrad Lorenz , J. Eibl- Eibesfeldt, and Michael Fox among others, and I had a great fascination with the variety of dog breeds and their characteristics.

It wasn’t until after my children were older and more independent however that I remembered my childhood dream of working with animals. The opportunity came along while searching for humane ways to dealing with my puppy Bella, who was quite a handful. I discovered the book “ Getting in TTouch^® with your dog” by Linda Tellington-Jones, and the rest is history.

I graduated from the two year practitioner certification program in October 2003. I studied under founder Linda Tellington-Jones and other highly acclaimed instructors. In addition to the practitioner training I started reading every book on positive training methods I could get my hands on. I continue to broaden my knowledge by reading, attending dog training seminars , assisting at TTouch^® practitioner trainings, and participating in advanced TTouch^® Trainings.

I find that through the TTouch^® work my personal relationship with animals has changed . Though having never condoned harsh and aversive methods I now believe that animals are unique thinking, feeling creatures that need to be treated with respect and patience.

I love sharing what I learn with other animal enthusiasts and their best friends. I find it gratifying to witness their transformation into listening and communicating partners, for a mutually life enriching relationship.