Dogs learn all the time not only when we decide to train them. Whether you like it or not, your behaviour is a big influence on your dogs’ learning. I would encourage you to focus on the positives and the things that you want to see in him. Focus on what you want, reinforce it and see more of it.

I would like to inspire people to start asking questions and to not follow the status quo without a single thought. Questions are the answers. There is usually a lot more to discover when you start asking them.

1. Improved observational skills and noticing pets body language

2. Understand and relate to the challenges pet families have

3. Let the dog be dog and love him the way he is. (Same thing goes with cats too) 

Nancy Tucker with her "The Good Enough Dog" is my great inspiration. Sometimes dogs can just be good enough as they are. And it’s their owners who decide what is enough for them. We can waste our time and energy in trying to make things perfect. Instead, we can get creative to enjoy the moment just as much as our dogs do.

Interacting with cats can be full of fun and enjoyment. But is it fun for both of you or are only one of you enjoying the interaction? Looking for ways to find an activity that you both enjoy can bring so much more to your lives.

I want to be as good as other experienced trainers are. I believe that I can be with enough deliberate practice. It's not our innate state that makes us be as we are. It's our experiences that shape us. I might sometimes think that I'm not good enough yet but I know that I'm on my way to be. At least that's my philosophy as I continue to learn and practice.

I stand for the least intrusive, most positive ethos in animal training promoted by dr. Susan Friedman and will continue to learn and improve the methods I use.

I approached the subject of using prong collars with curiosity, without judgment. I listened and I understood. I can relate to people using them in their situation. And that’s how I was able to take the collar off. Not by judgment but by understanding.

Animal training can be a way of improving lives of everyone involved. It's not always easy and not everybody sees it in that way but when you take your time to learn, it can be an incredibly fulfilling job for anyone who loves animals.

While on Peggy Hogan’s clinic with amazing, educated horses she reminded me of a very important distinction. It’s not what we do that makes the behaviour happen. Consequences drive behaviour.

It's ok to have a feeling of not being good enough. Let it be, accept it and most importantly LET IT GO. Find something positive in your life, something that you are grateful for like a dog wagging his tail or asking to be petted. And then you can see the previous situation in a different light. Expecting too much from myself isn't fair. Letting myself learn will be.

Pursuing what you truly want to pursue can be scary. But we all can break that fear and go together to achieve more. Armed with knowledge and kindness we can make a change in this world. Let's act now.