About Me and Why I Developed The Mighty Dog Project

One day my neighbor sent me a lovely text, she said “you see the good in all dogs.” Seeing the good in all dogs inspired me to start the Might Dog Project.

I’m excited to share what I’ve learned over the past 15 years about how animals learn. In 2013, I started working with dogs and horses in my practice as a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner®.

I became fascinated with how movement explorations with dogs improved their brain function, including attention, memory, problem solving, cognitive flexibility, decision making, and self control. Pet parents reported back changes in their dog’s ability to learn and adapt to stress. Around the same time, I started taking my dogs to training classes where I became experienced with operant and classical conditioning learning theories. I found that the principals of nueroplasticity when combined with learning theory, became a powerful tool to help dogs and pet parents reach their potential and training goals.

An amazing opportunity to take my studies to the next level came when I enrolled in The Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior. This challenging certification program expanded my understanding of how animals learn, which in turn strengthen my relationship with my own animals.

I’m deeply interested in the complex and interconnected relationship between environment, behavior, and pain in dogs. As such, my most recent studies include canine anatomy, gait analysis, and applied ethology—a growing scientific field helping improve the welfare of animals in human environments.

I believe learning should be a fun, playful, and collaborative experience for both you and your dog.

About my certifications

Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP). KPA is the gold standard for professional dog training programs. As a KPA Certified Training Partner, I have demonstrated a high level of technical knowledge and hands-on skills for teaching both dogs and people. I am skilled in using positive training methods to help you and your dog live and work collaboratively together. I am educated in science-based modern training techniques that make training fun and efficient for both you and your dog. My knowledge in canine behavior allows me to create personalized training plans to help you experience the most success with your dog. I regularly participate in continuing education opportunities so that I can bring you the most up-to-date, effective training methods.

Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner® (GCFP). To become a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner® , I completed a four-year training program accredited by the Feldenkrais Guild of North America, which included 800 hours of in-person training and passing all required assessments.

Certified Canine Strength and Conditioning Coach (CSCC). The CSCC program is intended for professionals that want to understand and implement proper canine training techniques, foundational training, exercises specific to canine movement, safe and effective use of equipment, and program design specific to each individual client’s needs.

Certified Family Dog Mediator (FDM). This program included the study of applied ethology, evolution, and genetics. FDMs carefully examine all the elements of a dog's life with their family and the wider world in order to create a tailored plan that fits that particular family unit. We look at: (1) Learning - prior learning experiences of both the dog and the pet parents; (2) Environment - including the home and the wider world; (3) Genetics of the dog – what work were they bred for; and (4) Self - the dog and their family as individuals.