Education/Philosophy

Tonya Wilhelm, Founder: Raising Your Pets Naturally

How to hire a dog trainer

Personal Statement: I feel that by calling myself a dog trainer and cat counselor, I take on an obligation to every student to be the best that I can be. To become a skilled professional pet specialist, one should have a level of interest, education, experience, and dedication to the field. I even wrote a blog post for those hoping to enter the field of dog training.

Training dogs and cats

I am committed to helping you, the pet parent, understand your pet’s behavior, and I am dedicated to helping you correct any unwanted behavior, or just helping you keep your pet on the right track.

My education does not stop with training dogs, cats, and training their human parents. Continuing my education on dog and cat behavior, pet training, pet nutrition, natural pet care and teaching skills is a top priority. Besides working with pets and their guardians (full time since 1998), I will continue to stay on top of the latest research and knowledge in the field of pet behavior and health.

I am, and will continue to be, upfront with my personal experience. Like many of my clients, I too have lived with a thunder-phobic, noise-sensitive, separation anxiety-ridden and dog-reactive dog! Below you will find some of my personal experience and ongoing education with both dogs and their owners as it relates to dog behavior and teaching students.

Please feel free to read my “back story” on how and why I chose a career in dog training. If you ever have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely~ Tonya Wilhelm

Hi, Tonya. I just wanted to give you an update on Gracie. We had the whole family over last weekend and she did great! We had 10 adults and 4 kids (8yrs-4 months). She was crazy with the first two that came, but within a half hour, she did all the things for me that we learned with you. Yah!! With each new group of people, she was calmer and calmer till when the last ones came it was like ‘Oh, just some more people’. She even did her stuff in front of everyone. Thank you so much for all of your help. We hope to do a class in the spring.” Linda and Sable The LabradoodleForce free dog trainers

Dog / Cat Training Philosophy

I am committed to helping each team that walks through my doors. My slogan “We do more than training; we build relationships,” rings true with my training philosophy. My pet training methods only use gentle, force-free, fun and effective training techniques that improve the communication between owner and pet.

All of my courses use positive-reinforcement training and educate owners on humane leadership skills, allowing pets to flourish. I do not use or allow harsh and inhumane punishment-based methods. In other words, no shock collars, physical or mental pain, no choke collars, no prong or pinch collars, squirt bottles, absolutely no fear tactics, no physical force or any other compulsion-based methods are ever used, recommended, or tolerated. This type of “training” destroys the relationship between pet and pet guardian, escalates or creates aggression, and is outdated and proven ineffective for long term results. Your training lessons are meant to be both fun and educational for both you and your pet. I  believe that a true leader is fair and consistent, without using aggressive techniques.

I believe in treating the whole pet and include a holistic approach in my instruction and pet behavior modification programs. What does this mean to my clients? Not only do I teach you about dog and cat behavior modification, but I also include food therapies, flower essences, herbs, essential oils, calming massage, and other holistic treatments.

” Excellent positive training on how to control too much barking. I have been using your tips at dinner time and when getting ready to go for a walk. Definitely a change for the better” Deb and Gracie The Cavalier
Cat Fighting
Seminars/Workshops-Cats
  • Feline Destructive Scratching and How To Solve It – with Francine Miller
  • Learn How to Organize a Kittengarten: It’s Good for Cats, Good for Your Business, and Good Fun! – with Paula Garber
  • Dogs Have Owners, but Cats Have Staff! DVD-Presented by Dr. Patricia McConnell
  • Cat Behavior and Psychology – DR. Michael W. Fox
Cat Behavior, Cat Health, and Cat Training Books Read
General Health, and Natural Care
Dog Behavior Specialist
Copper-Service Dog In Training
Seminars/Workshops-Dogs
  • Dogs Naturally Raw Roundup 2017
    • All About Fats with Dana Scott, Meg Smart DVM PhD, Julie Anne Lee DCH RCSHom, Patricia Jordan DVM, Roxanne Stone MSc
    • Foods And Cancer with Marty Goldstein DVM
    • Zoopharmacognosy: Sniffing Nature’s Medicine Cabinet To Support Canine Wellness with Isla Fishburn PhD
    • Glyphosate: Monsanto’s “Gift” To The World with Dee Blanco DVM
    • The Energetic, Ethical And Nutrient Value Of The Vegetarian Versus The Carnivore Dog with Julie Anne Lee DCH RCSHom
    • How Your Starting Ingredients Can Make Or Break The Quality Of Your Raw Diet with Roxanne Stone MSc
    • Invest In Food, Not Medicine – Healing With Real Foods with Judy Morgan DVM
    • The Naked Truth About Supplements with Pat Jordan DVM
    • Toxins, Minerals And How To Keep Your Best Friend Nourished And Safe with Peter Dobias DVM
    • Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall: A Seasonal Connection For Raw Feeders with Rita Hogan
    • Nutrition And Diabetes: What’s The Connection? with Jean Hofve DVM
  • The Dog & Pony & People Show Series HERBS for MOVEMENT with Matthew Wood MSc & Cheryl Schwartz DVM
  • Herbal Basics For Dogs-Dr. Randy Kidd
  • Dogs Naturally: Natural Canine Health Symposium 2015
    • Raw Done Right with Dr. Karen Becker and Steve Brown
    • Bacteria Ugh! or Yum? with Dr. Barbara Royal
    • The Allergy Epidemic with Dr. Deva Khalsa
    • Hypothyroidism with Dr. Marty Goldstein
    • Tricks of the Pet Food Trade with Rodney Habib
    • Give Your Dog The Guts To Be Healthy with Julie Anne Lee
    • Suppression: The Bad Boy on the Block with Dr. Richard Pitcairn
    • Non-Core Vaccination with Dr. Patricia Jordan
    • Irritable Bowel Disease and Diarrhea with Dr. Peter Dobias
    • Vaccinosis (Core Vaccines) with Dr. Todd Cooney
    • Touch of Trust with Linda Tellington-Jones
    • Bach Flower Essences with Maria Ringo
  • You Are What You Eat-Webinar Series Presented by Dr. Judy Morgan
  • Working With Deaf Dogs-Morag Heirs
  • CALMING SIGNALS: WHAT YOUR DOG TELLS YOU Seminar on DVD-Turid Rugaas
  • TTouch of Magic for Dogs DVD-Linda Tellington-Jones
  • Adolescent Mayhem! Presented by Dr. Ian Dunbar
  • Deprivation In Dog Training-Is It Needed? Presented by Dr. Ian Dunbar
  • Best Games For A New Puppy Presented by Dr. Ian Dunbar
  • Beyond Puppy Classes- Presented by Dr. Ian Dunbar
  • Increasing The Odds Of A Successful Adoption-Presented by Dr. Patricia McConnell
  • Separation Anxiety & Treatment Protocols- Dr. Nicholas Dodman
  • Inclusion For Success-Practical ways for families & dogs to live together-Presented by Jennifer Shryock
  • Adoption Paradox-Seminar on DVD presented by Trish King
  • Separation Anxiety In Dogs-Presented by Dr. Melissa Bain
  • Safety Around Dogs For Babies & Toddlers-Presented by Jennifer Shryock
  • Rehabilitation In Aggression Cases-Seminar on DVD presented by Trish King
  • School & Library Visits Made Easy-Seminar on DVD presented by Colleen Pelar
  • Real Families/Realistic Advice-Seminar on DVD presented by Robin Bennett & Colleen Pelar
  • Dogs & Storks-Seminar on DVD presented by Jennifer Shrock
  • 2×2 Weave Pole Training-Seminar on DVD presented by Susan Garrett
  • To Be Mod or Not to be Mod-Seminar on DVD presented by Pia Silvani
  • Treating Dog-Dog Reactivity-Seminar on DVD presented by Patricia McConnell
  • Crate Games For Self Control & Motivation-Seminar on DVD presented by Susan Garrett
  • DOG PLAY-UNDERSTANDING PLAY BETWEEN DOGS AND BETWEEN DOGS AND PEOPLE Seminar DVD-Patricia McConnell
” Great! Tonya knows her stuff with dogs. Lots of useful information and tips! We have had our 2-hour initial visit and looking forward to the future training sessions. ” Erica and Sampson The Duck Tolling Retriever

Local Dog Training

  • READING BETWEEN THE LINES SEMINAR DVD-Dr. Patricia McConnell
  • Positive Solutions For Solving Standard Behavioral Problems-Seminar on DVD presented by Pamela Dennison
  • Family Dog One Instructor’s Seminar-Seminar on DVD presented by Positively Trained
  • ABC’s of Behavior Shaping & The Fundamentals of Training & Proactive Behavior Management &
  • Extinguishing Aggression & Other Problem Behavior -Seminar on DVD presented by Ted Turner
  • EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY: AN EDUCATIONAL AID FOR CHILDREN TO EXPLORE THE LANGUAGE OF DOGS VIDEO-D. Ian Dunbar
  • Dog Talk Understanding Canine Body Language & Communication-Seminar on DVD presented by Donna Duford
  • Canine Fear, Aggression And Play- Seminar on DVD presented by Jean Donaldson
  • Sirus Puppy Training-Seminar on DVD presented by Dr. Ian Dunbar
  • The Language Of Dogs Seminar on DVD presented by Sarah Kalnajs
  • Puppy Socialization Panel Seminar DVD presented by Chris Bach, Dr. Ian Dunbar, Trish King & Kathy O’Brien
  • DOMINANCE THE NECESSARY FIRST STEP FOR TRAINING? Seminar on DVD presented by Chris Bach, Jean Donaldson, Art O’Keefe, Lee Patrick
  • Safety Around Dogs AKC’s Safety Education Program For Children
  • Best Friends AKC’s Elementary School Program About Dogs & Responsibility
  • FIGHTING DOMINANCE IN A DOG WHISPERING WORLD DVD Presented by Jean Donaldson & Dr. Ian Dunbar
  • DOG LANGUAGE the evolution of canine social behavior-Seminar on DVD-Dr. Roger Abrantes
  • Canine Body Language-Seminar on DVD-Brenda Aloff
  • FUNDAMENTALS: FOUNDATION TRAINING FOR EVERY DOG DVD-Brenda Aloff
  • PREDATION IN FAMILY DOGS: PREDATION, PREDATORY DRIFT AND PREPAREDNESS SEMINAR DVD-Jean Donaldson
  • PERFECT PAWS IN 5 DAYS FEATURING JEAN DONALDSON’S MODERN TRAINING METHODS DVD-Jean Donaldson
  • DOG AGGRESSION: FIGHTING Seminar on VIDEO-Dr. Ian Dunbar
  • DOG TRAINING FOR CHILDREN Seminar on VIDEO-Dr. Ian Dunbar
  • Adolescent Dog Problems Seminar DVD-Trish King
  • Canine Play Including its relationship to aggression-Seminar on DVD-Karen London, PH.D
  • Really Reliable Recall Train Your Dog to Come When Called … No Matter What Seminar on Dvd-Leslie Nelson
  • From Leashes To Neurons And Psychopharmacology-Seminar On DVD-Dr. Karen Overall
  • Patchwork-Seminar on DVD-Karen Pryor
  • Temperament Testing For Dogs In Shelters Seminar on DVD-Sue Sternberg
  • Getting Compliance & Working w/Difficult Clients-Seminar on DVD-Nicole Wilde
  • CLICK & TREAT DOGGIE REPAIR KIT -Seminar on VIDEO-Gary Wilkes
” Toledo Dog Training was a positive experience for my family, taking two dogs to several different classes at different difficulty levels. Tonya always made sure that her classes were taught so that all participants understood and made it a priority to highlight safety of children and dogs in and out of the household. As a pet owner with a child, I very much appreciated these things. It is vital for pet owners to practice good safety techniques around children. Also, including my daughter in lesson demonstrations, offering her guidance and praise when working with the dog correctly shows that Toledo Dog Training truly believes in supporting ALL members of the family – human and canine! “
Tina and Rooney The Collie
  • Canine Freestyle Workshops (monthly 2010) Presented by people such as Bev Blanchard, Linda Blanchard, Gloria Voss, Dawn Sheater
    • Freestyle Moves
    • Putting Together A Routine
    • Picking Music
    • Freestyle Costuming
  • Canine Freestyle Workshop Presented by Linda Blanchard February 2011
    • Freestyle Venues
    • Training Plan
    • Attention & Motivation
    • Precision & Flow
    • Costuming
    • Props
    • Moves
    • Putting Together A Routine
    • Picking Music
    • Scoring
  • Intro To Disc Dogs Presented by Scott & Deanna Jones October 2010
    • Drive
    • Rollers
    • Throwing
    • Catching
    • Distance
    • Recall
  • Tony Hoard Workshop-April 2010
    • Freestyle Disc Routines
  • Homeopathic Remedies and Flower Essences Presented by Kristy Lampe May 2004
  • Canine First Aid & Emergency Response To Bleeding Presented by Teressa Everts May 2004
    • A demonstration in canine first aid and training
    • Emergency response to bleeding, choking, poisoning
    • Fractures and lacerations
  • Playing Well With Others Presented by Jenn Merritt May 2004
    • Identifying and encouraging proper social behaviors in your dog.
    • The Importance of Play
    • Canine Body Language
    • Common Play Behaviors
    • Indications of Inappropriate Play
    • Helping Your Dog Play Friendly
    • Signs of Stress
  • Certified Rabies Vaccinator Course March 2004
    • Hosts & Range
    • Pathogenesis
    • Clinical Signs
    • Modes of Transmission
    • Epidemics by Species Treatment
  • TTouch Workshop March 2004
    • TTouch – the Tellington TTouch – is a method based on circular movements of the fingers and hands all over the body. The intent of the TTouch is to activate the function of the cells and awaken cellular intelligence
  • From Pups To Problems presented by Trish King, February 2004
    • Are Puppies Really Learning What We Are Teaching Them
    • Deadly Puppies, Deadly Dogs
    • Dog Meets Dog
    • Adolescent Dog Problems
    • Abandonment Training
    • Anxiety: Different Forms, Different Solutions
    • Avoiding Injury in Personal Consultations & Private Training
    • Advanced Training Theory presented by Pamela Reid, April 2003
  • Distinctions between learning, memory, motivation, and cognition
    • Open and closed economies
    • Different types of feedback
    • Intermittent schedules
    • Autoshaping
    • Superconditioning
    • Information coded in the dog’s brain
    • Dog’s memory
    • Pavlov’s contribution
  • The Other End of the Leash/Dog to Dog Aggression presented by Dr. Patricia McConnell, November 2002
    • What are humans really saying to our dogs through our body language?
    • Comparing dog body language to human body language-space management
    • Humans tendency towards aggression & frustration
    • Teaching our dogs to be comfortable in the human world
    • Educating owners on the dog’s world
    • Leadership skills
    • Vocal tones & what they mean to our dogs-broad bands, pitch
    • Dog to dog aggression
    • Motivation
    • Body Language
    • Vocalizations
    • Inappropriate Aggression
    • Appropriate Aggression
    • Resource Guarding
    • Leash Aggression
    • Same Household Aggression
    • High Arousal Aggression
    • Fear Based Aggression
    • Learned Pain Aggression
    • For The Love Of Aggression
    • Treating Aggression
    • Stress in dogs
    • Calming Signals/Appeasement Gestures
    • Social Hierarchy
    • The Truth About Dominance
  • Multi-Dog Households Issues and Behavior Modification presented by Dr. Lori Frear, August 2002
    • Social organizations in various mammals including wolves, lions, African wild dogs and feral dogs.
    • Domestication of the domestic dog focusing on paedomorphosis and the corresponding behavioral changes.
    • Common issues that develop in multi-dog households, including proactive & reactive actions.
    • Methods for adding a dog to a household with existing dogs.
    • Social Organizations-Benefits, functions & social behaviors
    • Dog Packs-Domestication, feral dog behavior & owned dog behavior
    • Multi-Dog Household Issues-Common concerns, proactive & reactive
    • Dog Consultations
    • Pack Additions-When, who, why & how
    • Displays-Social Signals
  • Temperament Testing and its Applications presented by Dr. Lori Frear, June 2002
  • Principles of Operant Conditioning presented by Dr. Lori Frear, May 2002
    • Behavioral Ethology
    • Learning in animals
    • Comparative Psychologists vs Ethologists
    • Pavlov vs Skinner
    • Classical Conditioning
    • Conditioned Reflex
    • Operant Conditioning
    • Genetics
    • Control & Function
    • Development
    • Survival Value
    • Evolution
    • Nature vs Nurture
    • Animal Behaviorists
  • Advanced Canine Behavior presented by Dr. Patricia McConnell, April 2001
    • Why & how dogs react to certain situations in different ways
    • Genetic Influences
    • Shyness
    • Dominance
    • Reactivity & Frustration Tolerance
    • How sounds/pitch influence our dogs
    • Catching the signs of tension
    • Calming/Displacement Signals
    • The true meaning of a dog’s hackles/piloerection
    • Counter conditioning & Operant Conditioning
    • Ways to handle Dog Aggression
    • Body Blocks & Eye Contact
  • Alpha Bitch Conference, March 2001
    • Feisty Fido-Pia Silvani
    • Arousal & Aggression-Sue Sterberg
    • Teaching so your students will listen-Donna Duford
    • Training Dogs in a Shelter-Sue Sternberg
    • Behavior Modification with a practical view-Pia Silvani
    • Small/Toy Dog Aggression-Sue Sternberg
    • Acquiring A Skill-Pia Silvani
    • Clicker Training For Aggression-Donna Duford
    • Troubles in the Class Room-Terry Ryan & Sue Sterberg
    • Training Techniques-Donna Duford & Pia Silvani
    • Dealing with Problem Dogs-Terry Ryan & Sue Sternberg
    • Strategies For Handling Disruptive Dogs in Class- Donna Duford, Pia Silvani, Terry Ryan
    • Defensive Handling For Trainers & Instructors-Sue Sterberg
    • Working With Kids-Donna Duford
    • Putting it All Together-Donna Duford, Terry Ryan, Pia Silvani, Sue Sternberg
  • Assistance Dog Trainers Workshop With Kathy Sdao, October 2000
    • Balance Work
    • Opening Doors
    • How To Teach a New Behavior
    • Retrieving
    • Greeting a Strange Dog
    • Alerting To Sound
    • What affects Dog Aggression/Behavior
  • Training Behavior & Healthy Dog Conference, March 2000
    • The Truth About Dominance-Dr. Patricia McConnell
    • Throw Away Your Leash-Patricia McConnell
    • A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words-Terry Ryan
    • Testing Puppy Tests-Patricia McConnell
    • A Look at Canine Stress & Related Behaviors-Terry Ryan
    • The Silent Language-Roger Abrantes
    • Breed Mix Identification-Trish King
    • Joyful, Instant, Reliable Recalls-Patricia McConnell
    • Communication Problems-Roger Abrantes
  • Delta Society’s Science & Magic: The Human-Animal Bond, October 1999
    • Service Dog Training Techniques-Lu Picard
    • The Llamas Lead the Learning: ATT & Kids with Autism-Mona Sams
    • Montana Medicaid & Service Animals-Richard Rough
    • Use of Service Dogs for Dementia Care-Mary Shelkey
    • Patient Preference & Measured Interactions-Suzanne La Croix
    • From Foundation to Progression: 90 Service Dog Commands-Myra Fourwinds
    • Service Dog Education System-Kellie Brooke
” I have enrolled two of my dogs in Tonya’s training programs and they are both much better for it! Tonya understands not only the animals that she is working with, but also the owners as well. Her classes are fun for everyone involved (both humans and dogs) and will teach both you and your pet how to interact and have fun with each other, work together, and how to properly train your dog to behave better in all different types of places and situations. Since attending Tonya’s classes with my seven month old doberman puppy, I can tell you that she is much more focused on me, listens to me more when I give her both verbal commands and hand signals , and is much more social and accepting of other new dogs and people that she comes into contact with. Tonya has shown both my fiancé and I what to do and how to properly react when our dogs are not responding to us, our families, our friends, and our guests in the right way. We have followed her advice and her positive methods of training and correction, and are very pleased with the results and I’m sure that you will be too!” Jeff and Princess The Doberman
Dog Behavior, Dog Health, and Dog Training Books Read
  • Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals: A Comprehensive Guide to the Use of Essential Oils & Hydrosols with Animals-Kristen Leigh Bell
  • Essential Oils for Natural Pet Care: A Veterinarian’s Desk Reference for the Top Health Concerns of Cats, Dogs & Horses-Melissa Shelton DVM
  • Dr. Kidd’s Guide to Herbal Dog Care-Randy Kidd D.V.M. Ph.D
  • Dr. Becker’s Real Food for Healthy Dogs and Cats-Dr. Karen Becker
  • From Needles to Natural: Learning Holistic Pet Healing-Dr. Judy Morgan
  • Stress and Pheromonatherapy in Small Animal Clinical Behaviour
  • The Natural Remedy Book for Dogs & Cats
  • Four Paws Five Directions-Cheryl Schwartz D.V.M.
  • Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs-Don Hamilton D.V.M.
  • The Natural Remedy Book for Dogs & Cats-Diane Stein
  • Tales of Two Species: Essays on Loving and Living with Dogs
  • Raising A Behaviorally Healthy Puppy-Dr. Suzanne Hetts, Dr. Daniel Estep
  • Learning Games-Kay Laurence
  • CLINICAL BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE FOR SMALL ANIMALS-Karen Overall
  • Agility Tricks For Improved Attention, Flexibility & Confidence-Donna Duford
  • The Sentry Dog-Understanding & Rehabilitating Territorial Behavior-Michele Godlevski
  • Off-Leash Dog Play-A Complete Guide To Safety & Fun-Robin Bennett
  • Another Piece of the Puzzle: Puppy Development-Pat Hastings
  • Play With Your Dog-Pat Miller
  • Play Together, Stay Together-Patricia McConnell & Karen London
  • Pet Partners Student Manual by Delta Society
  • Focus Not Fear-Training Insights From a Reactive Dog Class-Ali Brown
  • DOGS HOME ALONE-Roger Abrantes
  • YOUR OUTTA CONTROL PUPPY-Teoti Anderson
  • Changing People Changing Dogs-Positive Solutions For Difficult Dogs-Dee Canley
  • EVERYTHING DOG TRAINING AND TRICKS BOOK-Gerilyn Bielakiewicz
  • DOG BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS: THE COUNSELOR’S HANDBOOK-William Campell
  • UNDERSTANDING & TEACHING SELF CONTROL-Suzanne Clothier
  • BODY POSTURE & EMOTIONS: SHIFTING SHAPES, SHIFTING MINDS-Suzanne Clothier
  • SEVEN C’S: GUIDE TO TRAINING & RELATIONSHIPS-Suzanne Clothier
  • FINDING A BALANCE: ISSUES OF POWER IN THE HUMAN/DOG RELATIONSHIP-Suzanne Clothier
  • HOW TO SPEAK DOG-Stanley Coren
  • PAWPRINTS OF HISTORY-Stanley Coren
  • Separation Distress And Dogs-James O’Heare
  • DOGS ARE FROM NEPTUNE-Jean Donaldson
  • MINE! A GUIDE TO RESOURCE GUARDING IN DOGS-Jean Donaldson
  • CULTURE CLASH-Jean Donaldson
  • FIGHT! A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO THE TREATMENT OF DOG-DOG AGGRESSION-Jean Donaldson
  • Dog Behavior-Ian Dunbar
  • FEARFULNESS-Ian Dunbar
  • WHY DOES MY DOG…?-John Fisher
  • DOG’S MIND-Bruce Fogle
  • Ruff Love-Susan Garrett
  • LEND ME AN EAR: TEMPERAMENT, SELECTION AND TRAINING OF THE HEARING EAR
  • DOG-Martha Hoffman
  • The Family in Dog Behavior Consulting-Lynn Hoover
  • THE BIG BANG! HOW YOU CAN HELP YOUR DOG COPE WITH THUNDERSTORMS AND
  • FIREWORKS-Claudeen McAuliffe
  • Canine Body Language-A Photographic Guide-Brenda Aloff
  • WAY TO GO! HOW TO HOUSETRAIN A DOG OF ANY AGE-Patricia McConnell
  • HOW TO BE THE LEADER OF THE PACK-Patricia McConnell
  • THE OTHER END OF THE LEASH-Patricia McConnell
  • FEISTY FIDO: HELP FOR THE LEASH AGGRESSIVE DOG-Patricia McConnell
  • FEELING OUTNUMBERED? HOW TO MANAGE & ENJOY A MULTI-DOG HOUSEHOLD-Patricia McConnell
  • I’LL BE HOME SOON!-Patricia McConnell
  • CAUTIOUS CANINE-Patricia McConnell
  • PUPPY PRIMER-Patricia McConnell
  • BEGINNING FAMILY DOG TRAINING-Patricia McConnell
  • The Fastidious Feline How to Prevent and Treat Litter Box Problems-Patricia McConnell
  • TAKING CARE OF PUPPY BUSINESS-Leslie Nelson
  • Family Dog 1 Instructor Manual-Leslie Nelson-Leslie Nelson
  • REALLY RELIABLE RECALL BOOKLET-Leslie Nelson
  • ALL ABOUT AGILITY-Jacqueline O’Neil
  • Understanding Your Dog-Erica Peachey
  • DON’T SHOOT THE DOG-Karen Pryor
  • CLICKER TRAINING FOR DOGS-Karen Pryor
  • EXCEL-ERATED LEARNING-Pamela Reid
  • HOW TO GET YOUR DOG TO PLAY-John Rogerson
  • MY DOG PULLS. WHAT DO I DO?-Turid Rugaas
  • TAKE THE LEAD: LEADERSHIP EDUCATION FOR ANYONE WITH A DOG-Terry Ryan
  • GAMES PEOPLE PLAY…TO TRAIN THEIR DOGS-Terry Ryan
  • The Ultimate Puppy-Terry Ryan
  • RAISING PUPPIES AND KIDS TOGETHER – A GUIDE FOR PARENTS-Pia Silvani
  • Positive Gun Dogs-Susan Smith
  • Tricks For Treats-Sue Sternberg
  • SO YOU WANT TO BE A DOG TRAINER, 2ND EDITION-Nicole Wilde
  • IT’S NOT THE DOGS, IT’S THE PEOPLE!-Nicole Wilde

Raising Your Pets Naturally/Toledo Dog Training 2006-Present 

  • Owner/Operator
  • Created, implemented and teach dog training classes and lectures
  • Positive Dog Training
  • Positive Cat Behavior
  • Public Speaker
  • Online/Global Pet Training Services
  • Pet Blogger
  • Pet Professional Guild Blogger
  • Dogs Naturally Magazine Blogger
  • Pet Author

Not Just Goldens 2001-2006

 

  • Owner/Operator
  • Pet Sitting and Pet Care
  • Private Dog Training-Behavior Training

Teamworks Dog Training 2001-December 2003 

  • Puppy Class Instructor
  • Created & Implemented Advanced Puppy Class
  • Advanced Puppy Class Instructor
  • Therapy Dog Class Instructor-Delta Society
  • Assisted in such classes as: Rowdy Rovers Canine Confidence Building Canine Good Citizens
  • Instructor Of The Year 2002 Thanks to all my students who voted, and made this honor possible. 🙂

Wake County Animal Shelter-2004

  • Animal Care Technician
  • Vaccinating Micro chipping
  • In-taking pets
  • Started the Train-A-Pup Program

Assistance Dogs Of America 1999-2001

  • Over 4,500 hours working and training rescued dogs to become Service Dogs!
  • Monthly dog evaluations
  • Assisted in temperament testing dogs
  • Conducted foster family classes
  • Created & Implemented Beginner Foster Family Curriculum
  • Taught Beginner Foster Family Class
  • Interviewed potential foster families
  • Client team training
  • Client follow-up
  • Coordinated pet home adoption program
  • Assisted in certification test
  • Volunteer coordinator
  • Fundraising & awareness

South Suburban Animal Hospital 1999

  • Receptionist
  • Vet tech in training

Capital Area Humane Society 1998-1999

  • Dog Technician
  • Cat Technician
  • Basic Dog Training