Meet the Trainer

Shonna (owner/founder and lead trainer)

One of the first things I can remember wanting as a child was a dog. Fast forward decades later and that hasn’t changed much. Something just seems to be missing if I don’t have a dog by my side. My interest in dog training stems from my own difficulties encountered as a dog owner. For the longest time, every dog I owned had been “easy.” They were all easy to train, very balanced and stable, no significant behavioral issues and were all eager to please, but that finally changed. I adopted a difficult rescue and found myself in a bit of uncharted territory, yet driven to help my new dog and make life better for him. For the first time, I had a dog that lacked confidence, was fearful of just about everything and trusted no one, nipping and biting as a defense mechanism. I took what knowledge I had and sought more. I went through many trainers as a client, but struggled to get the results I wanted and needed. We made progress, but I knew I needed to learn more. I took it upon myself to learn about canine behavior and training, and found myself spending hours learning and researching, and enjoying every minute of it. I started slowly seeing my dog relax and gain confidence. He needed a strong leader and I needed to fill those shoes. I knew I had found a passion, or more accurately, reignited a passion I had always had. I know what it’s like to go through the struggles that many dog owners go through and my mission is to take the knowledge I have (and continue to build upon), to help others with the struggles they have with their dogs.

I believe in a balanced approach to dog training and have knowledge of both traditional and positive reinforcement methods, resulting in a wide range of approaches and tools. No two dogs are alike, and while the fundamentals of training remain the same, the smallest nuances can make a significant difference. Each dog responds slightly different to varying methods. There are many ways to teach one command or behavior and I strive to find the best way for each dog. I adhere to the LIMA (least intrusive, minimally aversive) approach, using the least intrusive and aversive intervention which will effectively achieve the target behavior. There are cases where treats and positive reinforcement alone is not enough. Some dogs need an improved state of mind before any training can be effectively done. Some dogs exhibit dangerous behaviors and their lives, and the safety of others, depends on quick and effective methods. I have found that a balanced approach can help a wider range of dogs and problems. When used correctly with care, compassion and fairness to the dog, tools such as the prong collar and remote collar can significantly improve dogs’ lives and give them more freedom. They are not tools for all dogs or situations, but in some cases can make all the difference. I am extremely sensitive the needs of each dog and finding the methods and tools best for them and their individual personality.

I am a graduate of the FernDog Trainer Academy, a Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI), a participant in the client experience for trainers through Pavlov Dog Training, and have shadowed with Front Range K9 Academy and The Loyal Hound. I am Canine and Feline CPR and First Aid Certified and a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP).

I am devoted to helping set owners and dogs up for a successful and rewarding life-long relationship. My goal is to help clients discover new and better ways to communicate with their dogs, eliminate problem behaviors, and build the best relationship possible with their canine companions.