Kara with (left to right) Bentley, Berkshire, Beatrice and Brookstone...yep there are two Scotties on my lap.

Kara with GRPD K9 Officer Frieda

I've avoided this section of my website since I first started the site.  I loathe talking about myself and have a very hard time bragging about myself.  I can easily list for you all the clubs I'm a member of, the degrees and certifications I have, the trainers I've worked under, the books I've read, along with every conference I've been to and I eventually will.  But to be completely honest with you my greatest education has been from the dogs.  I've learned more from them than any other source.  In my opinion, you either understand dogs or your don't.  I am fortunate enough to just get them.  The greatest teacher I've ever had is my dog Bentley.  I allowed him to be a terrible dog when he was young.  He did everything an owner hates from, excessive barking, to digging, to biting, to jumping, to running away, to eating expensive remotes and even a 2000 year old clay oil lamp.  He was horrible and together he and I learned how to change all the wrong behaviors into the right ones.  He has been the ultimate mentor and for that Thank You Bentley!  If you want to become a dog trainer I can list a hundred books that I've read and clubs you should join but my ultimate advice is just get out there, find out how to do it right and do it.

Some of my long standing memberships

Professional Member of APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers) 
Member of ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
Member of the HSUS (Humane Society of The United States)
Member of GRCA (Golden Retriever Club of America)
Founding Member of GLGRR (Great Lakes Golden Retriever Rescue)

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