Pit Bulls/Expert Profile

Expertise

If this is a question that is not specific to Pit Bulls as a breed, it can also be placed in another category, like dogs, dog training, dog behavior, etc. I can answer questions on dogs, and I have specific knowledge of Pit Bulls as a breed. I can answer questions on various types of training (protection training, pet training, competition, sport), behavior issues (aggression, housebreaking, etc), problem solving, how to choose a dog, Pit Bull rescue, breeds and breed history, pedigrees, genetics, some heath/veterinary, homeopathy, natural rearing, and any questions on nutrition or supplements. I like to give honesty from my experience and knowledge, and creative solutions to problems.

Experience in the area

I am a Professional Dog Trainer and Behaviorist in Chicago, IL. I have owned Pit Bulls for 7 years, including rescuing and fostering Pits, and I have trained many clients' Pit Bulls myself. They are great dogs and do not deserve the negative stigma that some people give them. I have experience with all breeds of dogs, and specifically more with working breeds. I have been around dogs all my life and have studied dogs in both behavioral research and theory, as well as hands-on. I have personally obedience trained hundreds of dogs for clients. I tend to stay away from un-balanced training or "trendy" training (such as "purely positive") that does not fix problems but wastes time and causes owners to give up on their dogs. I don't believe in one-size-fits-all. A balanced technique uses positive reinforcement as well as corrections, with an understanding of the individual dog. It is not about "methods", it is about reading dogs, truly understanding them, and getting concrete results in a humane way. I have learned much from other highly respected trainers. I have fixed behavioral problems in all types of pets for clients, as well as competing with my own dogs. I also do rescue and train those dogs as well. I also have experience in holistic health care for dogs, including raw diets, nutrition, and homeopathic remedies.

Publications

http://www.examiner.com/x-7848-Chicago-Dog-Training-Examiner http://www.DynamicDogsChicago.com/articles

Education/Credentials

I have personal and professional experience owning and training Pit Bulls.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

Always learning more and growing! I am interested in genetics and biology, as well as behavior. Learning never ends.