Company Profile

Q: How long have you been in business?
A: I have had my own business since 1989.

Q: What is the name of your business (mention if there is a hidden/special meaning behind it)?
A: My business is called Animal Attraction Unlimited. I think at the time I was thinking I had never met an animal I didn't like, or that didn't like me. Therefore, I had an unlimited amount of "animal attraction". But otherwise, no, there is no meaning behind it. I just thought it sounded cool.

Q: Where are you located and what area do you service?
A: I am in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, California . I have clients in the Valley, on the West side (Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, etc.) Beverly Hills , Bel Air, and the East part of Ventura County. I have traveled as far as Glendora, West Covina and Palmdale to train Pot-Bellied pigs.

Q: What types of services do you provide ( e.g., group, individual, behavior modification vs. obedience classes, and mention anything you specialize in)?
A: I do private, in-home lessons and group classes for obedience & tricks. This includes basic obedience, behavior modification, problem solving. I specialize in Pot-bellied pigs, but as far as dogs go, I would have to say problem solving/behavior modification, and trick training are what I'm best at. I also work with exotic animals quite often.

Q: How did you get started (mention earliest spark of interest and if you trained under someone else, interned, volunteered, etc., and any "formal" education that applies)?
A: As long as I can remember I have always wanted to train animals. The problem was that I didn't know how to go about it. So I almost made the mistake of finishing a degree in Physical Therapy. Then I heard about a program at Moorpark College. So I spent 2 years at this animal compound learning about Operant & Classical Conditioning, animal husbandry, handling & management. The problem was that the only domestic animal I worked with was a pony. So after I graduated dogs were still fairly new to me. From there I got my first job as an independent contractor to train a Pot-bellied pig, and 2 weeks after that Universal Studios called me to work at the animal show for the summer. I left Universal when the busy season was over, and my business continued to grow through word of mouth. Then a friend of mine said that Karl Miller (Cujo, K-9, Beethoven & Babe) was looking for part-time help. I jumped at the chance to work with him. I learned so much from watching Karl work - he is truly a master. It is amazing what he can get a dog to do. I stopped working for Karl after 1¸ years and continued to build my business.

Q: Who or what was the biggest influence on you as a trainer?
A: My animals have been the biggest influence. When I trained animals in school there was no way to put a choke chain on a Tapir or a Kinkajou, but they still were easy to train and for the most part, willing to learn. So I got out of school & started reading books about dog training and some of the things that were recommended. I did them, but I kept thinking to myself "there's got to be a better way, a nicer way". One day it occurred to me that my dogs were ALWAYS happy & excited about doing the tricks I taught them. They did them fast, reliably & with enthusiasm. Yet when I would try to teach them to heel, or come, the way the books said to, they put their heads down and weren't quite so happy to do so. Needless to say it finally hit me (like a ton of bricks).

Q: Describe your personal training philosophy or approach.
A: Above all I would have to say it is be nice to the animal, and do what ever I can to keep the dog in the home. Many people come to me when they are sure the dog is a maniac & can't be fixed. They just want me to tell them they are right in wanting to get rid of this "bad apple". I feel that it is up to me to make the dog seem more "normal", and explain that they ALL do this or that. But most importantly that it can be worked on and they will end up with a family pet.

Q: How do you get your business (mention major and minor sources of referrals).
A: My dog business comes from word of mouth and there are 2 vets that have my cards for handing out to clients. I used to have an ad running in one of the Pot-bellied pig magazines, but a few years ago when PBP's stopped being so popular I pulled the ad & began concentrating on dogs. But one of the vets that refers me does exotics so I get one every now & then.

Q: What do you like the most about being a trainer?
A: The relationship I build with the animals. All of the different personalities I get to see, and how they each are individuals and unique. Even the ones "only a mother could love" I end up having special feelings for. I find something special in all of them.

Q: What do you like the least about being a trainer?
A: The relationship I build with the animals (now you're saying, "huh?") One of the hardest parts for me is finishing a job and saying good-bye. But many of them I do see again, so that's okay.

Q: Describe the most difficult/challenging part of your job as a trainer?
A: It is VERY difficult for me to work with people who don't see their dogs the way I do. The ones who don't see them as a member of the family. As just an animal who is supposed to have this innate ability to know what is acceptable behavior to us. And who think that the way to teach a dog it has done something wrong is rub his nose in it, stick his head in the trash can he got into 3 hours earlier, or beat on him for not coming when called. I takes a great deal out of me to try to hang on to my patience in order to try to get through to these people.

Q: What kinds of "tools" do you keep handy in your toolbox? (This is a gadget question, e.g., gentle leaders, choke chains, electronic collars, clickers, etc.)
A: Ooh, a fun question! I keep toys of all shapes/sizes. They squeak, squish, roll, fly, honk & shake. I also keep treats, clickers, Gentle Leaders, leashes of all shapes & sizes. Leather gloves for long-line work, a spray bottle, & motion sensor, no choke chains. Oh yeah, and plenty of baggies.

Q: What is one of the most interesting, difficult, or challenging cases you've worked on and why it was particularly interesting and/or challenging as a trainer?
A: Funny you should ask. I happen to have a dog in my house at this moment that I feel is a bit psycho. She stares at the wall, (no, we don't have mice), she watches things that aren't there, she guards her food from no one (I mean that literally, she can be alone and guard her food). She will run out of her crate, around to the side and stare inside to see where she's been. I'm am trying different things with her. I'll let you know how it turns out. She's a great little agility dog, though.

Q: Have you ever "team trained" with other trainers in your area (that is, one of you specializes in aggression and the other in competitive obedience, and you work together with the client to reach dual goals)?
A: I have never done this, but I do have someone that I bounce ideas/problems off of. I have also referred clients to her when I was too busy, or if they wanted in-kennel training, which I don't usually, do. There is also a competitive obedience trainer I refer people to.

Q: Do you participate in any dog-related competitive events? Anything special to brag about?
A: I compete with my dogs in agility. We've been working on it for a little over 2 years. I don't travel to too many shows, but I do the local ones. We have many titles and a lot of fun. I've tried fly-ball, but trying to hold back a pit-bull who REALLY wants to run hurts my back.

Q: How have you changed, personally and/or in terms of techniques, since you first started training dogs (this is a "what have you learned and done differently now vs. when you first started" type of question)?
A: When I first started I knew nothing, but thought I knew more. And over the years I've learned that I know even less than I did back then compared to what I know I don't know now. Which means that I know I need to keep my eyes & ears open and learn everything I can.

Q: What role has the APDT played for you?
A: It has played a huge role! It has allowed me to feel okay about being nice to dogs and about not trying to "dominate" them all the time. It has given me a chance to learn that there are trainers out there who are willing to share their vast knowledge with those of us who don't get out much.

Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting out as a trainer?
A: Read everything you can, go to as many seminars as you can, talk to as many trainers as you can. Even if you think you may disagree with them and/or their methods, everyone can teach you something. Even if it's what not to do. But most of all, learn from the dogs. Go with your instincts and what feels right.

Q: What advice would you give to "seasoned" trainers?
A: Be more approachable to newcomers. Offer any advice/help/guidance you can. Not everything can be learned from books. But above all, remember that there is always more for you to learn, too.