MEET DEBBIE
Helping dogs and their people understand one another since 2010.
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology
CPDT-KA
Fear Free Certified Professional
Hi, I'm Debbie!
I'm a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), Fear Free Certified Professional, and the owner of Pawsitively Mannered. I have been helping dogs and their families as a professional trainer since 2010, though my journey working with dogs spans more than 20 years.
I have always loved animals—dogs, cats, horses, snakes, birds, you name it!—but it was my bachelor's degree in Psychology that sparked my interest in behavior, cognition, and learning. During college, I completed my senior internship at a local animal shelter, where I volunteered with the Pet Behavior Helpline, as well as working hands on with dogs and cats. Those experiences showed me how much education and support can strengthen the bond between dogs and the people who love them.
After graduation, I worked in adolescent mental health before returning to the shelter as a Pet Adoption Counselor. Along the way, I completed my professional dog training education and eventually founded Pawsitively Mannered, combining my passion for animals with my background in psychology.
Animals are my greatest teachers, from my first pitbull Rocky, who started me on my training journey and showed me better ways of teaching dogs, to Cooper, who deepened my understanding of cognition and taught me to see the bigger picture, to my current dog, Zephyr, who shows me how important emotions are, and also reminds me not to take life so seriously.
My techniques are all positive and based on the most current behavioral and animal psychology. Dogs love to think, so I find out what motivates them—treats, toys, attention—and use those motivators as a training tool. As your dog learns what you expect of her, she can think about how to take action rather than reacting to a situation. Every dog learns differently, so we try different approaches to fit your dog's learning style. I make training fun, simple and stress-free for you and your dog.
From my years of working with shelters, I know that working through behavior issues is the most effective way to keep pets in happy, healthy homes. As a mom, I’m passionate about making sure families with kids and dogs have safe, fun interactions. Dogs are part of the family, and it’s great to watch kids playing with their dogs. Teaching a kid how to teach their dog tricks? So fun! Knowing that everyone can play safe? So rewarding!
When I see happy guardians and happy dogs after a session, that’s how I know I’m where I should be.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
-
CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed), CCPDT
-
ABCDT (Animal Behavior College Dog Trainer), Animal Behavior College
-
B.A. Psychology, La Sierra University
-
Guest speaker at La Sierra University: Dog Training and Psychology
-
Speaks Swedish and Portuguese
CERTIFICATIONS & AFFILIATIONS
-
CGC (Canine Good Citizen) evaluator, American Kennel Club (AKC)
-
AKC Fit Dog Instructor - Level 1 & 2, American Kennel Club
-
Canine Conditioning Fitness Coach, Do More with Your Dog
-
Licensed Be A Tree program presenter and member, Doggone Safe (organization committed to dog-bite prevention)
-
Professional member, Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
-
Supporting Member, International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
-
Dog Training/Behavior Professional Full Member, Pet Professional Guild (PPG)
-
Fear Free Certified Animal Trainer, Fear Free
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Learning from experts is a top priority for me. I regularly attend workshops and seminars to continue my education with the most respected leaders in the animal-behavior and dog-training fields.
2024
-
31st Association of Professional Dog Trainers Annual Conference
-
Eileen Koval, Rattlesnake Avoidance Training Through Positive Reinforcement
-
Pat Miller, Brainwork for Dogs
2023
-
Trish King & Pat Miller, Correcting K9 Misbehavior & Aggression
2020
-
FDSA & IAABC, The Lemonade Conference
-
Sue Sternberg, Managing Dog-Dog Interactions & Avoiding Dog-Play Dangers
2019
-
John McGuigan, On Dog Behavior & Training
-
Michael Shikashio & Trish McMillan, Aggression in dogs
2018
-
25th Association of Professional Dog Trainers Annual Conference
2017
-
Ken Ramirez, Advanced training topics
-
Turid Rugaas, Canine body language, health & stress
2016
-
23rd Association of Professional Dog Trainers Annual Conference
2014
-
John Rogerson, Advanced dog behavior counseling
-
John Rogerson, Angels & demons
-
Ian Dunbar, Common sense & cutting edge concepts in dog training
2013
-
Nicole Wilde, Alternative approaches to healing canine health & behavior
-
Nicole Wilde, Talk to the paw: What dogs are really sayingand what we're saying to them
2012
-
Pat Miller, Real solutions to canine behavior problems (from aggression to common everyday issues)
-
Nicole Wilde, Helping fearful dogs
-
Nicole Wilde, Two timely topics: Separation anxiety and dynamics of dog-dog play
2011
-
Dr. Sophia Yin & Sarah Kalnajs, Deconstructing the growl: Perspectives on canine aggression