It started back when I was 9 years old, living in Israel. One by one by one, these dogs were following me, and before I knew it, I had a pack of local strays to keep me company.

More recently, I was lucky to have a very spirited rescue dog I named Cheddar. As he got older, he started exhibiting signs of leash reactivity. This led me to work with a few different dog trainers to help with my training and help him overcome his behavior problems.

Like many trainers, we have that one dog that pushes and inspires us to learn more about what makes these animals do what they do.

For me, this was Cheddar, my heart dog and inspiration. Sadly, I lost him to cancer far too young.

I knew I needed a dog in my life again, so after searching online,

I attended a Badass Animal Rescue adoption event, where I adopted three-month-old Karma. She was returned by her previous adopters after just 3 days due to unwanted behaviors, including spinning, barking, biting her crate, and eating her poop.

It’s been said that dogs come into our lives for a reason, and you get the dog you need. So I was dedicated to learning how best to help her through her separation anxiety, fear associations, and subsequent leash reactivity. This pushed me to further my education and help other dogs, and that’s when I started volunteering with them. 

For many years, dog training was just a hobby, but after volunteering at adoption events and fostering,

I realized that helping humans and dogs communicate better is the best way to save these amazing dogs’ lives. Becoming a Dog Trainer was the path for me.

I realized that education was the key to becoming the best trainer possible. Research brought me to the largest and most comprehensive dog training school: Starmark Academy, where I become a Certified Canine Training and Behavior Specialist. Attending Starmark Academy set me up for success as a Dog Trainer through a well-balanced foundation and knowledge to start my career.

The rigorous 12-week Canine Training and Behavior Specialist Program at Starmark gave me confidence. It applied book knowledge and hands-on practical training with a challenging variety of dogs and behavior problems. Their intensive and broad coursework, along with working with other trainers, gave my career a great head start and a solid foundation through learning many aspects of dog training styles, methods, tools, and techniques.

My dog Whiskey came into my life when he was returned by several adopters multiple times to Badass Animal Rescue.

The last return was after just one day. I was asked to foster him and help him with unwanted behaviors like isolation anxiety and a high prey drive for small animals, including small dogs.

I continued his training and attended many adoption events to help him find a forever home. But after living with me for a year and accompanying me to training workshops, it came to be clear that he chose me and was already home. As part of my family, he now joins Karma in helping me help other dogs.

Dedicated to the ongoing pursuit of knowledge, I’m continuing my education and growth as a trainer through workshops, shadow programs, and ongoing mentorships with top trainers from around the world to find more ways to help dogs live the best life possible.

I am a Veteran of the US Army and a Professional Member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), and the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT).