Who am I?

I practiced law for my first career. My areas of practice included the myriad challenges confronting those living with AIDS, the recognition and protection of the rights of the LGBTQ communities and the exoneration of those wrongfully convicted of a crime. It was all very tough stuff.

Integral to my work were the dogs I shared my life with. Fixtures in my office, they were as much a part of my team as the paralegals and investigators. The dogs were constant reminders that no matter what injustice we were confronting, snuggles, walks and rowdy games of fetch made everything a bit easier, and allowed us to see that there was still joy to be had. More than one law student was startled to find a frisbee wafting over their cubicle wall followed by a dog in hot pursuit…and yes, sometimes we did aim the frisbee at the cubicle well.. just because.

It was perhaps inevitable that my connection with dogs led to my second career as a trainer. My dogs needed to adapt to a variety of settings and people and for the most part they did so admirably, but I constantly sought better ways to create a fuller life for them and me. Gradually I began to work with friends and their dogs as well as shelters and rescue. Seeking ways to build different relationships between people and their dogs I learned from Patricia McConnell Ken Ramirez, Karen Pryor and Susan Clothier. Eventually I graduated from the Karen Pryor Academy.

I rely on positive reinforcement methods, rooted in sound scientific principles, for my teaching. These methods are both efficient and enriching, permitting the learner to develop wanted behaviors with a minimum of stress.

I am a Certified Training Professional from Karen Pryor Academy and a Supporting Member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. I continue to take every opportunity to learn more about animal behavior and incorporate useful knowledge into my work with people and their dogs.

Client Testimonial
Our rescue organization has turned to Denise as our primary training consultant since the summer of 2018. She has worked with numerous dogs to help them get adopted, and has helped many of our foster parents learn how to manage difficult behaviors. Her calm demeanor, wry wit, and thoughtful approach has improved the lives of many.