“Hello there, my name is Amber!

 

Animals have always been a huge part of my life, and I can not remember a time in my life that was without a dog companion. My family has owned German Shepherds, Rottweilers, hounds, etc. My first dog, that was all mine, was an APBT mix puppy named Pete that I adopted. I QUICKLY learned that he was way more dog than I was ready for, which ended up challenging me to learn all that I could about reactivity, aggression, obedience, and about different training tools and their appropriate places. He went from being a dog that would react to his own reflection to being able to walk in tandem with dogs he had not previously met. The relationship that I was able to build with him is what sparked my interest in training. I said goodbye to him when he was fourteen.

Prior to Pete's passing, I took interest in dog sports. Pete's age and health prevented him from participating. Which led me to Taki, my first Malinois and my first sport dog. Six months after picking up Taki, and two weeks after Pete crossed the rainbow bridge, a second Malinois weaseled her way into my life. Chai was too much dog for her previous owners, and was becoming borderline dangerous for them due to her possessive nature. They elected to surrender her to me. So now I have two dogs, both with very different personalities, that I dedicate almost all of my free time to training. We train in Schutzhund first and foremost, and we also compete in dock diving and dabble in a few other sports.

    

I am grateful to have had some amazing dogs in my life, and wonderful relationships with them. I am looking forward to helping others learn to communicate with their dogs and build healthier relationships based on that appropriate communication.

Aside from working with my dogs in my free time. I also enjoy hiking, visiting local wineries/breweries, frequenting the farmers market, live music, photography, and playing tourist in DC.”