UPCOMING BOARD & TRAINS : 1) 12/29/2024 - 01/19/2025 2) 01/12/2025 - 02/02/2025
meet the team
The Pack
Each member of my little pack is so integral to the process of Free Rein Dog Training. Here is a breakdown of each member and why they are so crucial to trainees!
tora - Co hounder
Tora is a 8.5 year old male German Shepherd with working military lines. When I say this boy needs a job, I mean it! Raised on Fort Bragg, Tora is desensitized to it all. He is the household police dog. He patrols play time and breaks up any play that is too rough. He sets boundaries with dogs that come into our home that don't know how to respect the household dynamic. Tora is a fantastic asset because he shows new dogs the appropriate way to play! If dogs are jumping, he corrects them; if they appear to be confused by a command, Tora rushes to their side and exhibits the command I'm asking for. He will even take his paw and tap the pup to try and show them. He is truly the best babysitter in the world and always forms strong bonds with the dogs coming into training.
Mabel - assistant branch manager
Mabel is a 2 year old Saint Berdoodle! She is as goofy as a doodle can be. She has the sweetest temperament and is phenomenal for public events like Career Days or events in the park. Mabel is an excellent coworker for dogs coming into boarding and training, as well as lesson dogs, due to her neutral personality. She is a superstar for practicing socializing, distraction work, as well as a starting point for reactive dogs, as she doesn't react and has a softer presence than many dogs might. She is my ice breaker, and more often than not, one of the first doggy friends most of my clients make. The dogs can't help but want to play with Mabel, she entices them with sticks or a piece of grass, and all her goofiness. Who could resist?!
Moon - cfo {chief feline operative}
Here at Free Rein Dog Training, Moon is a very important part of training. Moon is an 8 year old cat who is basically a dog. She is our boundary setter! If dogs come into Moon's space without an invitation, she lets them know they are unwelcome immediately and teaches them to tread lightly. Truly an included member of my pack, Moon comes when you call her, plays fetch, can 'place', and hangs out with all the dogs. She ends up becoming friends with all the Board and Trains, but in the beginning she helps them understand respect and personal space, before any friendships are formed. For dogs to successfully be around Moon, they have to be completely present, have spatial awareness, and impulse control. She is unforgettable and assists dogs in social settings and with their prey drive. They better think twice before approaching her in a rude way!
How did we get started?
It all started with a german shepherd puppy...
Tora came to live with me when he was 8 weeks old. He was potty trained within two days, crate trained in 5. An absolutely brilliant puppy. Unfortunately, while Tora & I were out for a walk one afternoon, we were attacked by an out of control German Shepherd. It was a traumatic experience that seemed to flip a switch for Tora. He became extremely protective of me, reactive, & aggressive to everyone & everything. He tried to attack other animals & any person within range. Not ideal for a growing German Shepherd, who was between 60-70 pounds and now had a bad attitude. Tora had become so aggressive & dangerous, I feared for his safety & the safety of those around him. The situation grew beyond my control. I knew I needed help. I went through 3 dog trainers to try & save my dogs' life before I found the right fit.
Finding the right dog trainer who could also train ME, saved my dogs' life & allowed us the opportunity to flourish together. Now, as a dog trainer myself, Tora & I are a committed team to helping dogs & their owners find the middle ground so they can flourish together, too.
