About Good Paws, LLC, Shelly and The Kids
You've heard the phrase "Couples that play together, stay together?" Well, this applies to many relationships...even the one between you and your dog. That's why my core philosophy is to start with fun, games, and "play" training.
Initially, my interest in dog behavior and training was a hobby. I read all the books I could find, watched videos, and tried to apply what I learned at home and with family and friends' dogs. I even spent time working in the doggy daycare industry to learn first hand how dogs interact with other dogs...and how to keep this fair for everyone involved. You can visit my first daycare online at thedogden.com.
Good Paws came about from my desire to help others reach an understanding of their dog's language so that a better relationship could be built. I guess you could say I'm a cross-species counselor of sorts. (I say this loosely, as I have no PhD). My methods are based as much in science and research as they are from experience and the heart. My goal is to help every client find a little more peace, a little stronger bond, and a closer friend in their dog.
My dogs are my kids. Anyone who has met me, my husband, Calvin or Lucy will tell you we function as a pack. This doesn't mean that they are spoiled (well, sometimes they are) or that I allow them to misbehave. Much like any child, they receive a lot of love, the securities of life, and discipline when needed. There is a fantastic book by Trish King called Parenting Your Dog that I recommend for any new dog owner. The parallels Ms. King draws in the book really help give light to how one can use reward and love in balance with expectations to raise a puppy or help an adult dog adjust to a new home.
Dogs are my passion, and I believe it is our obligation to learn to speak their language so we can help them learn to understand ours. This is why I opened Good Paws, LLC...to help others reach that level of understanding with their dogs.
