About Theresa & Theresa’s Dog Training

Believe it or not I actually began as a cat person. We always had dogs and they always just listened to most family members. It wasn’t until our family dog Deoge (pronounced d-o-g) was euthanized that I began focusing on dogs and their place within the family system. Deoge was very protective of us children and our house. She had to be euthanized because the neighbor’s dog came into our yard & Deoge killed it.

Skip a number of years & I earned a Master of Science Degree in Sociology. Sociologists focus on social relationships and members of social systems’ relationships with each other and larger systems. I taught college level sociology classes for over 20 years. In 2003 I began dog training to supplement my income. Theresa’s Dog Training was formed to add a different “flavor” to the private dog training currently available. I have come to apply systems theory to my dog training. Each dog is unique and each person in the family is unique. The unique characteristics of family members form a complex family dynamic system. I incorporate an analysis of the dog’s individual characteristics, the family’s characteristics, and family dynamics into my training recommendations.

My training experience has included both group and private training. Using systems theory I have developed curricula and assessment techniques designed to provide positive experiences when in public with your canine companions. It is my goal that dogs not be secluded in a room or home. Instead, us humans should be confident in our dogs’ behaviors, and ourselves, to include them in family activities.

I have had two main packs. My first pack included five huskies and a shih-tzu. My current pack has four huskies. Managing larger packs has taught me much about canines and their connections to family members.

About my pricing…I have decided to price my services at a reasonable price rather than a price comparable with other private & corporate trainers. I, like many other people, are tired of the increasing costs of goods and services. I hope my prices will be a welcome relief.