Rosa Gonzalez- CCDT-DT, CGC Evaluator
Growing up without pets in my home, I found solace in visiting our neighbor's golden retriever, Sammy.
But.... the longing for a dog continued until I moved out and impulsively acquired what I thought was a German Shepherd mix from a Facebook rehoming group.
Little did I know, my new puppy turned out to be a Border Collie-Aussie mix, and he was quite the handful.
Gemini was far from the perfect companion I had envisioned. He exhibited behaviors such as resource-guarding and aversion to touch, leaving me on the brink of rehoming him for my own safety! After learning that he had already been through five other homes spurred me to make a commitment: I would be his forever loving home.
This started my journey in dog training. I dedicated myself to Gemini's rehabilitation, utilizing every opportunity to teach and guide him. Seeking professional help further honed my skills as a trainer. Through perseverance and positive reinforcement, behavioral training and balance- Gemini underwent a remarkable transformation, ultimately becoming a fully task-trained service dog.
My experiences with Gemini paved the way for my next challenge: Zenix, a Dutch Shepherd with a troubled past.
He was a "broken dog,"
Zenix lacked personality and struggled with basic canine behaviors, everything was a worry and stress to him. With patience, play, and a gentle touch, I nurtured his confidence, and he him blossom into a joyful and well-balanced companion through tons of PLAY, positive reinforcement and doing behaivoral training to help him make hsi own good decisions.
Each dog I work with presents unique challenges and requires tailored training approaches. From providing structure and assertiveness to one dog, to offering patience and gentleness to another, I've gained invaluable insights into canine behavior and rehabilitation. My previous work in Illinois as a dog trainer focused on instilling house manners, socialization, and behavior rehabilitation.
Continuously seeking to expand my knowledge, I regularly attend dog seminars and engage in various outdoor activities, including hiking and kayaking. I also indulge in hobbies like painting, photography, PC gaming, and spending time with my ferret, Mochi.
In addition to training, I actively participate in dog sports with Gemini, including Dock Diving, Disc, Agility, FastCat, IGP, and BarnHunt.
My ultimate goal as a trainer is to bridge the communication gap between you and your dog, facilitating a harmonious and fulfilling relationship. Together, let's embark on a journey towards mutual understanding and the realization of your dog's fullest potential.
But.... the longing for a dog continued until I moved out and impulsively acquired what I thought was a German Shepherd mix from a Facebook rehoming group.
Little did I know, my new puppy turned out to be a Border Collie-Aussie mix, and he was quite the handful.
Gemini was far from the perfect companion I had envisioned. He exhibited behaviors such as resource-guarding and aversion to touch, leaving me on the brink of rehoming him for my own safety! After learning that he had already been through five other homes spurred me to make a commitment: I would be his forever loving home.
This started my journey in dog training. I dedicated myself to Gemini's rehabilitation, utilizing every opportunity to teach and guide him. Seeking professional help further honed my skills as a trainer. Through perseverance and positive reinforcement, behavioral training and balance- Gemini underwent a remarkable transformation, ultimately becoming a fully task-trained service dog.
My experiences with Gemini paved the way for my next challenge: Zenix, a Dutch Shepherd with a troubled past.
He was a "broken dog,"
Zenix lacked personality and struggled with basic canine behaviors, everything was a worry and stress to him. With patience, play, and a gentle touch, I nurtured his confidence, and he him blossom into a joyful and well-balanced companion through tons of PLAY, positive reinforcement and doing behaivoral training to help him make hsi own good decisions.
Each dog I work with presents unique challenges and requires tailored training approaches. From providing structure and assertiveness to one dog, to offering patience and gentleness to another, I've gained invaluable insights into canine behavior and rehabilitation. My previous work in Illinois as a dog trainer focused on instilling house manners, socialization, and behavior rehabilitation.
Continuously seeking to expand my knowledge, I regularly attend dog seminars and engage in various outdoor activities, including hiking and kayaking. I also indulge in hobbies like painting, photography, PC gaming, and spending time with my ferret, Mochi.
In addition to training, I actively participate in dog sports with Gemini, including Dock Diving, Disc, Agility, FastCat, IGP, and BarnHunt.
My ultimate goal as a trainer is to bridge the communication gap between you and your dog, facilitating a harmonious and fulfilling relationship. Together, let's embark on a journey towards mutual understanding and the realization of your dog's fullest potential.
