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owner & trainer

About  Cheryl

​​I understand what it’s like to live with a dog that exhibits challenging behaviors and will share my knowledge with you.

I am comfortable brainstorming and creatively solving challenges. I’ve lived with a dog that barked if she saw a leaf falling. I’ve brainstormed how to keep a dog safe and helped her become well-adjusted after she jumped out of a second-story window in a panic. I’ve devised plans to prevent dogs from injuring themselves in a kennel and taught dogs to trust me although they had never been touched kindly by a human. When you train with Giffy, you get all of my experience and all of the things I’ve learned from the dogs I’ve lived and worked with.

 

I am a student.

In addition to living with dogs, I study. In 2015, I completed the rigorous Karen Pryor Academy program and am a certified Karen Pryor Academy training partner (KPA-CTP) and regularly assist other students currently taking that program. I also complete continuing education. I’ve studied with some of the best in the business, including Dr. Sophia Yin, Dr. Susan Friedman, Dr. Karen Overall, Dr. Chris Pachel, Ken Ramirez and Dr. Karolina Westlund. I love learning and will share the most current, cutting-edge knowledge with you.

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And a teacher.

I have spent the last twenty years teaching college English, which means I work with a broad range of students, can improvise as necessary, and communicate effectively.

You'll be part of a community.

Giffy dog isn’t just about the trainers or the dogs. It’s all of us, working together. We’re a group of passionate, kind people who want to learn and have fun while building trust-based relationships with our dog companions. We’re a team here, and you’ll be part of that.

I have made a commitment

to treat animals humanely and

promise to treat you and your canine companions

with respect and kindness. 

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