About Paw Pack
Emily has been training dogs for over 20 years, having started with her first rescue dog who was known for his Houdini escape acts. From those first years with Scooter to today, Emily has been training, learning, competing, teaching, and volunteering. She is a Certified Dog Trainer with the Karen Pryor Academy, an American Kennel Club's (AKC) Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, AKC Puppy STAR Evaluator, the Leader of the 4H Weld County Dog Project, and a member of Longs Peak Dog Training Club.
Her mission is to help you build a rewarding life-long relationship with your dog. While we know that the theories of learning & behavior apply to all animals from humans to dogs to dolphins to honeybees, Emily believes that a cookie-cutter training plan doesn't work for everyone. She looks at each dog-family relationship as a unique combination that requires an understanding of what the family wants, what the dog needs, & what can be done to achieve success for both. Effectively using positive reinforcement, reducing stress & frustration, and providing practical steps allows Emily’s clients, both humans & dogs, to learn with success & enjoyment. She uses plain language to show families how daily interactions with their dogs are mini-training moments that work far better than long training drills.
Emily participates in classes, workshops, seminars, and other educational opportunities to keep her toolbox as deep and wide as possible. She considers herself a learning and behavior “geek”. She combines science-based theory with real-life experience to create practical solutions – from puppy training to behavioral issues to competition. Author Maya Angelou summed it up best: "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” While Emily enjoys training & competing, she believes that dog training is more than a sport, a hobby, or a business. Every moment spent training is a moment that we are investing in that relationship; an investment with a return that is far sweeter than the stock market.
Emily lives in Northern Colorado with her husband, daughter, dogs, cat, horses, & chickens. The newest member of the family is Zena, her teenage Labrador whom she aims to enjoy a great many sports with: obedience, rally, agility, nosework, and Fast CAT. The newest of these adventures will be kayaking so we may see you on the waters this summer!
"Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made. " ~~Roger Caras