I began my fascination with animals at a very young age.  My mother competed in AKC conformation with her dogs in the early 70s, and by the time my brother and I were born her show dogs were retired family pets. 

My parents gave me my first pet, a Guinea Pig, as a fourth birthday present.  Soon after, a kitten followed.   I alsobecame horse obsessed, and at age 8 I began riding and competing in A level shows. 

At nine years old my parents set forth some goals for me to meet.  When I accomplished them I was awarded with my very own hunter pony.  I learned to care for, clean, and feed my pony, as well as work at the barn to help pay for board.  My life was consumed with training and caring for horses. 

At age 12, I outgrew my show pony, and my family had to make the decision whether to purchase an Eventing horse or move on to another venture.  Due to financial and time constraints we decided, as a family, to sell my pony and try dog shows.  We had a two year old show quality Whippet as our family pet, as well as a rescue Golden Retriever.  I began training our Whippet to compete in AKC conformation events.  I also began a small pet sitting business in our neighborhood. 

I was quickly bitten with “the dog show bug” and began attending and competing in AKC dog shows regularly.  During the next few years I became captivated with dogs and dog behavior.  We took our dogs to a popular trainer in the Atlanta area who used traditional training methods with little explanation regarding behavior or motivation.  I was taught how to train both our Whippet and our Golden Retriever using the methods of traditional choke chain, leather lead, throw chains and precision corrections.  This was my only formal introduction to training.

I trained dogs throughout my early years with these methods.  Dasher, our Golden Retriever, shaped my dog training philosophy more than any book or person ever could.  He was one of those dogs that was just “good.”  I wish that everyone could have a childhood dog like Dasher.  He worshiped our family, especially me.  He was patient and kind and always responded to any method of training with grace and eagerness.  I worked him on a makeshift agility course in our neighborhood playground, taught him how to pull a wagon for a lemonade stand, and would require obscene perfection with little reward.  He always responded in good nature and with as much effort as his sweet old body could muster. 

I don’t remember the exact time when my methods changed from pulling and jerking to asking and rewarding.  Dasher and I just found that rhythm.  He loved all food and was so willing that I soon found that the jerking really did not help or seem necessary.  Before long, our sessions went from “Nazi dog trainer” (as my brother so aptly named my methods) to gently asking, showing and rewarding.  I also began to develop some wonderful relationships with established AKC handlers who mentored and directed me.  They taught (and continue to teach) me patiently about having gentle hands and quiet ways in the ring.  My mother and I also switched trainers to a Positive Reinforcement trainer.  I assisted my mother in training our Whippet to her AKC CD title and prepared her for CDX (she was trained but never shown to this title). 

I began working for a local vet when I turned fifteen years old as a kennel worker.  By thenmy dog sitting business was thriving, and I purchased my first big show dog.  He was a once in a lifetime dog that every fancier dreams of.  Tommy was my heart, my best friend and walked with me through my youth into young adulthood.  Tommy and I trained together winning many Specialties and Best Junior at the Whippet National Specialty in 2001. 

In that same year I began interning with Jan, a professional AKC handler, who specializes in the hound breeds.  Jan is one of those people who is “magic” with dogs.  She can take a Whippet puppy into the ring who has never left home or been on a show lead and make it look like it has been competing for years.  She touches dogs and they instantly relax.  One of the most remarkable things about Jan is that no dog ever forgets her.  No matter how long the absence, whenever they see her they wag, jump, whimper and beg to be near her.  Jan taught me so much about dogs including general husbandry, reading body language and understanding motivators.  Jan showed me in a formal waywhat Dasher had taught me years before.  Asking, demonstrating and warmly rewarding is far more effective than forcing; and dogs will love you for it.  She also instilled in me the value of patience by allowing dogs to think and problem solve before rushing into simply luring a skill. 

By 2002 I was working as a vet-tech at the same veterinary practice and showing a variety ofdog breeds on weekends.  I had bred my first litter and finished quite a number of champions for myself and others.  I was able to work with manyhandlers and travel throughout the Southeast showing dogs. 

 I headed off to college in 2004 and obtained a BS in Counseling, Community Development and Biblical Studies.  I continued to pet sit in college for various professors and professors’ friends, and Ialso began working with Canine Companions for Independence as a Volunteer Puppy Raiser.  During my Sophomore year, I raised my first CCIpuppy while living in campus housing.  Before I knew it I was giving training advice to my professors and working with quite a few of their dogs in my free time and while I was pet sitting for them.  I added dating to all my other extra-curricular activities and met my future husband my Freshman year.  We married our Junior year at Covenant and both graduated in 2008. 

                When my husband’s job moved us to Birmingham in 2008, I interviewed with two local trainers.  I decided not to take either of the positions.  While they had lovely facilities, and were very kind people, they were firmly rooted in traditional methods and I did not feel comfortable in that training. 

In September, 2008 I took a position working as a vet-tech for a very large practice.   Shortly after we moved to Birmingham, I decided to enroll my own dogs in a competition obedience class.  I quickly realized that there was not a positive reinforcement trainer in the Birmingham area.  With my husband’s and veterinarian’s encouragement I began training dogs in addition to my veterinary technician duties.  I joined the APDT, read vigorously, and studied for and obtained my CPDT-KA.  I began regularly taking CEU’s offered by APDT and other resources.  I very quickly started teaching group classes, private in-home lessons, and doing new puppy consultations.  I formed Sola Gratia Training LLC in 2011, was bonded, insured, and became the recommended trainer for a local pet supply chain, as well as additional veterinary practices.  I switched positions at the veterinary practice in 2010 in order to allow more time to focus on the new training and behavior program that I had developed. 

I am now working fulltimefor myself.  I am focusing all of my attentionon the training and behavior program that I developed at theoriginal vet practice.  I have added additional private clients, more vet practices, and the local pet supply chain as customers. 

I feel that my strongest attribute as a trainer is my ability to connect with my clients and understand their individual situations.  My Bachelors degree is in Interpersonal Communication and Counseling and I draw heavily on what I learned in my course work each and every day.  I love going into situations where clients are exasperated and desperate.  I enjoy being able to listen to them, meet their dog, and give them a plan with hope for the future. 

                I feel very fortunate that at 27 years old I have found my passion.  I absolutely love what I do.  I have never wavered in the beliefthat this is my calling and purpose.  I feel very blessed.