About
The enriched approach
We’re in a wonderfully progressive age when it comes to caring for our pets, to their benefit and ours. More and more people train their dogs, and the past decade has seen an explosion of dog lovers turning to professional dog walkers to see to the exercise needs of their four-legged companions. The benefits are many, including healthier dogs who live longer (and amass fewer veterinary bills along the way), and calmer dogs who are easier to live with. But there’s an ingredient almost always missing, one that could make our dogs even healthier, happier, and better behaved.
Daily engagement with activities that stretch a dog’s brain have been shown to make dogs calmer and happier, and also reduce the chances they turn their considerable intelligence to activities we’d rather they didn’t—like figuring out how to turn over the kitchen garbage. Like humans, dogs thrive when their full capacities are put to productive use, and languish (or get into trouble) when they aren’t.
That’s why activities like puzzle toys, scent games, and work-to-eat challenges are part of every Enriched Dog walking and training program.
My professional credentials
I am a graduate of the CATCH Canine Trainers Academy Professional Dog Training Skills Workshop. A deep believer in ongoing professional development, I currently have several irons in the education fire, attending the Pet Harmony Mentorship program to become a Pet Behavior Consultant currently enrolled in unit 2.2, Completed a class in Animal Behavior & Conservation at Hunter, and Dr. Susan Friedman’s widely-acclaimed Living & Learning With Animals program. I also have a long volunteer history in shelters throughout the city, particularly with Animal Haven in NYC.
My training philosophy
Whether I’m teaching you to train your dog, training your dog for you, or actively reinforcing basic manners during walks, I employ only the most effective, up-to-date, science-based, force-free methods.
This is in accordance with leading professionals associations and organizations, such as The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), and the Pet Professional Guild (PPG).
A bit more about me and why I do what I do
Long before opening The Enriched Dog I met a dog during my volunteer work who haunted me for years. He was a terrified fellow. Who knows what he’d been through, but he’d clearly decided the world was just too much. Week after week I attempted to win him over, but he steadfastly remained cowered in the corner. I felt awful that I lacked the ability to help.
Not able to shake this memory, several years later I left my 25-year Wall Street career to pursue the knowledge and skills I lacked then. Now I dedicate myself to helping the dogs in our local shelters as well as those in my neighborhood live their fullest, most enriched lives.
I am just as passionate about helping my human clients enjoy the best in their dogs, and in making their busy schedules a little lighter by taking dog walking off the daily to-do list.
When not working with dogs I play with my two rescue cats, Buddy and Scout, maintain my 40+ year meditation practice and, when the opportunity arises, enjoy traveling.
Ready to enjoy an Enriched Dog?
Call me (646) 643.1441
Click to email me