Other Stuff

Training Walks

Is your dog a problem on leash? Reactivity, pulling, too big or strong for you to manage? I've got the answer. As part of your personalized training program, I will come and walk your dog as needed to improve his skills and get him some more exercise. Until your skills have improved and you've gained the confidence to walk him yourself, let me help. Available only to clients in Corrales, Rio Rancho, and Los Ranchos. Price varies with situation.

Bridge & Target Training (BnT)

After years of using clicker training with my own dogs as well as client dogs, I discovered the Bridge & Target Method in 2005. I found it to be more precise, accurate, and easier to use than clicker training, and believe that it is an easier method for the dog too, in part by generating less learning stress in the dog. Also, I am talkative by nature, and like many people, am naturally inclined to want to talk to my dog during training, which traditional clicker training discourages. With BnT, I satisfy my desire to talk to my dog, but I do so with a degree of clarity, purpose, and mindfulness that might otherwise be missing. Finally, you rid yourself of the need to carry a clicker with you, as the “bridges” are voice or hand signals. I now use BnT with my clients whenever possible, but will use clicker training with those that prefer that method. Read more about BnT in my Blog.

Aromatherapy – Essential Oils

I use Essential Oils in my personal life, as well as with clients when appropriate. Essential Oils (EOs) are an excellent adjunct to any energy therapy, and I regularly use them with Healing Touch. I demand the highest quality therapeutic grade essential oils, and have chosen to use and be a distributor of Young Living Essential Oils, which are far superior to any of the typical “fragrance oils” which are more commonly available.

Essential Oils can be used directly on the body or be diffused in the air. Each oil or combination of oils vibrates at a particular frequency, giving it a “signature”, and each signature is associated with certain beneficial properties, i.e., uplifting, antifungal, calming, etc. Illness and negative emotions vibrate at low frequencies, while love, health, joy, and positive emotions have higher frequency vibrations. All essential oils have high frequency vibrations , and using them regularly will help maintain a high frequency vibration and promote a physically and emotionally healthy state of being.

Essential oils should not be used on cats or near birds. To order Young Living Essential Oils, go to the Young Living Sign Up page. Select your desired customer type and enter my member number: 1032154

Reiki

Reiki is a spiritual practice that promotes relaxation and stress-reduction, and also aids in healing. It was developed in Japan in 1922 by Mikao Usui, and later brought to the Western world by Hawayo Takata. The word Reiki means “spiritually guided life force”. As a Level I & II Reiki Practitioner, I can tap into and guide that Divine energy that exists all around us.

Utilizing my Reiki training, I direct that energy to the person or animal, with the intention that it be only for the person or animal’s highest and best interest. Therefore, when Reiki is used to promote self-healing, it is not necessary that we know the specific nature of the ailment or discomfort; the Reiki simply flows where it is most needed. Reiki, like other energy modalities, can be done from a distance, and so it is not necessary for you or your animal to be physically present with me in order to receive Reiki.

Constructional Aggression Treatment (C.A.T.)

Developed by Jesus Rosales-Ruiz and Kellie Snider, the Construction Aggression Treatment operates on the premise that dogs use aggression as a way of increasing distance between themselves and the people or dogs that worry or concern them. Consequently, it is necessary to change this emotional state in order to cure aggression. By changing the context of the situation, we can initially teach them that aggressive behavior (growling, lunging, barking, etc.) no longer works to drive the person or dog away, but that many other “friendly” behaviors will give them the distance they desire. As the treatment proceeds, the dogs reach a point where they no longer want the person or dog to leave, and will actually “switch over” to offering friendly behaviors in order to get the person or dog to come closer.

I feel that in many cases the results of C.A.T. are faster and more thorough than past techniques which relied upon systematic desensitization and counter-conditioning. Dedication to the desired goal is paramount, as the individual sessions may seem quite long and appear boring to owners and participants, as the dog should not be reacting during the process, but the end results are well worth the effort. If your dog displays aggressive behaviors towards humans or other dogs, call me at 505-506-8654 to discuss whether C.A.T. is appropriate for your dog.

Flower Essences

I occasionally use and recommend Bach Flower Essences and Australian Bush Flower Essences for my clients and their dogs. These essences are vibrational remedies designed to counter emotional and energetic imbalances.

They are safe, gentle and help subtly shift destructive emotional patterns, allowing us and our animals to feel more relaxed, centered, and balanced. While there are some similarities and overlap with Essential Oils, Flower Essences are sometimes a more appropriate and effective healing modality on a case-by-case basis.