About the instructor...

Karen graduated from Becker Junior College in 1976, where she received an Associate of Science degree in the Veterinary Assistant Program. She was a veterinary technician at Angell Memorial Hospital for nearly seven years. While there Karen became interested in dog training as she had acquired an untrained 9 month old American Eskimo pup who had numerous behavior problems. Karen took him to a companion class given by Dr. Amy Marder, an animal behaviorist-veterinarian at Angell Memorial Hospital. Soon after completing the course Karen asked to monitor the classes to learn more. She became seriously interested in behavior/training and was offered a job as a training assistant for Dr. Marder's classes.

She fueled her interest by attending classes and reading books by other trainers. Karen has received national certification as a pet dog trainer. Karen's philosophy was guided by the positive reinforcement techniques taught by Dr. Ian Dunbar a noted behaviorist and veterinarian. He started an Association of Pet Dog Trainers in 1993 of which Karen is a current member. Their mission is to build better trainers through education. Karen embraces that mission and believes that through her instruction she can build more knowledgeable dog owners.

Karen moved to Marshfield in 1995 and found there was not much of a choice in training classes for owners and their puppies. She started her own business and offered outdoor classes through the Norwell Recreation Department. Karen now offers in home instruction from 9 weeks of age to adult and conducts puppy kindergarten and level II classes at the Y.W.C.A. on Ferry Hill Road in Marshfield MA.

Karen's instruction classes are recommended by many local veterinarians and the Yankee Golden Retriever Club.