Trigger is my English Mastiff who became a member of my pack in 2011. He is the epitome of a calm, submissive dog, and I credit Trigger for saving my life and for where I am today. Before Trigger came into my life I had two serious concussions, and was in terrible condition physically, mentally, and spiritually. With his Buddha like presence, he helped me to heal, both body and mind. I have always been someone who likes dogs, but because of Trigger, I now understand how important our dogs lives are to us. They will never be just pets, they will always be family. When the weather is bearable and cool, trigger is my right hand man. His calm behavior is a mirror, and will undoubtedly help you and your dog(s) become more at ease. You will immediately fall in love with him, as I did. Favorite activity: Trigger's absolute favorite thing in the world is to sit in the bathroom when someone goes in. Weirdo.

I found Thurman at the Humane Society on the Pennsylvania Maryland border. He was about 5 months old in the middle of winter when the rescuers found him tied to a stop sign. I am very thankful for someone else's ignorance or I might not have him! He is a black and tan coonhound mix who above all else loves one thing, running! He is your typical farm dog, and gets along with all animals; goats, horses, cats, deer, and even a chicken! When working with reactive dogs he is my go to dog, as his happy go lucky attitude never fades. Favorite Activity: You guessed it, run run run

Xena is the newest addition to the pack, and God do I love her! She is so sweet and mild mannered. She was owned by an older woman who just couldn't handle the size, and was lucky enough to be her new owner. I rescued her in December of 2016 at 7 months old, and she is already coming with me on the road to help teach dogs how to properly behave! Xena wants to please humans more than I have seen before, and that is what makes her such a special dog! I can't wait to see how she matures into her young adult life Favorite Activity: Playing with her favorite brother Thurman on the farm.

My Newfoundland Gunner unfortunately passed away in the spring of 2015, but the lessons that he taught me will live on forever. Gunner was originally my family's dog, and before I had the ability to say it once, my family had dogs with behavioral issues. Gunner was no exception. He would jump on guests, run away when the door was open, steal food, get into the trash, and chew furniture. He had these issues for the first part of his life, that is until I learned why he was displaying these said behaviors. For anyone who met my old man Gunner in the last 6 years of his life, they would talk about how sweet and well behaved he was. Gunner was important in showing me how dogs will always have the ability to change, at any age, and that all dogs want to live in a state of calmness instead of anxiety, he just needed someone to show him how.

Anthony’s Dog: Ghillie is a 4 year old German Shepherd/Blue Heeler mix. I was introduced to him when he was 3 months old from a shelter in El Paso Texas, where I was stationed when in the army. He helped me acclimate back into the world again with coming home from the army. He has been by my side since day 1, he is my best friend and the reason I got into dog training. He and I have been inseparable ever since the beginning. With him, I saw first hand what a companion like that can do for someone and the reason I chose the path to become a dog trainer so that I can help others have this life-changing opportunity.

Anthony’s Dog: Jackson! (Jax) is a 1 year old German Shepherd/Coonhound mix. Jax joined our family at 4 months old when we rescued him from a shelter here in Pittsburgh. It was love at first sight, he roped me in with his droopy hound eyes. He is a cuddly little fire cracker with a lot of energy who loves to work! He had a few places he called home before he found his forever home with me. He is an amazing dog and he has made a great younger brother for Ghillie.

Michelle’s Gang! The homies for life as I call it, Maddie the Shepard mix, Hilda is the terrier, and Rocky is the little bear, a Lhasa Apso mix. On top of cracking me up daily with there different personalities and quirkinesses, they break down a lot of barriers and show so much love. Each dog has been there in the different phases of my life and its amazing to see through time how much we all grew together as a unit. I could go on and on individually why they are awesome, but instead here’s a picture of my pack living the best life.

Rachel’s Dog Maisie: Mais is a 1 year old rescue, and she is the sweetest love bug you will ever meet. All she wants is love, and I am so freaking happy to have rescued her, because let’s be honest she rescued me. I needed her more than I would’ve ever known. In case you missed by the pictures, she can hear everything with those bad boys!