Dog Trainer

Shawn has had a love for animals since she was a little girl. Every spare moment was spent with her dog, cats, cows and horses. She helped train the family dog as a child and has been involved with training dogs ever since.

Shawn graduated with a BA in education from Western Michigan University. She taught kindergarten, for 28 years and retired to professionally train dogs full time.

Shawn actively pursues ongoing training and professional development by attending seminars, auditing other training classes and keeping current on literature. Some of her favorite courses were led by Victoria Stilwell,Karen Pryor, Ian Dunbar and Patricia McConnell.

Shawn has been involved in volunteering with local animal rescue groups for 29 years. She used this opportunity to learn everything she could about dogs and training from other trainers, veterinaries and continued education. Currently Shawn is a board member and the intake/foster coordinator for TexasCARES and volunteers as a trainer for a local dog rescue.

Shawn has adopted and fostered many dogs and cats throughout her years as a volunteer. Shawn credits one of her adopted dogs Mickey for teaching her about some of the challenges dogs can bring to a family and prompting her to peruse her passion to become a professional dog trainer. She is very experienced in integrating dogs into a new home and enjoys working with dogs and children. She also enjoys helping clients problem solve to come up with effective solutions for more challenging behaviors.

With her experience in education and dog training, Shawn whole heartedly believes in positive reinforcement and the science behind it. She is committed to using fear free training and positive reinforcement. Shawn is dedicated to helping humans and dogs communicate and form healthy loving relationships. Her goal is to provide effective training solutions for each client and their dog’s based on individual needs.

Shawn lives in Plano with her husband, three dogs and four cats.
In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her pets and has had some fun with agility training.