Nea working with Penny the poodle puppy on cooperative care exercises.
ABOUT
Nea-Owner/Trainer
Training for over 20 years, Nea started her love affair for training as a young child by reading to the family foster dogs, many of whom were recovering from neglect, abuse, and lack of socialization. As a volunteer trainer with assistance and service dog organizations, shelters, and non-profit rescues, she continued to pursue her love of training, eventually transitioning to leading group classes and private training sessions. She has also worked in practically every area there is within the industry, including daycare, boarding, and specialty training facilities.
During her time working with rescues, she developed a particular interest in dogs with reactivity — which she describes as the most challenging, as well as the most rewarding. She believes that reactive dogs are just as capable, loving, and worthy as any other, and deserve a chance to lead happy, fulfilled lives. She joined Rescued Hearts Northwest as a volunteer in 2015, as well as the Alternative Humane Society in 2019.
As a self-professed “behavior nerd,” Nea is deeply committed to promoting and utilizing only humane, evidence-based training methods, and continues to pursue ongoing education through workshops, conferences, seminars, and online courses. She is a Dunbar Academy Top Dogs Member, a Professional Member of the APDT, Supporting Member of the IAABC, certified in canine first aid and CPR through the American Red Cross, and is currently studying for her Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) credentials.
In her downtime, Nea is usually working in her garden with her dogs, trying out new recipes, or dabbling in any number of crafty projects. She currently resides with her shelter mutts — a 15year old boston terrier mix named Duke , a 16 yr old German Shepherd/Husky mix named Kira, and a five year old pitbull/mastiff rescue puppy, Captain Jack Barkness, as well as several rescue fish near Bellingham, Washington.
Memberships & Certificates awarded:
Phil with his aussie shepherd, River.
Phil- Trainer
Phil is an East Coast native who comes to Pawsitive Pooch with over 10 years teaching experience in both middle school and high school, and has been working exclusively with dogs for the last 4 years as a dog walker, trainer, and rescue advocate. He began volunteering with the Alternative Humane Society in the fall of 2017 and joined the board the following spring. His passion is to use positive reinforcement training and education to make more meaningful connections between humans and animals in our community so that animals can live their best fear- free lives. He’ll do anything to help reduce the number of homeless and rehomed pets in our community.
He is also a Licensed Veterinary Technician, an outdoors enthusiast (especially skiing at Baker!), and a world traveler (14 countries!) who feels grateful the universe has brought him so many great dogs including his blue merle Aussie Shepherd, River.
Jesse K- Group Handler
bio coming soon!
Aly A- Group Handler
bio coming soon!
