CERTIFIED Professional Dog Trainer

Hi! I am Barbara, the founder and trainer for K-9 SOL.  My love affair with dogs started early as I shared my playpen with the family’s Lab and continued through many years of Labs, Collies and especially my German Shepherd Dogs. Even before I became a professional, I enjoyed sharing my dogs with others through competition and pet therapy. I remained active in pet therapy for almost 20 years through Delta, Pet Partners, R.E.A.D. and TMH Animal Therapy as part of a team and evaluator so, if joining TMH Animal Therapy is a goal, I can guide you and your dog. 

Like so many other trainers, I had one dog for whom all the training I knew about or could learn about failed, and she led me to seek further education. Once I decided to leave teaching for a new career, I chose to turn my passion for dogs into a career, but I also wanted to know what to do for those dogs, like my own, for whom traditional training did not work. In 2007 I completed the Master Trainer’s Course at National K-9 School for Dog Trainers in Columbus, Ohio to become a Certified Dog Trainer (#509). In 2011 I re-certified through IACP (International Association of Canine Professionals #2994). In 2023 I became certified in Cynopraxis and LIMA principles (CYNX-L).  Just as importantly, I regularly maintain and expand my knowledge of dog training with a goal of at least one workshop a year. After more than 40 years of training thousands of dogs, I still enjoy learning, growing, meeting clients and their dogs.