My Story

I have been training dogs since I was 12 years old. All I wanted for my birthday when I turned 12 was a dog. My mom got me a terrier mix that we named Lady. She quickly became a part of my lifestyle. That was about 40 years ago.

Methods, tools and and styles of training have and evolved and improved throughout the years. I spent most of my years using older methods and getting results. Until I met Millie. 

I considered myself an intermediate dog trainer when I got Millie in 2022, however, nothing in my toolbox prepared me for this little package of crazy. Millie is a mix breed of Australian Shepherd, Husky and Chow Chow and was the product of 2 farm dogs. She didn't have a reputable breeder, her introduction to food was abhorrent and she was pushy and afraid all in one package. I had never trained such a 'reactive to everything' dog. I needed help!

What do we do these days when we need help? I looked to the internet. I went on YouTube, Facebook groups and Instagram to see what help was available to me. I appreciated the different creators and their positive approach to dog training and I learned a lot. Millie even ''graduated'' from an accredited positive only, training facility's puppy class. However, it wasn't working. She was still frustrated with me. She was 5 months old (I got her at 8 weeks of age) and she was the leader between us no matter what I tried.

Fast forward to month 6 when I found balanced training on a Facebook ad. The ideology behind occurrence and consequence came rushing back to me. It is what I have done with my children and in other employment. Consequences for unacceptable behaviours!! It saved me and Millie. We were finally able to create and sustain a relationship with each other. 

Millie and I went through a lot of changes. We had to change positions amongst ourselves. She was demanding a leader. I had to learn that some of our problems were because of me as well. It has been a journey of lessons I won't soon forget.

Millie's 3 breeds make her a formidable force without leadership. She is as smart as a whip, trains something new in minutes, anticipates and assumes, creates chaos and wants to guard all at once!! I have learned to embrace the chaotic, silly, lovable dog that she is now.

I had fallen in love with my dog, the training and the balance so much so I decided to get my certification. I am far from finished learning, I am continuing my education as we speak. In the animal training world there is always more to learn. 

I look forward to helping you and your dog/puppy get the same types of breakthroughs and rewarding relationships,  I now have with my dog. 

Stacey Cook