Sharing a Lifetime...with dogs
The story behind On Golden Paws
The story behind On Golden Paws
Looking back, I don't think I chose this path—it chose me.
Animals were always part of our family. We always had dogs and cats, and some of my earliest memories are of simply sharing life with them.
One of those memories still make me smile.
Our little black toy poodle J.P., adored my dad. Dad stood 6'2". While J.P. was so tiny he fit almost entirely into one of dad's hands as he carries him tucked under his arm. J.P. even knew which motorcycle was coming down the road. Every family member's bike had a different sound.
J.P. had a different bark for each one.
Long before I realized it, I was already fascinated by how animals thought and communicated.
Years later, another dog changed the way I looked at behaviour.
Morgan, my husband Paul's english cocker spaniel, was very protective of her food bowl.
Paul warned me not to go near her, but instead of taking something away, I quietly added a small piece of chicken to her bowl. Before long, Morgan no longer felt the need to protect her bowl.
That simple moment taught me something I've never forgotten.
Behaviour isn't about being difficult or defiant. It's a reflection of how a dog is feeling.
Life with Morgan, our two golden retrievers Jack and Jill, and one very confident cat named "Snarley Farley" only deepened my curiosity. I wanted understand why animals behaved the way they did, and that curiosity eventually led me to become a dog trainer.
More than 30 years ago, training relied heavily on force and correction, it never felt right to me.
There were no positive trainers in out area, so I decided to become on myself.
That decision became the beginning of On Golden Paws.
As I continued learning, I also discovered the importance of nutrition.
My own golden retrievers struggled with recurring ear infections, leading me to explore the connection between health, nutrition, behaviour and overall wellbeing -- An approach that continues to shape my work today.
As On Golden Paws grew, so did the dream.
We eventually moved into an old feed mill in Varna, renovated it, and created the home of On Golden Paws,
where we've been helping dogs and the people who love them ever since.
Animals were always part of our family. We always had dogs and cats, and some of my earliest memories are of simply sharing life with them.
One of those memories still make me smile.
Our little black toy poodle J.P., adored my dad. Dad stood 6'2". While J.P. was so tiny he fit almost entirely into one of dad's hands as he carries him tucked under his arm. J.P. even knew which motorcycle was coming down the road. Every family member's bike had a different sound.
J.P. had a different bark for each one.
Long before I realized it, I was already fascinated by how animals thought and communicated.
Years later, another dog changed the way I looked at behaviour.
Morgan, my husband Paul's english cocker spaniel, was very protective of her food bowl.
Paul warned me not to go near her, but instead of taking something away, I quietly added a small piece of chicken to her bowl. Before long, Morgan no longer felt the need to protect her bowl.
That simple moment taught me something I've never forgotten.
Behaviour isn't about being difficult or defiant. It's a reflection of how a dog is feeling.
Life with Morgan, our two golden retrievers Jack and Jill, and one very confident cat named "Snarley Farley" only deepened my curiosity. I wanted understand why animals behaved the way they did, and that curiosity eventually led me to become a dog trainer.
More than 30 years ago, training relied heavily on force and correction, it never felt right to me.
There were no positive trainers in out area, so I decided to become on myself.
That decision became the beginning of On Golden Paws.
As I continued learning, I also discovered the importance of nutrition.
My own golden retrievers struggled with recurring ear infections, leading me to explore the connection between health, nutrition, behaviour and overall wellbeing -- An approach that continues to shape my work today.
As On Golden Paws grew, so did the dream.
We eventually moved into an old feed mill in Varna, renovated it, and created the home of On Golden Paws,
where we've been helping dogs and the people who love them ever since.
A Lifetime of Learning
Helping People See the World Through Their Dog's Eyes
For more than 25 years, I've been helping dogs and the people who love them build relationships built on trust, understanding, and communication.
Rather than asking, : how do I stop this behaviour?" I begin with a different question:
What is the dog trying to tell us?
That simple shift in perspective changes everything.
I believe behaviour is communication, not disobedience.
Dogs repeat what works for them, and when we understand how dogs learn, we can guide them with clarity, kindness, and compassion.
Whether I'm helping someone raise a puppy, navigate adolesecence, welcome a rescue dog, or support a fearful or reactive dog, my goal is alway the same.
Along the way I've earned certifications in:
Certified Dog Trainer
Certified Canine Behaviour Counsellor
Certified & Licensed Puppy Imprinting Facility
Service Dog Trainer
Canine Nutrition Counsellor
Separation Anxiety & Reactivity Specialist
Professional Groomer
Certified Animal First Aid Provider
Certified Canine Massage Practitioner
Reiki Master & Animal Reiki Practitioner