Robin’s Story
Early in her animal career, Robin worked as a veterinary technician. She frequently found that pet owners came to the animal hospital to seek help for behavioral issues rather than medical ones. Too often, those situations led to euthanasia because the dog had become dangerous or the owner was too overwhelmed from trying to find solutions. Those experiences profoundly impacted her desire to help pet owners better understand their canine companions.
Robin decided to help create change in the lives of dogs and their owners. In 1994 she started a puppy preschool program and offered training part-time while continuing to work in the animal hospital. In 1997, Robin’s career came to a sudden halt when she was involved in a severe auto accident. Her recovery involved months of learning to walk again. Through intense physical therapy, she discovered the value of coaches who can see past the current situation and push their students to achieve more than they might believe possible. She embraced the value of that lesson, left the medical industry, and launched her first training company in May 1998. It grew and become a large regional training center based in Dubuque, IA
Robin sold that company in 2021 so she could return to a more personalized service model. She currently works with select clients for private training, as well as instructing group workshops at her location near Des Moines, IA, and nationally. She also serves as a consultant to manufacturers and other professionals within the pet industry.
Robin has become a sought-after expert in the dog training community. Her communication ability, combined with a passionate commitment to finding what works for each dog-owner team, set her apart in the industry.