A few months ago I put on my “entrepreneur hat” and began brainstorming ideas on how to tie in all that I love into a business I can call my own. In June 2009 I completed the 6Legs to Fitness(tm) Instructor course.  As I began running classes in Calgary during the summer I knew my business plan was still missing something.  The branches of my “vision” tree were beginning to grow strong, but my “foundational” roots were still weak....this is when I called Hustle Up Training, enrolled in the CET course and proudly graduated in October 2009.

Why Dogs? Why Hustle-Up Training?

7 years ago I overcame my fear of dogs, instilled by a run-in with a mini “Lassie” as a teen.  As I opened my heart and soul, my connection and passion for dogs was undeniable.  I began fostering, raising, training (informally) and sitting dogs while soaking up all the canine knowledge my little’ brain could hold.  
During that time I became the owner of 2 brilliant dogs. Like any new owner ambushed by trainers and misleading information, I placed my blind-faith into the hands of treat/clicker training, spray-collars and “doggie vallium”.  I let my dogs sleep on beds and couches and had daily hour-long conversations with them about everything and nothing.  Time passed and amazement and mass confusion set-in.  Why were my dogs the re-incarnation of Einstein when I had slabs of liver in my hand for sits, stays and even a round of “game-show”,  yet were unruly on-leash when meeting other dogs and created a barking tag-team furry at the off-leash, sometimes ending in fights and disgruntled owners.
  
Baffled by the mysteries unsolved by the almighty bag of treats, I was embarrassed, anxious and stressed every time I stepped into a park.  I walked my dogs at awkward hours and crossed the street whenever another dog approached.  I was extremely frustrated with feeling clueless about the underlying issues and behaviours I was truly dealing with and was determined that there must be a better way.

This was when Season 1 of “At the End of My Leash” began to air on Slice.  Stumbling across it one night on tv, my eyes grew big with excitement and hope and I figured I had nothing to lose.  So I began retraining my dogs using information from the show, began to research information based upon Brad’s philosophy and approach and the results were immediate.  Walks became enjoyable, the park became pleasant, but most importantly, I began to understand my dogs and respect for the intelligent, social and complex animal that they are -  not the domesticated novelty on 4-legs I first mistook them for.
  
I am honoured and excited about the opportunity to bring my passion, knowledge and experience to the lives of other dog owners so they too can reap the unspeakable rewards of building a bond and relationship build on leadership, trust and respect.

I thought I had a pretty good handle of the dog world having seen and followed various methods of training.
Enter Brad Pattison... After taking Brad's course in July 2010,  I realized that maybe I didn't know it all! My dogs were well behaved, good mannered members of society, but they had me wrapped around their little paws!! Thomas was a robot and Izzy needed some confidence. After the course both dogs are happier and more even tempered.

I love Brad's passion for dogs & helping their humans understand their language. He shared with us all the years of knowledge he's gained and now I'm ready to help you build a great and lasting bond with your fur family too!