About Margarat Nee

I've been a dog enthusiast for most of my life. I started going to dog shows at the age of eight, and attended my first obedience training class at the age of ten with my Border Collie, Jack.

I learned a lot about dogs while working in show and boarding kennels starting at age thirteen. My real education came when I worked for Encinitas trainer Lu Meyer for over eight years. I learned various training techniques, and had the opportunity to observe the social behavior of dogs.

I left the dog business for a few years to finish my Master of Fine Arts Degree at the University of California, San Diego, but dogs remained an integral part of my life. I continued learning new training techniques, especially clicker training, which Lu had introduced me to. I decided to focus on using these new techniques that emphasize positive reinforcement rather than punishment and aversives. This became the heart of my ideas on training dogs, that the relationship between dog and owner should not be adversarial.

I continue to educate myself about dog training and behavior. As a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers I uphold their Ethics Statement, and continue to educate myself about "dog friendly" training methods. Recent books on training and behavior by respected trainers such as Suzanne Clothier, Patricia McConnell, Jean Donaldson, Turid Rugaas, and Pat Miller help me refine my methods. I've attended seminars by Donna Duford, Sue Ailsby, as well as the 2005 ClickerExpo, and keep up with the latest online trainer discussions on ClickerSolutions and other lists. I am also a member of the Flower Essence Society, a well respected organization that is at the leading edge of research in the use of flower essence therapy.

My newest dog, Vida, whom I found at the San Diego Department of Animal Control's Central Shelter when she was eight months old, has been trained with this new attitude. I couldn't be more delighted with the results, and with the trusting and companionable relationship that has developed. My relationship with Vida inspired me to venture out on my own as a trainer, in order to help others attain the same joy in having a companion dog in their life.