My Story
Running with Dogs
Hi, I’m Holden. I’ve spent the last twelve years dedicated to the science of animal behavior, but I’m not just a nerd. Dogs connect us to the wild, the land and ancestral practices of hunting, traveling, work, survival, community and play. I love looking for ways to meet an individual dog’s innate needs, talents and motivations, even if our shared society has changed dramatically in the last thousand years.
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Growing up with gun-dogs, later adopting and fostering terriers, shepherds and many mixed breed dogs, I now share my life with my sled dog ZZ. I particularly love working- and primitive-breeds. In my free time I am an amateur canicross runner, and a sailor (I spent seven years living aboard with dogs!)
My values
guidance
1
teamwork
2
motivation
3
empathy
4
results
5
Our expectations for our pets are high and there are often mis-matches and mis-understandings between what we want and what our dogs were designed to do. A cornerstone of my work is to help you and your dog co-exist, communicate and thrive cooperatively in whatever environment you share. I aim to achieve the highest possible welfare outcomes for your family.
My education & Credentials
I have well over a decade of experience working professionally with dogs, beginning in shelter and rescue, though I’ve been a teacher as long as I can remember and my work in applied behavior and learning theory began with (human) kids!
I am a featured conference and panel speaker for organizations including the Pet Professional Guild, The Academy for Dog Trainers and Animal Rescue Foundation, and I publish regularly in PPG’s BARKS magazine.
Veterans’ Service Dog trainer - Animal Rescue Foundation
Behavior internship under board certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Jeannine Berger - San Francisco SPCA
Why reward-based learning?
Because your dog’s welfare matters: I support your bond with your dog.
Because it’s safer: Reward-based training is associated with less aggression, anxiety,
avoidance and excitability.
Because it’s ethical: The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior recommends
only reward-based training methods.
Because it’s effective: Aversive measures aren’t necessary for behavior change or long-lasting results, even in difficult or complex cases.
