Hello
Pleased to meet you!
I am Tjasa or TJ, and I am glad you're exploring Mantrailing or dog training with me. I am the owner of Play Hark Work Hard K9 - mantrailing side of my training, and Connected Canine - the behavior and brainy side, and they exists to serve ALL types of dogs. If you have a high octane, complex and challenging behavior dog or under confident, unsure and introverted dog, I love working with them all. This is the reason that I am launching a broader dog training school for all pet dogs under Connected Canine brand this year.
Please feel free to reach out if I can be of assistance in your journey of discovering a sniffy dog sport or a more harmonious life with your dog.
I look forward to sharing and facilitating your journey.
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My Story
My love of dog training begins in 2020 when, like many, we decided to get a new family dog. Our previous dogs have all passed and the house was feeling empty. We decided to get a German Shepherd dog. We were naive as many are, about the difference between working breeds and the universal family pet dogs that we were largely used to. Add to that that our female dog was pretty socially intense (reactive), and has strong feelings about things. Trying to figure out this sweet dog is what started me on deep dive journey into dog training.
For what it's worth, I enjoy a good challenge and shortly after we added another German Shepherd, and a year later foster failed a Belgian Malinois.
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What started off as a crazy dog acquisition decision, that challenge turned into the best passion that is still filing me with inspiration. Our dogs taught me that I had to work and learn harder than them to stay ahead. I took course after course, read one book after another, took them to weekly trainings and classes and kept a tight routine of activities, learning, engagement, fitness, and play/work at home. This once naive dog lover began to pursue professional dog training path. To this day, I breathe canine training and behavior.
Within dog training, scent detection and mantrailing have become my passions. I have seen those disciplines give our dogs purpose and enormous confidence, and offer loads of help to people with high energy breeds who are otherwise at a loss. Canine behavior is another passion of mine.
I am Catch Canine Academy certified dog trainer, accredited Mantrailing Global head instructor and assessor, and Search & Rescue technician SAR tech II certified. In my other life I've been a licensed massage therapist for over 20 years and studied functional neurology, osteopathy, early development, somatic movement and sensory integration. I love cross application of my experience in the canine arena.
At home we live and enjoy a peaceful household with 3 intense and very different temperament dogs, along with several cats.
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Fulfilled dogs, dogs that get to be dogs by doing fun things with their happy humans is a passion I won't stop pursing. I would love to share what I have and continue to learn in dog training with you and your dog
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- Tjasa (TJ)
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Professional Memberships
Professional Accreditations
