Maddie Fortin
From an early age, I expressed interest in being around animals. This took me down many paths, exploring animal care, sports, management, and ownership. These paths set me up to explore more about how animals interact with humans. After 12 years in the equine field I found my true passion when I adopted my first dog. Everett, being a rescue, came with a whole lot of baggage. In order to help him unpack his bags, I wanted to learn everything I could about training and how dogs think and perceive the world around them. I began by watching and reading whatever dog related content I could find on the internet. I worked hands on with trainers over the course of several years, picking their brains and researching their sources for literature and online content to further my knowledge. I continue my education by working with other professional trainers, taking online courses, studying high level professional trainers, reading published articles, and attending seminars.
Everett
The reason behind it all.
I picked up Everett from my local shelter at six months of age with the intent of having an adventure buddy. I had no clue what I was getting myself into. Fear ran this dog. He was terrified of his own shadow. I considered it a good day if I managed to get a leash on him. Everett was beyond uncomfortable with pretty much everything, I had to change this if he stood a chance of living a normal life. This began my quest to learn everything I possibly could about training and how dogs think. After tireless effort and consistency, I was finally able to show him that I can be trusted. Once I was able to establish that I would not put him in a position that was harmful, we were able to explore the world a bit more.
After removing the layer of distrust and uncertainty Everett turned into a different dog. He has so much try and desire to learn that I introduce him to everything I possibly can. I continue to teach him things from handling stressful situations to fun party tricks. We have attended different types of training classes and traveled cross country together. As much as Everett likes training, his favorite activity is exploring and running through the woods, exactly why I adopted him.
Everett and I are working hard on urban agility, barn hunt, and trick training.
Ace
My introduction to animal training.
Ace came into my life as an untrained six year old who was basically feral. I lucked out with training him since his drive for human interaction was strong. Ace has taught me countless lessons from the importance of using soft hands to setting boundaries. Being a clunky pony he showed me how to nurture the effort he put in rather than force an end result. Eight years later he continues to teach me to explore and find excitement in little things.
Poe
A new language.
Adopted as a kitten, Poe has had every opportunity to flourish. He’s nothing but personality and opinions and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Poe has taught me so much about raising an animal correctly, nurturing all the behaviors you want and discouraging unwanted behaviors. Being a trainer I couldn’t help but train him, but it proved challenging since he is after all a cat. He forced me to think outside the box and really explore motivation as a whole. Having a very brave cat who insists on wrestling with my dog really opened up my eyes to cross species communication. Despite the fact that both Poe and Everett speak different languages, they understand each other. If a cat and dog can communicate, we can better communicate with our dogs.
Toast
A gateway to a higher level.
Toast is the newest addition to my pack. Adopted at the young age of 9 weeks she is full of energy, drive, motivation, and curiosity — the perfect sport dog. My plans for her include many sports and exploring different activities. Toast has taught me new things about maintaining and building natural instincts and how to be more precise in my training. In order to achieve the high level of obedience I strive for, being in sync is so important. Her personality is humble yet spicey. She is a high drive dog meaning she learns quickly but sometimes that means she learns the wrong thing. She is opinionated and doesn't hesitate to tell you when you are wrong. Toast has taught me so much about partnership and honoring her nature. I look forward to us growing as a team.
We are currently working hard in protection sports, scent work, and competitive obedience. In our downtime we enjoy hiking, swimming, fetch, disc, and dock diving.