Books

Sharon Dilley has been an animal lover since she was a child and has enjoyed many dogs in her life. She has also been an elementary teacher, specializing in early childhood education for many years. The teaching process that she followed with children over the years helped her create the training program she now uses with the dogs.
Young children and young dogs are not all that different in the ways they learn. She noticed that the strategies she used to help children learn and grow in confidence and autonomy were easily transferable to the dogs she was partnering with. She'll be sharing those learning strategies with you throughout the pages of this book.
She has worked with dogs in a wide variety of disciplines, including search and rescue, therapy dog training, and service dog training. She has worked with rescue organizations and pet parents. Her ultimate goal in all of these scenarios is to provide the people and dogs with the knowledge and skills to enjoy the journey through life together. The combination of being a disaster search and rescue handler and having years of teaching experience has impacted her approach to how she teaches, trains and supports dogs to be secure, self-regulated, well-mannered, and happy as they navigate the complex and often confusing human world.
Over the course of many years, with much trial and error and with the spectacular patience of so many wonderful dogs, she developed a methodology of teaching, guidance, support, and partnership that helps dogs reach their maximum potential. One that teaches them manners and life skills as they learn how to navigate the crazy human world. This approach provides them with the opportunity to maximize their strengths and develop independent confidence as they grow into their jobs.
Her intention through sharing personal insights, a few of the many mistakes she has made, and a wide variety of training tips and practices is that you too will be able to develop an understanding of your dog which will complement your current training program. Her goal is for you to learn how to partner with your canine friend in such a way that supports them and provides them with excellent foundation that will positively impact your current training program.