About me
My professional career with dogs began with a focus on behavior, specifically working with dogs suffering from fear, aggression, and separation anxiety. Over time, I saw a recurring and often overlooked connection: many of the behavioral issues I was seeing were rooted in undiagnosed physical discomfort. This realization caused me to look for a new way to work with dogs. Working as a myotherapist will allow me to bridge the gap between behavior and biomechanics, providing a clearer picture for veterinarians and a path to relief for their patients.
The Galen Myotherapy Method: Commitment to Collaborative Welfare
Galen Myotherapy is non-invasive and non-diagnostic component of a collaborative care team. Galen's methodology is anchored by the Positive PACT™ framework—an ethical mandate that ensures a dog's autonomy and well-being are paramount in every session:
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Positive: Our interactions are exclusively rooted in positive reinforcement, consistently prioritizing positive emotional and physical outcomes for the dog.
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Approach: Positive PACT™ is compassionate, dog-led approach. This means observing and respecting the dog's unique emotional and physical boundaries at all times.
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Choice: Control remains with the dog. They are actively given the choice to move, pause, or change position during the session, allowing them to communicate their comfort level without pressure.
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Trust: By respecting the dog's choices, we build a robust foundation of trust. This allows for genuine relaxation and natural expression, which is essential for effective Myotherapy.
This commitment to Positive PACT™ ensures the experience is safe, ethical, and collaborative, providing the professional clarity you need when referring a client into the case study program.
Further Reading on Our Ethical Framework:
Credentials
Specialized Behavioral Training:
- University of Washington, Certificate in Applied Animal Behavior (UW-AAB)
- Separation Anxiety Pro™ Behavior Consultant
- Family Dog Mediator (FDM)
- Over 10 years of experience focusing on complex canine behavioral issues
Canine Fitness & Physical Well-being:
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Galen Myotherapy Certification (in progress, expected early 2026)
- Qualified Dynamic Dog Practitioner
- Certified Canine Fitness Instructor (CCFT)
- CAMadvocate (Level One)
- Student Member of NBCAAM
Animal Behavior & Training:
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Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP)
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Living and Learning with Animals with Dr. Susan Friedman
Commitment to Modern, Compassionate Care:
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Fear Free Certified Professional and Trainer
My role is to serve as a partner to the veterinary community. I believe in a collaborative approach where my detailed observational analysis can support and inform your diagnostic process. I am committed to providing objective, data-driven insights that respect the veterinarian's role as the primary medical authority while helping to solve the most challenging cases