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:

  • Positive: Our interactions are exclusively rooted in positive reinforcement, consistently prioritizing positive emotional and physical outcomes for the dog.

  • Approach: Positive PACT is compassionate, dog-led approach. This means observing and respecting the dog's unique emotional and physical boundaries at all times.

  • 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.

  • 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:

  • 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:

  • Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP)

  • Living and Learning with Animals with Dr. Susan Friedman 

Commitment to Modern, Compassionate Care:

  • 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