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About Us
Valerie Harris
When I was a kid, I wanted to be a veterinarian when I grew up. The only problem with that ambition, was the time consumption (and massive cost) of completing the necessary schooling. Many who have done dog training with me before have remarked on how patient I am. While this certainly applies to animal behavior- I cannot take credit for being patient in other situations (like completing a masters or doctorate program). After toying with the idea of teaching (to the tune of a 2-year degree in English) and whilst distracted by other interests, I stumbled into what would become my passions:
pet care and dog training.
Beginnings
Credit for my start in training dogs belongs 100% to a beautiful little shelter dog, Sadie.
This 9 month old Shiba Inu/Hound mix came into our lives like a wrecking ball!
I was unprepared to be a dog-mom to a creature as intelligent and energetic as she proved to be, but we learned together.
Mostly through trail and error, we started to figure out how communication could really work between a dog and a human. She constantly tested boundaries, chased prey, shredded toys (and many other non-toy items: most notably, a sock that led to a $900 surgery) and caused chaos in our daily lives.
Thanks to another wonderful dog-person, Jamin Chenault, Sadie and I finally got in a groove when we discovered how smart she really was. Clicker training and silly tricks were the keys to this spunky girl’s heart!
From 2008-2012 I happily trained all the dogs (and owners) I could at the PetSmart in Lynchburg VA
Twice the Fun
Our family grew by four more paws in April of 2009, when we decided that Sadie needed a playmate! The addition of our shy Sheltie-Mix Shelby brought a whole list of new challenges! She had an entirely different personality and learning style. To this day, Shelby prefers human company to the company of her canine and feline housemates.
Just Training?
I tried my hand at several types of dog sports- and as it turned out- I wasn’t any better at dog sports than I was at human sports! My dogs had fun, but mostly, I didn’t. I found that I was happiest helping dogs and their owners real personal goals, set up by their own desires and preferences, not by the standards or a dog sport or competition. So I set about reaching new goals in that respect, becoming an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, Joining the Pet Professionals Guild, and accepting a position as an Area Dog Training Supervisor.
Reach For The Stars!
By 2012, I had hit maximum potential in my position with PetSmart. Though I loved the people I worked with, the hours were long and the list of rules was longer. The first thing I did when I was out from under corporate rule was to finally get that fancy piece of paper…
In October of 2012, after much stress and studying,
I became Valerie Harris, CPDT-KA!
Job Title: Mom
My husband and I were newlyweds when I left the company and over the next 3 years we welcomed two beautiful children. As it turns out, small humans are even more time consuming than dogs! I took odd jobs and still helped with training and house-sitting for friends, but my children were the first and foremost
priorities for the next 5 years.
Now What?
Now that both of my children are in elementary school, I find myself re-motivated! I love having a busy schedule, and being on the go. Pet sitting, dog walking and training are not only enjoyable pastimes, but they now help me contribute to my family’s finances. My first priority when working with any animal is safety, and I promise to love your animals just as much as you do!
Foster Family
In addition to your pets- we frequently take in fosters from Central Virginia Regional Rescue.
When you’re ready to add to your family, please consider adopting! If you can’t adopt, donate!