I’ve always connected easily with animals, especially dogs. In late 2006, recently separating from the military and moving to San Francisco, a fellow veteran recommended I get a dog. Thinking this might help with anxiety issues assimilating back to civilian life, an alpha female cattle dog marked me as her own. How swiftly my world changed having to catapult myself into being a pack leader.

Your dog is a direct reflection of what you are. If you are feeling tense, so is the pup. My cattle dog, Dorie, forced me to earn her trust and to always be a present leader. Dorie peaked my interest to hone my skill for reading animal body language. I hope to help you understand and find your inner pack leader so you can enjoy the dog life.