Dawn started training dogs in the late 1970’s. She has competed with her own dogs in obedience, agility, confirmation, and tracking; completing 30 titles in all. Dawn has taught obedience classes, both pet and competition, for some of Omaha’s local dog clubs for the last 35 years and approximately 20 years ago, she began specializing in providing private lessons for owners who have aggressive dogs. Two of Dawn’s dogs also were certified Therapy Dogs, with one of those dogs being the first Facility Dog at Douglas County Courthouse. In addition, she is proud to say she has made the front page of the Nebraska Supreme Court newsletter as she was that facility dog’s trainer and handler. The dog was available there to provide comfort to children who had to testify in Juvenile Court.

Dawn has continuously attended many advanced workshops and conferences with the privilege to learn from some of the best Ethologists and Behaviorists in the world and apply what she has learned from them.

At Nebraska Humane Society, Dawn currently works with owners of dogs that have been deemed potentially dangerous to educate and helps them with the dogs’ behavior issues. She also provides other private lessons and conducts the breed evaluations for dogs listed on the local ordinance (such as pit bulls). Finally, Dawn is the Coordinator for Project Pet Safe, the Nebraska Humane Society’s program that helps victims of domestic violence who need safe housing for their pets while they transition.