Wendy’s passion for horses began early, though she didn’t own one until she was 21, as she often rode problem horses for others. At 14, she started riding track work for a local racehorse trainer in 1974, a time when women were not readily accepted in the racing world. Despite this, she persisted and in 1981 became the youngest woman in Australia to be granted a racehorse trainer’s license.
In 1976, Wendy also began a nearly 40-year career as a Veterinary Nurse. Although she grew up with dogs and other animals, there was no formal training until she got a Doberman puppy named Jedda. To manage Jedda’s behavior, Wendy started attending dog obedience classes. At the time, training methods relied on compulsion and punishment, but Wendy, who was already using force-free, reward-based methods with horses, sought a different approach.
She earned her Obedience Instructor’s certificate and volunteered at the RSPCA for 10 years before moving to Texas in 2001. Wendy developed a “Force-Free” Puppy Program and ran Puppy Pre-schools at local veterinary hospitals.
For 12 years, Wendy worked with “Paws with a Cause,” training service dogs for people with disabilities. She found great fulfillment in helping these dogs bond with their new owners, giving them confidence and independence. Wendy continues to support the organization in other capacities.
In 2010, Wendy’s training techniques were assessed by Victoria Stilwell, and she became part of Victoria’s global Positively Dog Trainers team. She was the first trainer in the Dallas/Fort Worth mid-cities area certified and licensed by Victoria and is committed to force-free, positive training methods.
Wendy has been conducting Puppy Pre-schools and Obedience classes since 1989, continuously updating her skills through educational seminars. She finds the most rewarding part of her work is helping owners build or repair relationships with their dogs.