This October marks one year since Kathy Gibson started serving as a regular contributor to Feathers Fins and Fur.  As the co-owner of Custom Canine Teaching in Vancouver, she provides our readers with knowledge and insight to help with a wide variety of dog issues and questions.  I was able to speak with Kathy to learn more about her.

Without further ado, here is Kathy Gibson.

MPK: You cover so many topics in Ask the Dog Teacher.  Do you have a favorite area of dog teaching?

KG: I really enjoy all of it. I enjoy people and dogs. It thrills me every time my information and guidance improves relationships. What could be better? But if I could only work in one area it would be with the scared, fearful dogs that may be reactive. Watching them blossom as they learn they are safe and that they can trust you to help them – is profoundly satisfying to me.

MPK: What do you like best about working with dogs?

KG: That moment they give that first look that says: ‘Hey you’re talking to me. And you’re listening, too! Thank you!’ That’s the moment the conversation begins. the dog agrees to work with me because my behavior has shown him I will work with him. I shiver everytime I get that first look.

MPK: Do you have dogs as pets?  If so, how many and what type?

KG: I have lived with hundreds of dogs of every shape size – as fosters and forevers. But for the first time in 30 years I only have one dog – a little maltipoo who came to us with massive emotional trauma. We have decided to live with only one right now because I have my ailing mom to care for and my writing to work on. But it’s hard to have just one!

MPK: What fun fact would our readers be surprised to learn about you?

KG:  I’ve completed training to become a Shaman. I’m now working on advanced courses.