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Written by Denise Schultz   
Tuesday, 26 August 2008 12:05

TRUE Profile: The Dog Whisperess — Cindy Skarda – The Canine Coach

The premier issue was just about finalized when I received a call from Cindy Skarda – ‘The Canine Coach’.  She called our office to request a consulting appointment to discuss her marketing plans.  After just a few standard questions, I found myself listening with a smile as an extremely passionate woman shared her enthusiasm and expertise without missing a beat.  There was no plan for a “Dog Whisperess” article in this issue, but when Cindy finished talking I told her, “the first thing we are going to do is make room to share this information with the readers of our new magazine!”  Cindy is now receiving this public exposure as a subject matter expert because she picked up the phone and she shared her passion. Keep that in mind!

[t]w:  You are so passionate about your work.  Have you always loved animals?

CS:  Yes-I have!  I have been working with and riding horses since I was 14 years old. I study classical dressage and have worked for a veterinarian.  I started my own pet supply store in 1987 (fka: Horse and Hound – now The Bark Market in Delavan, WI), and have been training dogs for over 20 years.


[t]w:  What is the most common problem with pet owners who call you for help?

CS:  The most common thing I find is dogs that are perceived as disobedient when they are actually just confused.  Sometimes our body is saying one thing to the dog and our voice is saying something entirely different.  Dogs will always read our body language first – and our voice second.  Body language is their language!  People tend to relate to animals as if they are people; humanizing their communication. Dogs are animals. A disconnect occurs when the owner has an idea of what the dog is thinking, but it’s entirely different than the pack mentality for which the dog is programmed. I help people understand things from the dog’s perspective. I really train people more than dogs!


[t]w:  Some people don’t agree with all of the strict discipline required in this type of training.  They want the dog to be a member of the family.

CS:  Of course every pet is a member of the family! Like being a parent, loving and caring for pets includes providing animals with the rules boundaries, structure and proper nutrition they need. I am dedicated to modifying and influencing behavior and training through proper nutrition for the dog.  Feeding a dog a good meat based diet which they were born to eat and treating them from a ‘pack leader’ position actually improves the bonds and relationship with the family. Training is about everyday interaction.  I teach people how to integrate training into their daily routines. Every time you interact with your dog you are either training or un-training!


[t]w:  What is the one thing you’d like readers to know?

CS:  I just want every pet owner to know that sometimes behavior that we deem as irrational is actually very logical when you understand the ‘pack’ mentality and the predatory nature of animals.  Incorporating this theory into daily interactions is the key.  I’m a behaviorist.  I study animals, people, and their interactions – and I enjoy sharing my experiences to help pets and their families live happily together.  So often simple corrections are made when we stop rewarding and nurturing the very behaviors we don’t want.

Learn more at: www.dogwhisperess.com or call Cindy at (262) 248-2166.


Denise Schultz
About the author:
Denise Schultz is a freelance business communications specialist, helping other entrepreneurs and small businesses communicate creatively. She has been instrumental in the growth of the Geneva Lake West Chamber of Commerce and other business organizations, and has founded WE to provide professional networking opportunities for lakes area entrepreneurial women. Denise is also the publisher and founder of True Woman.
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Last Updated on Thursday, 28 August 2008 11:02