ABOUT CHRISSY
Chrissy Messick, MS, CTC, CPDT-KA
I have a passion for and much experience assisting in the healing of others, as well as a deep-rooted love for animals. My dream for many years was to combine the two - I am honored to offer my experience and passion to you and your animal companion so you may both enjoy an integrated, mutually beneficial, respectful, and loving relationship together. By educating the human and training the animal through positive reinforcement and the science of applied animal behavior, together, we can create an environment for both that is full of understanding, knowledge, trust, respect and love.
I enjoy working with animals and their humans on many different levels ranging from puppy training to obedience training (basic and advanced) to behavior modification (fear/anxiety, stress and reactivity).
Working from a holistic point of view, I look at the whole animal to see what their needs are on a physical, mental, emotional and soul level. Understanding each of these needs creates a foundation to build upon to ultimately reach the desired goal(s)/purpose for the animal and human.
I received my Masters of Science from Indiana University in Kinesiology with a major in Athletic Training, and my Bachelors of Science in Physical Education with a major in Athletic Training from Washington State University. For 15 years I provided medical care for the athletes at the University of Washington. During that time, I was also on the medical staff and traveled with many USA teams,
Chrissy and Bill. {photograph: Kelly T Photography}
including the USA Women's Soccer team for the 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Australia and the USA Women's Basketball team for the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Greece.
When I'm not working with animals, I love spending time with my husband (Kevin), 2 girls (Rylee & Kensie) and Ginger.
CERTIFICATIONS
MY APPROACH
Science. SCENT. SOUL.
In this video, Chrissy describes her methodology for working with animals and their human families.
SCience: Animal Training and Behavior
The scientific study of how animals learn is critical when working with them. By studying, researching and applying the latest science in applied animal behavior, I am able to create the best opportunity and environment for you and your animal companion to succeed.
My training combines positive reinforcement, love, respect, understanding and trust. With this approach I will be able to better guide clients to proactively teach their animals successful behaviors and effectively analyze and resolve behavior problems that may arise.
I love this quote because if you think about it, it's so true in so many situations: “In dog culture, when someone calls you, you should absolutely not come if that results in the ending of something you like or initiation of something you don’t like.”
― Jean Donaldson, The Culture Clash
Soul: Animal Communication
All animals (and humans) are here for a purpose, whether it be big or small. Understanding that purpose can be very helpful in training and resolving problems that might not be understood otherwise.
By communicating with an animal (and their pet owners) on the soul level, I am able to understand agreements between owners and their pets to determine what they are learning from each other. In addition, I am able to understand the animals' purpose and ask specific questions that the owners (and I) may have in regards to behavior. These tools help me get a better understanding of your pet and you on the soul level and understand the dynamics of your relationship . I have found these tools to be very effective when training an animal.
Communicating with animals on the soul level can be described as being clairvoyant. This can also be described on the scientific level as quantum physics, neuroscience, neuroendocrinology, epigenetics and psychoneuroimmunology.
In his book, "You Are the Placebo", Dr. Joe Dispenza does an excellent job of describing scientifically how this works. “The seemingly impossible can become possible!" ― Joe Dispenza
Training services
Initial Consultation & Assessment
“Let’s Talk and Figure This Out” (aka ~ Initial Consultation & Assessment)
60 minutes
The initial consultation and assessment consists of taking a detailed history of many aspects of the animal, ie. general history, health, nutrition, behavior, observation, etc. This is similar to going to a doctor’s office for an exam.
We use this valuable information to implement an action plan to help the animal feel safe and change unwanted behavior to behaviors that we want and the animal loves to do!
Behaviors I work with:
Reactivity
Fear/Anxiety/Stress (FAS)
Mild to Moderate Separation Anxiety
Resource Guarding
Destructive Behavior
Fear Aggression
Training Session
"Class is in Session" (aka ~ Training Session)
The training session consists of implementing specific activities and training techniques to teach the human and train the animal what we want each of them to do in regards to behavior change.
Basic Manners
Animal Communication
During this session, I will look at the animals' purpose, agreements between owner and pet, specific questions the owner might have, energy levels and a healing/clearing, if it is desired.
Training & Animal Communication Package
The Training & Animal Communication Package consists of:
Three training sessions that can consist of anything from behavior issues to basic manners.
Two Animal Communication sessions interspersed between the training sessions to track progress.
Package: Puppy Power
“Puppy Power” includes:
Initial consultation (1.5hrs) - We will discuss any questions puppy parents might have this time which might include: house training, socialization, basic manners, how to deal with common puppy behaviors (chewing). We will also go over a checklist of what puppy parents want to accomplish with their pups. We will also go over positive reinforcement training methods
Introduction to Socialization (1.5hrs) - During this session we will discuss (and practice) this critical socialization period for puppies and show puppy parents how to socialize them to objects, people (big, small, young, old), other dogs, their veterinarian and vet clinic, husbandry, body handling and car rides in a way that is fun and positive!
Basic Manners/Obedience (1.5hrs) - During this session we will practice working on engagement and impulse control activities such as: eye contact, name game, hand targeting, loose leash walking and leave it.
Housetraining (1.5hrs) - During this session we will go over crate training, potty training, chewing, and any other behaviors that might come up.
Progress/Transfer Session (1hr) - During this session we will discuss the progress of the puppies and parents! We will address any questions or concerns that are brought up. We will also discuss if more training sessions (with or without the parents) are needed or if the puppy parents feel confident moving forward on their own
Notes will be given after every session
TESTIMONIALS
"My dogs are special--in all the connotations of that term! Helen, a heeler, is a classic rescue. Fearful of people she didn't know limited my ability to get her the exercise and stimulation she needed while I was at work. My other pup, Percy, a beagle mix, is more tolerant of new people, but certain dogs on the other hand . . . I was doing the best I could to meet their needs, help them along with their issues and keep us all sane. But I knew we needed help. And I knew it couldn't be just anyone--prior attempts to find trainers or dog day care ended with a thanks but no thanks. Chrissy, though, was up for the task--with patience, kindness and a lot of positive reinforcement. I am constantly amazed at the progress--and I notice a new trick or their skills strengthen every day. Knowing that they have been visited, challenged and cared for makes me feel so much better, too. I have also used Chrissy's animal communication service with each of my dogs. It helped deepen my understanding of my dogs, their needs and how I can help them get back to happy and healthy. I am so grateful for Chrissy!" ~ Melanie S.
"Chrissy has done amazing things with our dog, Zoey. She has provided daycare, overnight care, training and advice over the past 12 months that has truly made a huge difference. Zoey is very active and somewhat fearful/nervous, which causes some less than desireable behaviors. Chrissy has helped with these behaviors directly by working with Zoey when she is providing day/overnight care, but also by providing tips and advice to us regarding handling this when we are with her. Chrissy also uses essential oils to help her calm down when she is with her.
Chrissy has a natural finesse with dogs and clearly enjoys working with them. They show her a great deal of respect and good behavior in return." -Sherri C.
CONTACT US
Chrissy Messick
Owner/Operator/Lead Trainer
Please fill out the following form with your inquiry and we will get back to you within 24 hours. We look forward to speaking with you!
Phone
(206) 799-7191
Location
Lafayette, CO 80026