Who is Tamara?
You could say that I’m an ambassador to dogs, an unconventional dog adviser. The first trainer in my region to impart a holistic approach to dogs. Everything impacts a dog’s wellness – their family, their food, their frame of mind and so much more. All of these factors must be addressed to fully understand a dog and help support them so they live a beautiful happy and healthy life! Believe in your dog – assume competence that he/she has what it takes. Your dog will absolutely feel this positive energy from you.
I grew up in a family of dog lovers that bred Field English Setters. The kennel on our property was always my zen den. The dynamic connection I felt with dogs was undeniably – dogs and I had a synergistic relationship. I would observe their subtle interactions with one another, their means of communicating, how they ate, what stressed them out, and how they thrived. At a very young age I vowed to improve dogs’ lives. My odyssey with dogs continued into my young adulthood where I made studying them my livelihood. I live breath and sleep dogs.
My professional, metier journey began with the intention of teaching dogs how to best develop manners; specifically life skills, so they could live cohesively with humans. I quickly recognized that in order to be fluent in obedience, one needs to address behavior. So began my plunge into studying canine behavior. This deep dive revealed the direct relationship between food and behavior. Not just food but dynamic relationship of the gut brain axis connection. I sharpen my trade on a daily basis in order to provide people and their beloved dogs a pragmatic, effective and rewarding approach.
The past 30 years comprises extensive classroom and field experience in canine behavior, nutrition and obedience. My teaching, research and studies have yielded vibrant dogs along this time. I’ve traveled extensively learning from highly respected and world-renowned experts in every field from behavior to nutrition. I’m part of a paradigm shift to dispel myths and share truths so that dogs can live their lives to their fullest potential. I’ve been connecting the dots for decades and am eager to share with you what I have learned.
Despite all the formal education, it has been every single dog that I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with and observing that has taught me the most. I have seen countless dogs transform before my eyes when they were offered a truly healthy and clean way of life. They’ve moved from chronic disease into dynamic specimens of health. All dogs, big, little, purebred or mix are simply magical to me. May you see all of the gifts your dog has to offer.
Cultivating Synergy So Dogs Can Thrive
My ethos are simple yet paramount:
MY ETHOS – I am spearheading a movement that cultivates a new approach to rearing a dog – Life skills, nutrition and behavior. My goal is to steer the direction of these seemingly separate disciplines and converge them into a regiment of overall health and well-being. We must embrace the sacred contract that we have with our dogs. They are the souls that come to change our lives forever.
MIND – Foster harmony between you and your dog so that learning life skills are second nature.
BODY – Provide you with a proven nutritional plan to greatly improve your dog’s overall health.
SPIRIT – Give insight and strategies as to what constitutes a healthy, stress-free lifestyle.
“Look past your thoughts, so you may drink the pure nectar of this moment.” – Rumi
Healthy Lifestyle
I draw upon multidisciplinary approaches: relationship-based training, nutrition via traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, species-appropriate diets, flower essences, homeopathy, herbal, essential oils and plain old common sense. By providing your dog with a healthy lifestyle – whole food, quality daily interaction & companionship, and foregoing vaccines & toxins; does in no way infer nor preclude him or her from disease. Rather this way of life strengthens and supports your dog’s immune system if / when they are confronted with illness. I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. I’m here to provide you with extremely qualified information and educate you to the best of my ability so that you can support your dog and watch in awe how beautifully they can flourish.
Vitality and Balance
I’ve been on a lifelong quest to restore the integrity of dogs’ lives – mind, body, and spirit, by educating those that are ready to listen. I’m a mindful canine specialist ready to offer a vast array of healthy options to you and your dog. Canine wellness has been and always will be my driving force. This begins with a clean approach. Dogs are in desperate need of help nowadays, and I am determined and committed to provide insight and effective, proven strategies to you so you can help your dog THRIVE!
I’ve always had a strong connection to the healing power of nature. Many of us have moved away from what nature has to offer. We are all connected – nature often becomes a healing pharmacy for us and our dogs. People often tell me that I’ve helped them learn how to truly love their dog. That I am grateful for. Life with dogs is funny, isn’t it? In the process of us helping them; they in turn are the ones that ironically and inevitably help us in perpetuity. What a truly beautiful gift they are.
“The moment you begin looking at things from your dog’s point of view is the moment you begin to understand him.” – Tamara Tokash
Experience
30 Years Owner/ Head Trainer at Courteous Canines and My Dog Thrives
Cornell Canine Behavior Program
Certified Pet Food Nutrition Specialist
Certified Raw Dog Food Nutrition Specialist
Certified in Traditional Chinese Medicine / Food Therapy
Certified in Reiki
Certified in Flower Essences
Homeopathy & Conventional First Aide
Mentored under Pia Silvani
Assistant Dog Trainer St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare
Drs. Dunbar, Overall, London, Reid, Hetts & McConnell – APDT
Association of Pet Dog Trainers
Canine Health Symposiums Continual Education
Veterinarian Recommended for 30 years
Founder/Owner The Happy Hound – Raw Market
Lecturer and Author
Favorite Charities: Rescue + Freedom Project
40 + Years Canine & Equine Husbandry
