Emily Burke
Specialities Include:
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When a dog overreacts to something in their environment, like other dogs, people, or noises. Instead of staying calm, they may bark, lunge, or growl because they feel anxious, fearful, frustrated, or overstimulated.
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When a dog feels scared or threatened by people, animals, or situations, often reacting by cowering, hiding, trembling, or trying to escape. It’s their way of protecting themselves from something they perceive as dangerous, even if it isn’t actually harmful.
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When a dog shows threatening or harmful behavior toward people, animals, or objects, such as growling, snapping, or biting. It usually comes from fear, frustration, or a desire to protect themselves, their space, or resources.
Emily’s K9 Helper, Atlas
Atlas is a two year old Anatolian Shepherd who plays a key role at The K9’s Virtue. Specializing in working with anxious or aggressive dogs, Atlas provides calm, steady companionship during socialization exercises. His composed presence helps demonstrate that other dogs are not a threat, offering fearful or reactive dogs the opportunity to build confidence, reduce stress, and learn to coexist peacefully. In time, they may even learn to enjoy the company of other dogs.
Emily’s Approach
Emily has been training and working with dogs for over four years. Her journey began with her own aggressive dog, giving her a deep understanding of the challenges many owners face. She believes in a balanced approach, using science-based behavior techniques to paint a clear picture of what’s happening and how to address it. Emily approaches every dog with the mindset that there is a solution to every problem, you just have to find it and never give up. Through clear communication, consistent boundaries, and bonding with dogs through shared experiences, she has developed a compassionate, client-centered training style that empowers both dogs and their owners.