Get To Know Glimmer Dog
Going “Beyond Dog Training” to Support You and Your Dog
My Mission and Promise to You
I believe that nurturing a socially, emotionally, and behaviorally healthy dog is not just a one time task, but a lifestyle. Glimmer Dog provides unwavering support as both you and your dog evolve and grow in your relationship. Together, we embark on a journey where mindset and skills intertwine, cultivating a joyful life shared between you and your canine companion. It’s not just about training; it’s about building a thriving lifestyle for both you and your dog, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
Meet Tara!
Tara Stillwell is the head trainer and owner of Glimmer Dog, and brings over 30 years of expertise to the forefront. As a licensed Family Dog Mediator in the working group (LFDM-W), Tara’s journey started in childhood, surrounded by Labrador Retrievers and later diving into professional horse training.
About a decade ago, her son’s foray into dog sports ignited Tara’s passion for coaching. This journey, coupled with her own competition experience with Eva, a border collie with unique behavioral challenges, led Tara to the world of behavior work and becoming a Family Dog Mediator.
Relocating from Virginia to Massachusetts over two years ago, Tara founded Glimmer Dog in March 2023. Her mission goes beyond traditional training; it’s about helping individuals align with their integrity, fostering authentic connections with their dogs. Tara hopes to create a community where people come together, supporting each other and their dogs, creating connections that alleviate feelings of loneliness.
At Glimmer Dog, Tara challenges the idea that dog training is a brief class that can solve all your problems, emphasizing instead that it’s a lifestyle – a journey towards a joy-filled life shared with cherished canine companions.
When Tara isn’t working with pet parents and their canine family members, she is spending time with her own family, both human and canine. Tara shares her life with her supportive husband and son, who will be leaving for college in the fall of 2024, leaving Tara and her husband “empty nesters”. She also is a pet parent to both Duke and Curri who are Forrest School ambassadors! Curri is head Bikejoring instructor, but both are Tara’s hiking and running buddies and compete in agility!
What is LEGS and What is a Family Dog Mediator?
LEGS is a holistic approach to dog training that focuses on four key elements: Learning, Environment, Genetics, and Self. It recognizes that a dog’s well-being is shaped by their experiences, the conditions of their surroundings, their genetic makeup, and internal factors such as health, age and personality. By addressing these aspects comprehensively, L.E.G.S provides a framework for creating a balanced and fulfilling life for dogs!
A Family Dog Mediator (FDM) utilizes the LEGS model to guide pet parents in understanding and addressing the diverse factors that contribute to their dog’s behavior. This approach goes beyond conventional training, fostering a lifestyle that meets the physical, emotional, and social needs of the dog.
FDMs work with families to address specific concerns and challenges and aim to foster authentic connections between pet parents and their dogs.
Our Statement on Inclusivity
At Glimmer Dog, our commitment to inclusivity extends beyond the canine world to embrace the rich diversity of our human community. We welcome pet parents and their dogs from all walks of life, recognizing and celebrating the unique qualities that make each individual and dog special.
Regardless of religion, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or neurotypical status, Glimmer Dog is dedicated to creating an inclusive space where everyone feels valued and supported.
We firmly stand against any form of discrimination and strive to build a community where every person is accepted and celebrated.