Gila Kurtz, Neighbor

Gila Kurtz is a product of northern Virginia and graduated from Virginia Tech University in 1987 with a degree in Secondary Education. When she bought her husband with her Visa card at a bid for bachelors auction in 1988 (true story), it effectively ended her teaching career.  Marrying into the military, she proceeded to move about every 2 years until 2006 when the family was able to finally settle in sunny Seal Beach, CA . 

After she convinced her husband to adopt a too-young dalmatian puppy, Gila learned she really liked dogs and decided to pursue a career as a dog trainer. She immersed herself in the study and application of the science of canine behavior and quickly became the go-to dog trainer wherever she moved.  Besides a crazy love of dogs, a recurring theme with Gila is that &#34;anything worth doing is worth overdoing.&#34; With that theme in mind and up at 4:30 daily, she energetically works on her two businesses , <b>Dog Is Good</b>, which manufacturers pet themed apparel and gift items for the HUMANS in a dog&#39;s life and <b>Good Dog Academy</b>, her dog training business.

A <strong>Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT)</strong> and active <strong>Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) member </strong>, Gila Kurtz is committed to improving the lifelong relationship between dogs and their people. Coaching people for the past 10 years, she firmly believes a positive approach to training yields effective long-term results and fosters a human-dog relationship built on trust and mutual respect. Gila has successfully helped hundreds of people with puppy rearing issues, resolved numerous problem behaviors, and has taught important dog manners skills. She has made countless dogs the envy of their neighborhood.

Gila loves anything active, the performing arts, dance, reading non-fiction, baking, and daily walks with her pups around Seal Beach.  She shares her life with husband of 22 years, Jon, 13 year old daughter, Abby, and her two dogs Sasha and Henry.