Fable Gay joined the What a Great Dog! team in 2017. They are an Accredited Dog Trainer through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, a Certified Family Dog Mediator through Kim Brophey’s Applied Ethology LEGS Course, and an AKC CGC Evaluator. They studied under Michael Shikashio CDBC and completed his Aggression in Dogs Master Course in 2022. They teach a variety of classes at WAGD such as Manners, Trick Dog, and Nose Work. They also do one-on-one lessons with clients to work on an assortment of issues they may be experiencing, including fear, aggression, and more.
Fable’s story starts as many dog trainer’s do: with a dog that presented behavioral challenges. Potter, a Treeing Walker Coonhound mix with big feelings and an explosive personality, was Fable’s introduction to the world of behavior modification. Working with Potter and helping him learn how to navigate a world that overwhelmed him sparked a deep passion in Fable, pushing them to learn as much as they could about dog behavior. Fable now uses that knowledge to help others strengthen their relationships with their dogs by helping them understand each other and how to navigate the world together. Fable puts an emphasis on clear communication, compassion for handler and dog, and having fun in training. They believe in looking at the whole picture for both humans and dogs to help them live their best lives together.
Fable currently has two dogs: Potter the Treeing Walker Coonhound mix and Lazuli the Silken Windhound. Although Potter is mostly living the retired life now, he has spent his life doing a combination of adventuring, demo work for classes, nose work, and tricks. Lazuli can often be found at WAGD prancing through the hallways with Fable, doing agility, and helping with classes and lessons. More than anything else, Fable, Potter, and Lazuli enjoy nature walks with Ashon’s partner Lyndis. When Fable isn’t working with dogs or learning more about them, they enjoy photography and an assortment of video games.