Frequently Asked Questions

I'm a positive reinforcement/LIMA (least invasive, minimally aversive) trainer who values continuous learning/professional development, the science behind training (including the knowledge of the possible fallout of punishment), and who uses very few physical tools (typically just a body harness and leash/long line). I am bound by the code of ethics of CPDT-KA. I will never recommend using fear, intimidation, or pain to enact behavior change in your dog.

I see a wide variety of clients: I’ve worked with dogs from every breed group (herding, terriers, working, sporting, non-sporting and toy); my largest canine clients approach 200 lbs, and the smallest are under 5 lbs. Around two-thirds of my clientele are rescue dogs, many of whom are in their third or fourth home due to previous failed placements.

I see dogs for basic manners, potty training, leash reactivity, anxiety, and aggression.

I also believe that some amount of specialization helps me refine my craft; therefore, at this time I do not take severe separation anxiety (dogs who panic without settling for hours if the owners leave the home), aggression cases involving dogs who live in the same household, or extreme aggression cases where the dog has killed another dog or caused damage to a person resulting in hospitalization.

Yes! I have a Master's Degree in Teaching and I’m a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA). I am also a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator through the American Kennel Club (AKC) and am working on my Certified Control Unleashed Instructor (CCUI).

Recently attended Professional Development Seminars:

• The Great Big Dog Aggression Workshop Part II with Michael Shikashio and Chris Pachel (2021)

• Deep Dive: Sensory Integration with Dr. Kathy Murphy and Behavior Vets (2020)

• Level Up! Time to Clean Up our Training with Sarah Stremming (2019)

• Empowered Socialization: BAT for Dog Aggression, Frustration, and Fear With Grisha Stewart (2018)

Please see our “services” page for per-session pricing. The number of sessions needed varies, as every case is unique. For a basic skill such as polite leash walking, around three lessons are typically needed. For complex behavior concerns such as aggression, we typically begin with 6-8 lessons to lay foundations and get solid practice. For some cases and particularly motivated clients, ongoing weekly or monthly practice sessions build on these foundations to apply these skills in progressively more challenging and authentic situations.

I offer a discount on services for dogs currently in rescue--contact me to learn more!

I love working with “out of control” adolescent dogs, and helping cats and dogs peacefully live together. In addition, I work lots of reactivity (barking and lunging) and fear/anxiety cases. I particularly love (and have extensive experience with) terriers and our herd-y friends (border collies, Aussies, etc.), but I have worked with many dogs from all breed groups.

I am especially skilled at getting puppies started on the right foot--so that they do not need to be future clients of mine for anxiety or aggression! 

One of my passions is helping interested pet owners enter the world of dog sports. So many people have seen dogs running agility or sniffing out bombs and thought how much they and their dog would enjoy that work--I would love to help you get started!

Yes, I often collaborate with rescues to help dogs in their care. I can do evaluations of dogs for safety and placement, and also do lessons with fosters to help keep dogs in their foster homes for the time needed, while empowering their caregivers to improve the dog's skills to make them more adoptable.

Yes, I am fully insured for boarding and training.