What is your training philosophy?

My mission is to cultivate joyful relationships based on trust and communication between you and your dog through compassionate training.

To accomplish this, I take into account your goals and your pet’s emotional, behavioral and physical wellbeing when creating the training plan.

When I plan a training session, I do my best to set up the learner for success, to make the desirable behavior likely to happen and then reward the behavior to increase the likelihood that the behavior is repeated.

All of the training plans I create are positive-reinforcement (R+) based and force-free.

What do I need on hand for a training session?

To prepare for your training session, I recommend a mixture of yummy treats that your dog loves. Higher value treats tend to be soft and smelly, like meat and cheese, rather than crunchy, like kibble or milk bones. Cut the treats into pea-sized pieces to make sure that we don’t overfill your pup’s belly! I also recommend a treat pouch (something to hold the treats and keep them accessible while we move around), a y-shaped harness or flat collar, and a leash.

Do you offer discounts?

I truly believe that everyone deserves support with their beloved companion, and I really want to be that support for you. To that end, if my prices are a financial burden for you, reach out and ask about my sliding scale.

Can I join you for a puppy socialization outing?

Sure! I am offering this service during weekday afternoons as an option for working pet parents to give their puppy some socialization and enrichment during the work day, but if you are available during this time, you are welcome to join and ask questions!

What credentials do you have?

Dog training is an unregulated industry, which means that any person can call themselves a dog trainer. However, there are certifying organizations which assess a trainer’s knowledge and skills. Each organization and certificate has different meanings.

I have obtained my Certification of Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) from the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers, which means that I have worked a minimum number of hours with dogs, have passed an exam, and that I need to continue my education to stay certified.

I have also obtained a Professional Canine Trainer-Accreditation (PCT-A) from the Pet Professional Guild. To obtain this certification, I have worked a minimum number of hours with dogs, passed an exam, submitted video of me training dogs, and humans with their own dogs, and adhere to a force-free training philosophy (guaranteeing no use of aversive training tools), as well as continue my education.

Lastly, I have obtained my Fear Free Professional Certification, which furthers my commitment to the use of force-free training and instructs on how to decrease fear, anxiety and stress, particularly in relation to grooming and veterinary procedures.