95% of how I train is prevention of unwanted behavior, positive reinforcement, and teaching an alternate behavior. For example, if your dog nonstop barks at cars while out on a walk, we can teach them to look at you instead beforehand so that we set them up for success. However, 5% of my job is accurately correcting an unwanted behavior to make doing the wrong thing a bit harder, like tethering an unsettled dog until they settle, or using leash pressure for additional and clear communication paired with rewards. Typically, the height of the tools I use is a slip leash; the organizations I am credentialed by prohibit the use of force, and any tools used on dogs are used humanely.

It’s recommended to consult with your veterinarian first if your dog is exhibiting sudden outbursts of aggression to rule out pain or illness. The next recommendation is to consult with where you got your dog from whether a breeder, shelter, or rescue, to see if they noticed the behavior or have any resources available to you for support.

Through my consultations and introductory training plans we can determine the cause of the aggression and potential solutions with an emphasis on confidence building. Sometimes, fear reactivity, high drive, and learned behavior are labeled as aggression when they are not.

In the event that your dog is determined to truly have aggressive tendencies, you will be notified of declination of services and referral to behavior consultants in the area that can better support you.

If there is no pain or illness and you’ve worked with a trainer or consulted with one, your next step is a behavior consultant, usually through IAABC.

Groups (with the exception of S.T.A.R. Puppy) are reserved for current or past clients who have done training sessions with me to work on skills independently. Group sessions, whether one-off or packaged, are only used to reinforce those skills already learned with added distractions, rather than teaching new ones. Groups are subject to weather and space, so are scheduled by request only.

There are many breeds I’ve worked closely with, just as there are breeds I’ve never seen in front of me. Before any consultation, I always do breed research so that I can be prepared to talk about breed related topics like enrichment, temperament, appropriate training, and lifestyle match.

Yes! I offer pet care drop-in services for parents who need to step away, go to work, go on a trip, and would like their dogs to continue their training; or, for pet parents who prefer a professional with behavior experience to care for their pets. Longer pet-sitting arrangements can be discussed with me directly.

Yes! Virtual training is a flexible option for working dog parents, busy families, or those just needing extra guidance in between sessions in person. Special restrictions apply to virtual training and coaching.

Click here to see your options under the Second Chance Skills discount program.