My training approach centers on positive reinforcement, utilizing rewards like food, play, interaction, and access to motivate and reinforce your dog, while also providing clarity, predictability and structure, for both species. I treat each dog and human as unique individuals, applying my extensive hands-on experience and knowledge of scientific learning theory and ethology to tailor my methods. My training is not a generic, “one size fits all” approach.

I adhere to LIMA principles—starting with least invasive, minimally aversive strategies—to effect behavior change. While I most closely identify with the positive reinforcement-based trainer label, that term only refers to one of the 4 learning theory “quadrants”, (positive reinforcement) which doesn’t fully represent how learning theory works in practice.

Together, we’ll devise creative ways to manage and modify the environment and events leading to problematic behaviors to encourage a desired behavior. We’ll teach and reinforce behaviors that are incompatible with or alternatives to the problem behavior. We’ll prevent your dog from reverting to old habits while creating new behavior patterns, guiding them back to appropriate behavior when needed.

Additionally, we’ll explore alternative outlets for their behavior. For example, if your dog has a strong herding instinct that’s coming out in a socially unacceptable way, like chasing skateboards, we might use a Collieball to channel that instinct into a controlled game, reducing unwanted behaviors.

I’m so glad you asked! Dog training is an unregulated field, which can make it feel a bit like the wild west. Here are five things that set me apart:

• I focus on emotions, not just skills. Many trainers stick to obedience alone. Skills matter, but raising a fulfilled, emotionally regulated dog is what allows you to live together more harmoniously.

• I consider the whole dog—and your relationship. Behavior doesn’t happen in a vacuum. I look at health, diet, sleep, fulfillment, and communication, because sustainable change requires both physical and emotional wellbeing.

• I tailor the training. No cookie-cutter approaches. I draw from a wide range of methods to find what works best for your dog and lifestyle, and I explain each step so you feel confident using it.

• I blend science with creativity. My work is grounded in evidence-based methods and ethology while adapting to the unique dog in front of me. Training is both science and art—requiring timing, creativity, and flexibility.

• I’m certified—and it means something. While training is unregulated, I hold the CPDT-KA, the only nationally recognized, merit-based certification in the U.S. It requires 300+ hours of hands-on experience, endorsement from another professional, a rigorous exam, and a commitment to ethical standards.

There’s no set number of sessions I can recommend right away since every dog and household is unique.

However, typically committing to 3 sessions over the course of a few months is a solid way to see progress. I’ll be able to give you a clearer idea of what to expect after our first meeting.

This depends on your goals, your dog, and what’s happening at home. That said, here’s a general guideline I tend to follow:

• Weekly sessions are typically recommended for:
  • • Households in “crisis mode”
    • Puppies or adolescents who need lots of proactive support while they’re developing
• Sessions every 2–3 weeks may be a good fit for:
  • • Households in a more stable place, where we want to give time between meetings to implement changes and build new habits

You can find all of my current rates here.

Yes! You can see the package options here.

I have been working professionally with dogs and clients since 2010. Before then, I gained experience by walking dogs, working in multiple doggie daycare facilities, and volunteering at Animal Haven, as well as with rescue groups to foster dogs. If you’d like to know more about my background and experience, check out my full resume and additional information about me here.

You don’t need anything except you and your dog to get started! We might discuss different types of walking equipment, toys and treats, but as with everything, there isn’t a one-size-fits all recommendation and I’ll be helping you determine what might work best for your dog in your specific situation.

Yes. After nearly 15 years of working professionally with dogs, I feel competent triaging nearly any type of case or behavior issue. However, for some cases, including serious predation cases or inter-dog household aggression, I might refer you to a colleague or trainer who specializes in those areas. Similarly, while I do work with separation anxiety, I also may refer to a specialist, depending on the situation.

Here are some of the problems I can address:

• Aggression towards people or dogs
• On-leash reactivity
• Specific fears or phobias
• General anxieties
• Territorial or possessive aggression
• Leash walking, including pulling or planting
• Scavenging behavior
• Handling aggression or fears
• Puppy and adolescent training

These are within my expertise, and I’m ready to help you and your dog with these and similar challenges.

Don’t see your issue here? Book a free 10 min call and let’s chat!