I want what’s best for you, your family, and your dog. That means using methods that are humane and effective in order to teach our dogs new skills, all while building stronger connections with our dogs .

I adhere to Dr. Susan Friedman’s Humane Hierarchy as well as Dr. Eddie Fernandez’s LIFE “Least Intrusive, Functionally Effective” model. This means we will address wellness (physical, emotional, nutritional health) needs, arrange the environment so that our dogs can succeed, and focus on what we want them to do. As advised by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), we will use positive rewards-based methods and never tools meant to cause discomfort or pain, like choke chains, slip leads, prong collars, e-collars, “corrections,” or other aversive tools. If you are using or have used these tools, and are interested in learning new techniques, I’m glad you’re here! I know you have concerns about your dog’s behavior and I want to empower you to address those concerns in ways that build trust and cooperation between you and your dog.

We will use a treat pouch, very likely a clicker, a long leash, and a well-fitted non-restrictive harness. Before we attempt any training, we will also work together to make sure that we are meeting your individual dog’s physical and emotional wellness needs. By giving our dogs agency and choice, access to natural behaviors, and incorporating games and predictability into our training, we will build behaviors as well as confidence with our dogs, while deepening a bond built on trust.