FAQ

How do I know if you’re the right trainer for me?

If you want quick fixes, dominance nonsense, or someone to “just fix your dog” without changing anything you do… I’m not your girl.

If you want a deeper relationship, real-life results, and a dog who actually wants to listen to you? Now we’re talking.

What types of dogs do you work with?

If you’ve been told your dog is “too much,” “stubborn,” or “unfixable”… yeah, I’ve heard that before. We’ll sort it out.

I specialize in dogs that have really big feelings. Whether that’s a Cane Corso that charges at strangers because they’re fearful, a German shepherd that won’t stop barking when you have visitors come over, a hyperactive goldendoodle that can’t stop jumping on visitors, or your local rescue dog who is suffering from separation anxiety I’m the trainer people choose when they’ve run through the rest.

Do you only train dogs, or do you train people too?

Your dog is doing what works. We just teach you how to communicate in a way your dog actually understands.

If you want me to train your dog I can do that. Having a dog through a board and train is a great option, however it will not stick unless you also get trained.

That being said I am mostly a people trainer. My goal is for you to have fun while training your dog. I find that when training is fun you will want to train your dog and it doesn’t become a chore.

What training methods do you use?

Positive reinforcement. Always.
That means we build behaviors your dog wants to repeat—not ones they’re afraid to get wrong.

Modern training focuses on trust, not intimidation, because fear-based methods can damage the relationship and create more issues long-term .

Do you use prong collars, choke chains, or shock collars?

We’ve never needed to use these tools to get long lasting results.

We don’t need pain, fear, or intimidation to create a well-behaved dog. And frankly, if someone tells you otherwise, they’re relying on outdated methods instead of actual skill.

People reach for these tools when they are too anxious to make good, long-term decisions for them and their dog.

And yes, there is a reason why ecollars go up to 100.

Why isn’t my dog listening to me?

Because they’re not being “bad”—they’re confused, distracted, or never fully taught the behavior.

Dogs don’t generalize well. “Sit in the kitchen” is not the same as “sit at the park with squirrels and chaos.”

How long will it take to train my dog?

Depends. (I know, I know—annoying answer, but stay with me.)
Training isn’t a light switch—it’s a skill-building process. Some dogs improve quickly, others need more time depending on history, environment, and consistency.

Even behavior issues like anxiety don’t have a fixed timeline because they involve emotional change, not just obedience.

This is why we offer a FREE in-person Evaluation, Consultation, and Temperament Test to give us the best idea of what you and your dog will need. Dogs with a history of aggression and separation anxiety do not qualify for the free evaluation.

Can you guarantee results?

My goal is always full resolution of your behavior problem.

At the same time no ethical trainer can guarantee results.

What I can guarantee is a clear plan, honest feedback, and support every step of the way. Your consistency = your results.

What’s the difference between private training and board & train?

We offer a variety of packages suitable for specific situations.

Private training: You learn alongside your dog (best for long-term success)
Board & train: I do the heavy lifting, then transfer the skills to you

Both work—just depends on your lifestyle and goals.

What age should my puppy start training?

Immediately. Like… yesterday.

Puppies can start as early as 8–10 weeks. The earlier we start, the easier everything becomes.

If you received your puppy from a breeder they should have already started potty training, crate training as well as prevention of resource guarding.

Do you help with serious behavior issues like aggression or anxiety?

Yes—and those are often my favorite cases.
But I’m going to be very honest with you about what’s realistic, what’s manageable, and what requires long-term work.

Do you offer in-home training?

Yes—and it’s one of the most effective ways to train because we work in your dog’s actual environment (where the chaos lives).

How often should we train?

Consistency beats intensity.

Short, daily practice will outperform one long session every week. I’ll show you exactly how to fit this into your real life.

What if I don’t have time to train?

Then we need to have a slightly uncomfortable conversation.
Because if you don’t have time to teach your dog how to live in your world… your dog will create their own rules.

Why is dog training an investment?

Because you’re not just paying for sessions—you’re paying for:

Years of experience
Customized coaching
A lifetime of better behavior

Also… what’s the cost of not training your dog? (Chewed furniture, stress, embarrassment, rehoming risk… yeah.)

What makes your training different?

I don’t just teach commands.

I teach you how to understand your dog, advocate for them, and build a relationship that actually works in real life.

Because your dog doesn’t need perfection.
They need clarity, consistency… and someone who gets them.