My Core Values
Plans Created for You
Every person, dog, and situation is different and deserves a thorough assessment and custom approach. We’ll work together to determine the underlying cause of your dog’s behavior challenges and discuss how to address based on your situation. We then monitor and modify as needed.
L.I.M.A. (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive)
I adhere by L.I.M.A. guidelines and principals, as such, my training and behavior strategies are rooted in a positive reinforcement approach and a focus on the dog’s mental and physical well being.
Respect Each Dog’s Needs
The dog dictates the pace of our training and what motivates them.
ABOUT ME
Like many professional trainers, my path to dog training started with my own dog, Della. When I adopted her I thought all she would need was love, food, shelter, care, and the understanding of a few basic commands, and from there we would be able to do anything, go anywhere, and be with anyone. Turns out some dogs need a little more help navigating our world!
I made a lot of mistakes and missed very clear, early signs of her nervousness, fear, and poor social skills with other dogs. I assumed all of these behaviors just needed to be accepted and thought, “she’s a dog; that’s just how dogs behave.” But when her fear graduated to aggression toward other dogs, I was unprepared and embarrassed. I wasn’t understanding her communication and therefore I was not advocating for her. Since I was not advocating for her she started to advocate for herself in ways that were unsafe for her and others in our society.
I reached out to a couple of trainers whose methods didn’t address the root cause of Della’s fear and anxiety, and only attempted to suppress her reactions. This approach only made things worse. That’s when I knew I needed to take a new approach. I started reading and researching all I could about dog behavior and training. I found trainers who were focused on positive reinforcement techniques and started to implement many of their methods. I finally began to see improvements and it felt great! Our walks were becoming more enjoyable, we were beginning to understand each other, and Della was becoming more confident. And most importantly, we were strengthening our bond. During this time, I became more aware of how many other dog guardians were struggling and I wanted to be able to help them.
Today I am a Certified Canine Trainer and Behavior Specialist (CCTBS, Animal Behavior Institute). I have completed Behavior Vets NYC’s Practicum Program and Michael Shikashio’s Master Course - Aggression in Dogs and stay current on the latest science and methods in the industry.
If you are struggling with unwanted behaviors, looking for a new approach, or want guidance on preventing unwanted behaviors before they start, then let’s talk!