When you bring a dog into your life, it’s not always sunshine and tail wags. Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or unsure how to help your dog settle in or navigate the world. You love them deeply—but things aren’t going the way you imagined.
You're not alone. And you're not failing.
Dogs aren’t robots, and behavior problems aren’t the result of bad training or bad people. Most often, they’re a sign that something deeper is going on—and that’s where I come in.
I work with families to uncover the why behind behavior, so we can build realistic, compassionate solutions that work for your dog and your life. That might mean learning new skills together, creating a more supportive environment, or letting go of outdated expectations that no longer serve you.
As both a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and a Family Dog Mediator, I bring a unique blend of evidence-based training techniques and deep understanding of what shapes your dog’s behavior—genetics, environment, learning history, and their individual personality.
This means I won’t just hand you a list of obedience cues and call it a day. Instead, I’ll help you see your dog more clearly and give you tools to support them in ways that build trust, confidence, and connection.
I only use force-free, evidence-based methods. That means I do not use or recommend tools or techniques that cause fear, pain, or intimidation—like shock collars, prong collars, leash pops, or alpha-based training.
Why? Because these tools don’t solve the root of behavior issues—and they often create new ones. More importantly, they damage the bond between you and your dog.
Instead, I focus on teaching skills through trust, kindness, and clear communication—so you and your dog can feel good about working together.
My passion for dogs is deeply personal. I’ve fostered, trained, and loved dogs from all walks of life—including my heart dog, Onyx, who inspired the name Happy Tailblazers. Onyx came into my life unexpectedly, full of enthusiasm and spirit. She helped me grow into the trainer I am today, and reminds me every day why this work matters.
I also know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed when your dog’s behavior isn’t matching the life you imagined together. The pulling on walks, the barking at guests, the chaos in the house—it can leave you frustrated, worried, and wondering what you’re doing wrong. That’s where I come in: not to judge or scold, but to give you a clearer path forward and help you and your dog find your rhythm together.
No matter what you’re facing, you don’t have to figure it out alone. I offer private, customized training support that goes beyond teaching commands. Together, we’ll uncover what’s really driving your dog’s behavior and give you both the tools to feel calmer, more confident, and more connected.
💬 Curious if we’re a good fit? Reach out today and let’s talk.
🐾 Ready to get started? Explore my training services and find the right option for your family.
Because life with your dog doesn’t have to feel frustrating or overwhelming—and with the right support, it can become the partnership you’ve been hoping for.
KPA Canine Graduate
Onyx isn’t just any dog—she’s my learning partner, my inspiration, and the reason behind the name Happy Tailblazers. As my partner in the Karen Pryor Academy, Onyx earned the title of KPA Canine Graduate, and together, we’ve explored the world of positive reinforcement training. She’s endlessly enthusiastic, always eager to learn, and has taught me just as much as I’ve taught her.
The name Happy Tailblazers is a nod to both Onyx and a long-standing family tradition. Onyx has what we call “happy tail”—she wags so hard that sometimes the tip of her tail even starts to bleed. She’s the definition of joyful enthusiasm. And then there’s the Trailblazer—my go-to vehicle, a family favorite that’s been in our driveway for years. Put them together, and you get Happy Tailblazers—a name that embodies joyful movement, learning, and companionship.
My mother found Onyx as a tiny little puppy, and I loved her at first sight—she was meant to be in my life. She’s as devoted to me as I am to her, and together, we make the perfect team. She’s my heart dog, my best teammate, and the spirit behind everything I do.