Training Philosophy

I don’t train dogs to make them more obedient.

I train to give dogs and their families a shared language—to reduce stress, build confidence, and make life together easier and more enjoyable. Training is just one piece of a bigger picture: helping your dog feel safe, connected, and understood.

Many of the behavior concerns I help with—barking, pulling, chewing, growling, or fear-based responses—aren’t “bad” behaviors. They’re often completely natural reactions to stress, confusion, pain, or unmet needs. My job is to uncover what’s going on beneath the surface and help you and your dog move forward together.

I use evidence-based, force-free training that focuses on positive reinforcement, trust, and relationship-building. I don’t use or recommend tools or techniques that rely on fear, pain, or intimidation. Decades of research—and lived experience—have shown that those methods carry serious risks and can damage the relationship you’ve worked so hard to build.

Instead, I aim to foster mutual understanding. Every dog is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all formula. I’ll work with you to create a custom plan that fits your dog’s needs and your family’s goals—guided by both behavior science and empathy.

So much of what we expect from dogs today doesn’t line up with who they really are. We want them to be quiet, calm, friendly, and compliant—even in situations that feel overwhelming or unnatural for them.

But when we zoom out, it becomes clear: many of the behavior issues we see in pet dogs mirror the same struggles we see in captive wild animals. Boredom, anxiety, reactivity, frustration—all signs of welfare needs that go beyond food, shelter, and love. That’s why my approach is about supporting the whole dog, not just polishing behavior.