Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some of the most common things families ask before getting started.

Do you work with aggressive dogs?

I work with dogs who display fear-based behaviors, anxiety, and reactivity. Many behaviors that look like aggression are rooted in fear or stress. During an initial phone call, we will discuss your dog’s behavior in detail and determine whether this support is appropriate or if a referral is needed.

What ages of dogs do you work with?

I work with dogs of all ages, from puppies to seniors. Support is always tailored to the individual dog and their specific needs.

Do you guarantee results?

Because behavior change is complex and influenced by a dog's history, health, and environment, ethical trainers cannot guarantee specific results. What I can guarantee is clear guidance, realistic expectations, and dedicated support to help you and your dog make lasting, meaningful progress.

Do you use punishment, corrections, or dominance-based methods?

No. As a modern, ethics-driven, certified professional trainer, I follow the stringent guidelines of both the CPDT and the Pet Professional Guild. I focus on positive reinforcement and behavior modification techniques that are scientifically sound and completely force-free. By prioritizing your dog’s emotional safety and voluntary cooperation, we can effectively change behavior and build a trusting relationship without ever using pain, fear, or intimidation.

Do you offer virtual sessions?

Yes. Virtual sessions are available via Zoom and can be a great option for behavior assessments, training, coaching and ongoing support. In-person services are available for clients in the East Bay and Sacramento.

What is day training?

Day training is a hands-on service where I work directly with your dog while you are at work or managing a busy schedule. This one-on-one time helps rapidly reinforce the skills you and your dog are learning and allows me to make critical behavioral observations, ultimately accelerating our progress during coaching sessions.

Why do I need a behavior assessment?

Think of the behavior assessment as our roadmap to success. In this 60-minute session, we’ll discuss your dog’s behavioral history, your specific goals, and any time constraints you have. This ensures I can design the most effective, personalized training approach for your situation.

Do you offer discounts or scholarships?

I offer a limited number of scholarship spots for families who need support with training fees. If that's you, just mention it when you reach out.

What happens after I submit the Get in Touch form?

Once I receive your request, I will reach out to schedule a 20-minute phone call. This gives us a chance to discuss your dog's needs and determine if my services are the right fit to move forward with a full assessment, or if I should connect you with a trusted referral.

How do I Get Started?

The best first step is to request an initial consultation. From there, we can determine what type of support makes the most sense for you and your dog.

Support across the lifespan, and for the whole family.

Whether working together in person or virtually, the goal is the same: to help dogs and humans gain confidence, resiliency, skills, knowledge, and build a solid relationship of trust, for puppies, adult and senior dogs, and for growing families.

Serving Oakland, Piedmont, Berkeley, Lamorinda, Sacramento, and clients via Zoom.

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