Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of trainer are you?

I’m a “lifestyle” dog trainer, which means that I teach owners how to live fulfilling lives with their dogs. I want you to enjoy walks with your dog, hike off leash, take them to the coffee shop or brewery, go camping, accompany you on errands - however you see your dog fitting in your life, I want to help you get there (or at the very least, help you set and achieve realistic goals and expectations).

Though obedience plays a role in all training, I am not an obedience trainer. I take a holistic approach that focuses on dog psychology, relationship, body language, and communication. I use all four quadrants of operant conditioning, and I show you how to live and interact with your dog in a fair, healthy, and balanced way.

What Types of Dogs do you work with?

I work with all breeds and ages and can help you tackle all sorts of issues. The majority of my client dogs struggle with reactivity and/or anxiety. I don’t take on severe aggression cases.

What Tools do you use?

The slip leash is my preferred tool of choice for most dogs, but I may recommend prong collars in some situations. I also use e-collars in most of my training programs and am a big advocate for crate training. I don’t use harnesses, gentle leaders, or martingales as I find that they are ineffective and often can create or encourage problematic behaviors. If you are looking to use one of those tools in your training, I am not the right trainer for you.

What areas do you provide services?

I am located in Martinez, California, and cover mostly Pleasant Hill, Concord, Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Benicia, and Vallejo. For anything outside of those locations or more than 15 miles away, I charge a travel fee which is determined based on distance, driving time, and availability.

WHY DON’T YOU OFFER SINGLE IN-PERSON TRAINING SESSIONS?

I no longer offer one-off in-person sessions because over the years, I’ve found that lasting behavior change and real progress happen when owners commit to a full program. Dogs (and humans!) need time, consistency, and repetition to make lasting change stick.

For that reason, all in-person training is now offered as part of structured programs that include multiple sessions, follow-ups, and virtual support. This allows me to provide a higher level of coaching, accountability, and results for both ends of the leash.

Virtual sessions are still available for one-time support, troubleshooting, or ongoing guidance.

Where will our Sessions be Located?

I don’t have a facility, so all private sessions are held at public spaces or in your home (I charge a travel fee for any locations more than 15 miles away from Martinez). Typically, the first in-person session is held at a quiet parking lot where there are low distractions. After that, the session location will be determined depending on what we want to focus on that day.

Will you travel to me?

After the first in person session which is typically held at a parking lot in Martinez, I can travel to you. Any locations more than 15 miles outside of Martinez must be agreed upon prior to booking your session and will be charged an additional travel fee.

Do you have employees?

I’m a one woman show. I handle training and all operations of my business myself and run everything out of my home. I don’t have any assistant trainers, so you and your dog will be working with me 100% of the time.