
Frequently asked questions.
Do you offer board and train?
I offer takeaway sessions, which are focused, hands-on training sessions where I work directly with your dog without you present. These are a minimum of 3 hours and are only available to clients already enrolled in training. While I believe lasting change comes from working closely with the owner, a takeaway day can be incredibly helpful in certain situations.
My boarding services provide a calm, low-stress environment that supports continued learning and consistency, but formal training sessions are not included as part of boarding.
Do you use shock collars?
I use modern, high-quality e-collars as part of my off-leash training and behavior modification programs, but only when it’s appropriate and on a dog-by-dog basis. These are not “shock collars” in the outdated sense. I use specific models at low, communication-level settings to reinforce known commands and give dogs more freedom and clarity. Each dog’s individual needs and responses to the stimulation are always the top priority. If an e-collar becomes part of your dog’s training plan, I’ll walk you through exactly how it works, how it feels, and how to use it responsibly and humanely.
Are you a positive-only trainer?
My methods prioritize clear communication, trust, and structure. I primarily use positive reinforcement, but I also believe dogs thrive and grow in confidence when they understand boundaries. My approach is always individualized, and I cater to each dog’s sensitivities and needs in the moment.
What kind of issues can you help with?
I work with a wide range of issues, from everyday stress to more complex behavioral challenges. Common concerns include barking, jumping, leash pulling, unreliable recall, and general disobedience. I also help dogs build advanced skills like off-leash recall, off-leash heel, and scent training. For reactivity, fear, anxiety, separation issues, or aggression, I create personalized plans that focus on trust, structure, and clear communication.
How long will it take to train my dog?
That depends on your goals, your dog’s starting point, and what we’re working on. Some behaviors can improve quickly, while others take more time. I’ll always give you an honest estimate based on your dog and your goals.
Training doesn’t end when the sessions do. I'm here as an ongoing resource, whether you have questions between lessons or months after we've wrapped up. When you sign up for training, you're not just booking a few sessions — you are gaining long-term support. Helping dogs and their people is what I care about most.
Where does training take place?
Training usually takes place at your home, where I can work with your dog in their natural environment and see how they behave day-to-day. Depending on what we’re working on, I may also suggest sessions in my fenced-in backyard or in public areas to practice in different settings.