FAQ

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 food as a tool and am a big advocate for crate training and responsible quality e-collar use. I don’t use harnesses, gentle leaders, or martingales as I find that they are ineffective and often can create or encourage problematic behaviors.

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.

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’m also a corporate paralegal for a tech company, so my availability for training is limited and I appreciate your patience! I don’t have any assistant trainers, so you and your dog will be working with me 100% of the time.