Frequently Asked Questions
General & Safely
- 01
Yes. I am fully insured and bonded for training, boarding, daycare, and in-home services. My background is built primarily through 20+ years of hands-on work with animals, along with continued education under leading professionals in the field, including Michael Ellis, Cameron Ford, Bob Bailey, and multiple university-level canine behavior and working dog programs.
- 02
For the safety of all dogs in my care, I require:
Rabies, required by law
Distemper/Parvo, DHPP or equivalent, highly recommended but not required
Bordetella, highly recommended but not required
All dogs should also be on a current flea/tick preventative. If a dog shows signs of illness, including coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, they will not be accepted until cleared.
- 03
If an emergency occurs, I will immediately contact the owner and transport the dog to the nearest 24/7 emergency veterinary hospital if needed. If I cannot reach the owner, I will proceed with treatment based on the dog’s safety and condition. I am trained in basic canine first aid and prioritize stabilization and quick veterinary care.
- 04
An onboarding call allows me to evaluate your dog, discuss behavior history, and make sure we are a good fit. For daycare, boarding, or training, I also discuss temperament, stress levels, and handling responses. This ensures safety and sets clear expectations before any service begins.
Dog Training
- 01
I offer both in-home private lessons and real-world training options, depending on the dog’s needs and behavior goals. Real-world environments are often used as part of the training process to ensure reliability outside of controlled settings. Appropriate, always based on the individual dog in front of me, not a one-size-fits-all method.
- 02
Yes, and I encourage it. Consistency is one of the most important parts of training success. I prefer that all household members participate when possible so everyone is using the same communication, structure, and expectations with the dog.
- 03
My approach is catered specifically to the dog and human in front of me. I focus on communication, structure, and helping dogs understand expectations without confusion. I use a combination of motivation, reinforcement, and fair corrections when appropriate, always based on the individual dog in front of me, not a one-size-fits-all method.
- 04
Training does not stop when the session ends. Owners should expect daily practice between sessions. Short, consistent reps are far more effective than occasional long sessions. I will always tailor homework to fit your schedule so it stays realistic and sustainable.
- 05
No ethical trainer can guarantee results because success depends heavily on consistency, follow-through, and the dog’s environment.
What I do guarantee is honest assessment, clear instruction, and a structured plan designed for real-world improvement.
In-Home Training, Walks & Drop-Ins
- 01
In-home sessions focus on real-life behavior in the environment where issues actually happen. This may include leash manners, door manners, reactivity in the home, settling, crate training, or structured routines. The goal is to create clarity and structure where the dog lives day to day.
- 02
Yes. Walks and drop-ins are structured, not just exercise. I focus on calm leash behavior, engagement, and reinforcing good habits rather than just “burning energy.”
- 03
No, walks are individual unless specifically discussed and approved.
This allows full control, safety, and attention to your dog’s behavior and needs.
Daycare & Boarding
- 01
Dogs are grouped based on temperament, energy level, and social behavior, not just size. Safety and stability always come first, and dogs are never placed in situations where they feel overwhelmed or unsafe.
- 02
Dogs follow a structured routine that may include exercise, enrichment, calm downtime, training reinforcement, and supervised activity.
The goal is not overstimulation. It is balance, structure, and a stable environment.
- 03
You should bring your dog’s food, leash, emergency form, and any medications. Please also bring treats for any dogs that have allergies or food sensitivities. I recommend keeping belongings simple to avoid loss or overstimulation.
- 04
Yes. I can administer oral and injected medications and routine supplements. I can also provide care with instructions for post-surgery recovery or dogs with special needs.
- 05
Updates are provided via text. For boarding and training programs, I typically provide periodic check-ins so you can see progress without overwhelming your dog or interrupting their routine.
- 06
Cancellations for walks, drop-ins, and daycare must be made with at least 24 hours’ notice. Boarding cancellations require more notice due to limited availability. Boarding cancellations made at least 7 days prior to travel dates receive a full refund. Cancellations made within 7 days receive a 50% refund.
Grooming — Baths & Nails Only
- 01
I do not offer full grooming services. I provide basic baths and nail trimming.
- 02
Yes. This is one of my specialties. I handle dogs that are bite-risk, reactive, or cannot safely be handled in a standard grooming or veterinary setting. If a dog requires sedation at a vet, I can often safely perform basic maintenance care with proper handling protocols in place, while also helping the dog regain trust in the grooming process.
- 03
A basic bath includes washing, drying, and coat cleaning appropriate for the dog’s tolerance level. Nail trimming is done carefully with safety and stress reduction as the priority.
Philosophy & Approach
- 01
My focus is on real-world application, not theory. With decades of hands-on experience, I prioritize clear communication, structure, and practical outcomes that hold up outside of training sessions. I do not believe in one rigid system. I believe in reading the dog in front of me and adjusting accordingly.