When I got my first dog, Nikka, I had no idea that it would be the beginning of a journey that would change my life. Becoming a dog trainer was never part of my plan. But life has a way of steering us in unexpected directions.
Nikka was a nervous wreck. She was so fearful that simply taking her outside felt like a monumental challenge. Her fear would drive her to try to flee, and on more than one occasion, she did! It was heartbreaking to see her struggle so deeply with the world around her.
Thinking a second dog might provide companionship and confidence for her, we brought home another dog, Kirin. He seemed friendly, confident, and full of potential. To help him stay social, we attended several "Shiba meetups," hoping he would build positive relationships with other dogs. But everything changed the day he was attacked by another dog at one of these meetups. It left a lasting impact. From that point on, he became aggressive toward other dogs on the street. His reactivity escalated to the point where he would redirect his frustration onto me, biting hard enough to leave lasting marks. I’ll never forget the feeling of hopelessness in those moments.
Desperate for a solution, I sought help from professionals. I tried a highly reputable "force-free" trainer, but their methods didn’t yield the results we needed. I then went to a trainer on the opposite end of the spectrum. Their approach managed to suppress the aggression temporarily, but it didn’t address the root cause or offer a lasting solution. The cycle of frustration continued.
That’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands. I immersed myself in learning everything I could about dog behavior and training. My journey led me to mentorships under Cheri Lucas and Brian Agnew—two trainers with profound insight into dog behavior. I continued my education at the prestigious Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers, where I honed my understanding of canine communication and learning theory. I focused on puppy development and sport work. My pursuit of mastery didn’t stop there. I earned Gold certification in the NePoPo® system of dog training, which emphasizes a balanced approach to communication, clarity, and empowerment for both dogs and their handlers.
These experiences shaped my philosophy as a trainer. I’ve taken the best elements of every method I’ve studied to create a system that focuses on clear communication with our dogs. My goal is to empower them with the skills and behaviors they need to thrive in our world. Just as importantly, I strive to educate owners, giving them the knowledge and confidence to become expert handlers. I’ve walked in their shoes—I know the frustration, the doubt, and the heartache that comes with trying to do right by our dogs. I’m so proud of how stable, reliable and loving my dogs have become. They often work with me to help other dogs find the same harmony with their handlers.
My training philosophy is rooted in empathy, education, and empowerment. I believe that every dog has the potential to grow, and every owner can learn to be the kind of leader their dog needs. It’s not about control—it’s about connection. My journey, though unplanned, has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. I’m here to help others walk their own path to a stronger, more trusting relationship with their dogs.
If you love your dog, train your dog.
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