My Training Style

Ginger’s first AKC scentwork competition. Did you know that mixed breed dogs can participate in AKC sports as “All-American Dogs”? You don’t have to have a pedigree to get in on the fun!

I am a rewards-based dog trainer with a passion for training dogs and their humans- in a way that is fun, constructive, and low-stress for everyone involved. Training should be a joyful experience that strengthens bonds between dogs and humans. While old-school training methods used to focus heavily on waiting for dogs to make mistakes and eliminating unwanted behaviors through punishment, modern, science-based training emphasizes setting up a dog’s environment to maximize their likelihood of success, creating new, desirable behaviors to replace undesirable ones. With an educated approach, I can help you create a dog who understands your expectations and actually wants to behave in the way you would like them to. I can also teach you to condition your dog’s emotional response to certain sights and sounds, turning fear and explosive reactivity into joyful confidence.

I work to create a training environment that is exciting, fluid, and engaging for dogs and their humans alike. Every subtlety about training, from the animation in our voice to the mechanics of the way we move, ultimately makes a difference. 

I firmly believe in creating an environment in which clients can ask questions openly and honestly, without fear of judgment. Living with another species can be difficult, and there is no reason to be embarrassed of your dog’s behavior. Seeking a trainer means seeking help, and I’m here to provide that! 

I have a lifetime of dog experience, but that’s not what matters. Dog training is both an art and a science. In a frighteningly unregulated industry, it’s our job as trainers to educate ourselves on current behavioral science, to thoroughly understand canine body language and behavior, and to constantly be committed to continuing the learning process. No matter how much hands-on experience someone has, they cannot be a qualified trainer without immersing in the science aspect of this field. 

With the help of a competent and skilled trainer, learning will always be fun for both the dog and their caregiver. My commitment to positive reinforcement-based dog training is not based on personal beliefs; it’s rooted in current and ongoing behavioral evidence and the overwhelming consensus of the scientific community. Nearly every credible canine behavioral science institution, from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior to the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, holds the stance that positive reinforcement is the overwhelmingly most humane and effective method of changing long-term behavior. I follow the science, and do what I know is the kindest and most efficient option. 

I specialize in…

• Fear-based reactivity
• Cooperative care
• Trick training
• Enrichment
• Leash skills
• Basic “obedience” skills, foundational life skills, and general household problem solving
• Confidence building
• Scentwork

I can visually identify almost every AKC-recognized dog breed, and have extensive knowledge of breed-specific behavioral traits and learning styles. Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions about your dog’s behavioral needs. I would love to help!