Join Me in Unleashing Kindness. One Dog at a Time.

I help humans understand what their dogs are telling them.

My lead specialties are noise phobia, separation anxiety, and sensitivity, fears, and reactivity in dogs, as well as predation substitute training. I also work with enrichment, scent work, puppy care, recall, and loose leash walking. If your situation is outside what I take on, I will tell you and, when possible, help you find the right person.

I work with clients online worldwide in English and German, and in person in Central Vermont.

Learn about my approach

understanding and communication must come First. Then training can follow.

Behavior modification has its place. But it comes second, not first.

Stress and discomfort inhibit learning. Choice and agency build confidence and trust. When we understand what our dogs are telling us, a whole new world opens up.

I work with guardians who want to understand their dog as the emotional, intelligent individual they are. Rather than correcting behavior after it happens, we look at what's causing it.

Dogs don't need to be fixed. They need to feel safe and understood, and that starts with learning their language.

Ready to learn Doglish?

Learning lives where control ends and communication begins.

What Clients Think

"My only worry is that he won’t want to come back home with me!"

Julia has known my pup, Charlie, for over a decade, and has cared for him countless times.
There is not a single person that I trust more while I am away. She is incredibly diligent, and cares about the safety and well-being of my pup as if he were her own.
I always come back to a happy, tired, and loved-on guy. My only worry is that he won’t want to come back home with me!

Lindsey L.
"Animal lover at heart, Julia cares for dogs as if they’re her own"

She’s knowledgeable, responsible, trustworthy and reliable. Her care is personalized to each pet’s needs.
The kindness she’s shown my dog Murphy over the years is invaluable to me. He suffers from anxiety. Julia is attentive to his needs and routine, putting us both at ease.
Whether a daily walk or extended stays, when I’m traveling, I receive pictures and updates regularly. Knowing Murphy’s in the best of hands when I’m away is comforting. Sometimes he doesn’t want to leave her company!
I highly recommend Julia to anyone looking for pet care.

Dein S.
"Julia was so responsive to Dixie's quirks."

Julia was soooo great!
We got daily updates and pictures and she was so responsive to Dixie's quirks. You can really tell that Julia loves dogs and developed a real connection with Dixie in just 11 days.
She took her on long hikes, introduced her to neighborhood dogs and gave her a lot of snuggles.
Julia also was great about texting whenever there was a question and her experience was very evident.
We really hope we can board Dixie with Julia again soon!

Oriana E.
"Julia is the perfect dog sitter!"

My dog, The Dood, is 15, mostly blind and deaf, and requires some special care.
Julia gave it in spades.
She took Dood on individualized walks every day, took care of his medical needs, and gave him lots of love.
Julia is a born dog parent and the perfect person to leave your pup with when you are away.
Highly recommend!
Jordan O.
"Her home is a puppy paradise!"

Julia is wonderful with pups!
Our dog, Dolly, adores her, and her home is a puppy paradise (outdoor space but with fencing!).
Julia also has taken care of pups with medical needs and special diets - she cares deeply and goes above and beyond.
We definitely trust Julia with our pup whenever we need to go out of town or a long day away - highly recommend!
Samantha S.
"Julia went above and beyond in caring for our dog."

Julia went above and beyond in caring for our dog, Schroeder.
She did a fantastic job making sure he was happy yet behaving, and checked in with questions and updates frequently.
We would highly recommend her to anyone who wants personal, loving care for their pet!
Thanks again, Julia!
Michele H.
"Julia really values the comfort and safety of dogs above all else."

Julia was great at communicating, and drop off and pickup was easy.
Her home is clean and contains a safe gated outside area.
I had booked a single day to see how my dog would manage in a new location.
My dog had a great time with Julia and came home happy and tired.
Julia made sure to make the best of the day for Lizzy and she really values the comfort and safety of dogs above all else.
Claudia Y.
"Julia was the first person we’ve ever left our little fur baby with."

Julia was AMAZING.
She was the first person we’ve ever left our little fur baby with besides family, and after her... I don’t know how we’ll leave her with anyone else!
She sent us incredible and gorgeous photos, took her on a hike and probably 6 walks within 24 hours, and took amazing care of Ina.
I would recommend Julia to anyone looking to board their dog—she even met us 30 minutes from our house since the hour drive was a bit far for us, free of charge.
Julia is an incredible dog sitter and such a clear dog lover. Highly recommended any day.
Tatiana A.
"They'll be the center of her universe while they're in her care."

Julia is a lover of animals.
I witnessed her take care of two Schnauzers, a Bordoodle, and two cats for the last 11 years, and they were / are the luckiest and healthiest pets on earth (she even taught them to love their veggies).
Her life revolves around the happiness of the animals, everything else comes second.
Your dogs will be in extremely good hands with Julia, well loved, healthily snacked, exercised and pampered.

Jason S.
"Julia is the best ambassador a dog can have!"

Once I had two dogs, then I had a job, a child, a mortgage to pay, dishes to do, and a lawn to mow.
Quality became quantity and balance became stressful uncertainty.
Thanks to Julia and her deep understanding of what my companions actually needed, I was able to reconnect with them and, at last, come back home to my dogs.
Jean L.