"If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears, one destroys."
Chief Dan George ("Geswanouth Slahoot") of the Tsleil-waututh Nation (1899-1981)
When you and your dog work with me, we’re all Learning together.
We will be creating a safe and patient environment for you, your dog, and for me as your mentor.
I help you help your dog. You help me help you and your dog. Your dog helps both of us help them.
It’s a partnership, not a hierarchy. When all three of us work together, change becomes surprisingly natural.
Real teamwork starts with Mutual understanding.
I take time to understand you. Your goals matter, but so do your worries, frustrations, and past experiences. Maybe you’ve been told conflicting things. Maybe you’ve tried hard and still feel stuck. None of that is your fault. My job is to meet you with clarity and zero judgment.
You learn to understand your dog. You’ll start to see what your dog is feeling, not just what they’re doing. Pulling, barking, freezing, avoiding—these aren’t signs of stubbornness. They’re forms of communication. Once you see that, everything begins to make sense.
Your dog learns to understand you. With consistency, calmness, and clear communication, your dog discovers that you’re safe, predictable, and listening. That’s where trust deepens.
When all three of us understand each other, communication becomes possible.
resistance is Communication, and it needs to be respected.
Guilt, frustration, overwhelm, the fear of "getting it wrong"—these feelings show up for almost everyone, and they're worth paying attention to rather than hiding from. I've felt them myself. Part of my work is gently helping you unlearn old advice that never served you or your dog, and that process can bring up a lot. But we were all doing the best we could with the information we had at the time.
So let's talk about it. There's only one way out, and it's through.
Your dog feels resistance, too. Pulling, stopping, barking, looking away are just some signs of uncertainty, insecurity, confusion, or fear. Let’s loosen the leash, observe their behavior and try to find out why they’re doing what they’re doing. Let’s listen to their concerns.
Your dog isn’t giving you a hard time. They’re having a hard time.
Your dog’s story matters. So does yours.
You and your dog each come into this process with your own feelings based on past experiences. These can include anxiety, stress, fear, trauma, insecurity, and physical discomfort, or pain.
All of those matter.
All of those deserve to be heard.
And all of those influence how you and your dog learn together.
Most “unwanted” behavior in dogs comes from mental or physical pain. My role is to hold space for your story, your dog’s story, and the unique relationship you’re building.
The Long Loose Leash Learning Philosophy
Training shouldn’t feel tense or create stress for you or for your dog. That’s why I use an approach that creates a calm, and supportive environment where both of you can succeed.
The leash is our metaphor. It’s long enough for curiosity and exploration, loose enough for comfort, but it is connected for safe and gentle guidance, and to stay in constant communication.
With me, you’re not judged. Your dog isn’t pressured. Both of you are given the space you need to learn with confidence and ease.
What I want to give you and your dog:
A patient, empathetic learning space
Clear guidance shaped around you, not perfection
A deeper understanding of what your dog is communicating
A calmer, more connected relationship
Progress that comes from safety, not force
If you want a training experience built on kindness, you’re in the right place.
You and your dog don’t need to work harder. You just need the right environment.
I am a certified Nordic Dog Trainer by the Nordic Education Center for Ethical Dog Training
I am a certified Sensory Enrichment Coach by the Nordic Education Center for Ethical Dog Training
I'm an Associate Member of the Pet Dog Trainers of Europe and uphold the organization's code of ethics
I am currently getting certified by Turid Rugaas as Calming Signals Specialist
I am working on my certification as Foundational Postural Analyst by Galen Myotherapy
I have successfully completed Karen Pryor’s Puppy Start Right For Instructors course.