Long Loose Leash Learning:
Training Built on Communication, Understanding, and Trust
To get to a place of honest communication, mutual understanding, and trust, we will be working together as a trio—trainer, client, and dog—in every aspect, and at every step of our learning journey.
The helping trio
When you and your dog work with me, we’re All helping each other.
We’re creating a safe, patient learning environment for both you and 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 not only possible, but surprisingly natural.
The Understanding trio
Real Teamwork starts with understanding—on all sides.
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.
The Resistance trio
Everyone feels resistance at some point. That’s normal, and it’s not failure.
I feel it too.
I’ll gently help you unlearn old advice that never served you or your dog. I’ve been there myself! I know the guilt and shame that comes with that all too well. We were doing the best we could with the information we had at the time. I will stay open, patient, and empathetic.
You may feel resistance as well.
Guilt, frustration, overwhelm, or the fear of “getting it wrong”—these feelings are common. We make space for them. You don’t have to hide them or judge yourself for having them. Let’s talk about all of that! There’s only one way out, and it’s through!
And your dog feels resistance.
Pulling, stopping, barking, looking away—these are signs of uncertainty, insecurity, confusion, or fear. Your dog isn’t giving you a hard time. They’re having a hard time. 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.
Resistance is communication, and we treat it with respect.
The experience trio
Your Story Matters. Your Dog’s Story Matters.
You and your dog both 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.
Long Loose Leash Learning
Training shouldn’t feel tense—for you or for your dog. That’s why I use an approach that creates a calm, safe, 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 trust, empathy, and space to breathe, you’re in the right place.
Let’s replace frustration with understanding, and stress with calm.
You and your dog don’t need to work harder. You just need the right environment.
What Clients Think
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![Charlie and Julia]()
"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. -
![Murphy]()
"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. -
![Dixie and Julia]()
"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. -
![The Dood]()
"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.
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![Dolly and Julia]()
"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.
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![Schroeder]()
"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.
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![Lizzy and Julia]()
"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.
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![Ina]()
"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.
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![Two Schnauzers]()
"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.
Coaching—not only for Canine : Human Teams
I also offer Confidence-Building and Professional Wellbeing Coaching for just Humans, and my expertise lies in the creative advertising agency world.
Need a confidence-boost? Head over to longlooseleashlearning.com