Embedded Files
My Approach to Training
I help dogs develop the skills and confidence they need to navigate the world with less stress. When a dog can respond thoughtfully rather than impulsively, exist calmly beside you, and stay focused despite distractions, they enjoy more freedom and become a fuller part of your daily life. I don't see training as remedial work for "problem dogs," but essential for every dog's mental health and overall well-being.
Obedience is only one piece. More important is understanding how your dog processes their environment and how you two communicate. I want to help you be the kind of partner your dog can rely on for clear guidance in a relationship that feels cooperative, balanced, and most importantly, fun!
Some dogs are overstimulated, reactive on walks, or have a hard time settling. Others need help with focus around distractions or in unfamiliar places. When dogs bark excessively, pull hard on leash, or pace constantly, they're usually showing us they haven't learned to self-regulate, or don't understand what we actually want instead. I'll teach you to read your dog's signals and give them calmer, more effective ways to respond.
Every dog–human team is different. Training plans should reflect your dog's individual temperament, motivations, and how they best learn, as well as what's valuable for you. The goal is always sustainability, effectiveness, and relevance to the life you want to share.
I build training plans around:
Trust and reliability. I teach you to read your dog's behavior and respond in ways that build mutual dependability and clear expectations.
Clear communication. We establish simple, consistent cues so your dog understands expectations and can respond with confidence rather than confusion.
Self-control and focus. Your dog learns impulse control and appropriate responses across various situations without becoming overwhelmed or shutting down.
The work we do should make life with your dog easier and more rewarding. That might look like relaxed walks, peaceful time at home, reliable recall when it matters, or simply learning new skills that keep your dog mentally engaged and fulfilled.
Melissa
OWNER & TRAINER
My path into dog training began fostering dogs through local rescues, particularly those needing behavioral support after shelter life. Working alongside experienced trainers and behaviorists taught me how to help dogs decompress and build new skills in real-world settings.
My degree in behavioral neuroscience gives me insight into how learning and stress affect behavior, while years in project management taught me to create effective, adaptable plans that track meaningful progress. I love that I can use both to provide science-backed, goal-oriented training.
When I'm not working with clients, you'll find me on trails with Jameson, staying current on animal behavior research, or home making art and silly doodles for friends :-)
Jameson
ASSISTANT TRAINER & QUALITY CONTROL
Jameson arrived in 2021 as a reactive foster dog with big feelings about other dogs. Through consistent work, he transformed from a dog who couldn't handle seeing another dog across the street into a reliable training partner. He's proof that reactive dogs can change more than we often expect.
Now he helps with demonstrations, walks alongside client dogs, and provides calm exposure to dogs learning to be comfortable around others. He also takes his treat-testing responsibilities very seriously. Off duty, he enjoys activities like scent work, barn hunt, and scouting Seattle's best dog-friendly breweries.
Report abuse