where will my dog sleep for a stay & train?

Dogs will sleep in individual crates during their stay. I provide wire crates in a separate bedroom, ensuring each dog has its own space. If your dog requires a special kennel, such as a Ruffland, please bring it with you. Crate training is an integral part of my stay & train program. For safety reasons, no dogs will be left loose, unattended, behind a baby gate, or with other dogs.

where will my dog stay when you leave the house?

Dogs will stay in their crates when unattended, but never for more than four hours at a time (except overnight). In the rare case of an emergency, I have a trusted backup pet sitter and friends who can assist.

is your yard fully fenced?

Yes! I have a 6ft chain link fence that is secure with an additional 6ft wooden fence on the backside. The fence has a lock, and my home is equipped with multiple baby gates and doors to prevent accidental escapes. Security cameras monitor both the inside and outside of my home, including the dog room. The dog room also has a smoke detector connected to my home alarm system. Additionally, a smart home system alerts me to any barking or movement when I am not home. Dogs are never left outside unattended.

How many stay & train dogs do you take at a time?

I prefer to take in only one or two dogs at a time. My stay & train programs are conducted in my home, where the dogs have their own room. Since they are not housed in a separate building or kennel, I maintain a strict limit to ensure quality over quantity. Dogs are rotated in the yard as needed, as I prefer to only have two out at a time.

will my dog be with other dogs?

Yes! I do not allow aggressive dogs or those with a bite history. I no longer accept dogs with severe behavioral issues. Typically, my dogs get along well and are introduced to newcomers gradually. I closely monitor outdoor play and allow some indoor play as long as it is not disruptive or destructive (no running laps, zoomies, jumping, excessive barking, etc.). Intact dogs of the opposite sex (age 6 months+) will not be in the yard together. Females in heat may need to be rescheduled as it can disrupt the training process for both the dog in heat and other dogs in the home.

will my dog leave your home?

Yes. I take my stay & train dogs for evening walks to work on their leash skills and to pet friendly outings like Lowe's or Petsmart . I am just a 5-minute walk from the levee, which is one of my favorite training spots.

will I be able to see where my dog is staying?

Absolutely! Once a booking fee is received, you are welcome to visit at a scheduled time. If you are still considering a stay & train and haven't made a decision yet, I'm happy to arrange a Zoom meeting, share videos, or provide pictures. I understand how difficult it can be to leave your dog somewhere, and I treat all dogs as if they were my own. Personally, I would never send my dogs to a kennel environment, as it can be extremely stressful and lacks the one-on-one attention and house manners training they need.

will I be able to visit my dog during the stay & train?

Visits are only done during our scheduled training sessions! I prefer to not have any visits done the first week as dogs are getting adjusted to me and a new environment and it often confuses the dog and disrupts the training process and adjustment period. Pictures and/or videos can be sent between visits.

I found a program that is cheaper, why does yours cost more?

Cheaper and faster isn't always better when it comes to dog training. Unfortunately, the industry is filled with compulsion methods and inexperienced trainers. Many stay & train programs adopt a one-size-fits-all approach, but my training is personalized for each dog. My programs provide a comprehensive list of cues, detailed go-home instructions, and a full puppy-raising guide. I’m passionate about not only training your dog but also educating owners, teaching you how to make training fun and easy to incorporate into your daily life. In contrast, some trainers promise off-leash trained dogs with all basic cues in just one month, often using questionable methods that lead to frustration for the owners. I don't expect my own dogs to be fully trained in such a short time, nor would I rely on them being off-leash trained in that period. My goal is to nurture dogs that are happy, engaged, confident, and playful—qualities often overlooked by many board & train programs. A dog with a low tail, avoiding eye contact, or showing constant stress signals is not a happy dog. Connection over compliance is more important to me!

how long have you been training dogs?

what breeds do you have experience with?

I have been in the animal care industry for 16 years and have been professionally training dogs for 10 years. You can find more about me here. I have task-trained multiple service dogs, which are now placed with their disabled handlers across the U.S. I have trained a wide variety of breeds, including Spaniels, Terriers, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Sighthounds, Great Danes, German Shepherds, Malinois, Poodles, French Bulldogs, Herding breeds, Mixed breeds, and many more. I primarily work off referrals from satisfied clients, and references are available upon request.

What dog training methods do you use?

I am a balanced trainer, which means I utilize a variety of training methods tailored to each dog's individual needs. At the core of my approach is positive reinforcement, where I reward desired behaviors to encourage learning. Balanced training aligns with the operant conditioning theory, which involves four quadrants: positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment, and negative punishment. While I prioritize positive reinforcement for its effectiveness in shaping behaviors, corrections are used judiciously and always with the dog's well-being in mind. I do not subscribe to the outdated alpha/dominance theory. Instead, I focus on fostering a strong connection with each dog and prioritize their emotional well-being as well as incorporate play alongside training goals. This approach not only promotes learning but also strengthens the bond between dog and owner, creating a positive and supportive training experience. I also focus on play-based training, helping dogs learn naturally through fun and engagement. My goal is to show owners and their dogs how to enjoy the training process, making it exciting rather than a chore.

do you offer off-leash training or use a remote collar?

I do not offer off-leash or remote collar training. Remote collar training should only be considered after all basic cues are solid and should be used for reinforcement, not for teaching behaviors or corrections alone. This process can take several months of consistent training to achieve reliability in cues in various environments before considering remote collar use. I prioritize building a strong foundation through positive reinforcement and clear communication, ensuring that training methods are effective and humane, while always focusing on the dog's well-being and comfort. I do not agree with programs who promise all basic cues on and off leash in one month's time. Additionally, it's important to adhere to leash laws and safety guidelines in public spaces. I recommend owners use long leads or training leashes to maintain control and ensure safety during training sessions and outings. This approach not only complies with local regulations but also supports effective training and reinforces positive behaviors in various environments.

do you work with fearful dogs?

Absolutely! I have a genuine passion for helping fearful dogs, especially puppies and those from shelters or rescues. There’s nothing quite like watching a timid pup blossom and gain confidence as they learn to thrive alongside their owners. While I love this transformative work, I want to clarify that I don’t handle dogs with aggressive tendencies or those struggling with severe separation or confinement anxiety—such as crate escape artists or fence jumpers. For aggressive dogs, I’m happy to refer them to trusted trainers who specialize in that area. Together, we can ensure every dog gets the right support they need!

why don't you guarantee training results?

I understand that each dog is unique, and training success depends on various factors such as the dog's personality, the owner's consistency in applying techniques, genetics, and environmental influences. While I do provide expert guidance and lifetime support, the results can vary, and lasting success requires ongoing effort and commitment from the owner. No trainer who aims to address the actual emotional causes of a behavior (the only way to get lasting and healthy change), can guarantee results. Some trainers CAN guarantee a change in behavior, because they DON'T address the root cause. Instead, they use pain, fear or intimidation to change a surface behavior, exacerbating the underlying emotion that causes it. My goal is to equip you with the tools for a successful training journey, but I believe in setting realistic expectations and being transparent about the challenges.