When I got my first dog, Nikka, I had no idea it would be the beginning of a journey that would change my life. Becoming a dog trainer was never part of my plan — but life has a way of steering us in unexpected directions.
Nikka was a nervous wreck. She was so fearful that simply taking her outside felt like a monumental challenge. Her fear would drive her to try to flee — and on more than one occasion, she did. It was heartbreaking to see her struggle so deeply with the world around her.
Thinking a second dog might give her companionship and confidence, we brought home Kirin. He seemed friendly, confident, and full of potential. To keep him social we attended several “Shiba meetups” — until the day he was attacked by another dog at one of them. It left a lasting impact. From that point on he became aggressive toward other dogs on the street, and his reactivity escalated to where he'd redirect his frustration onto me, biting hard enough to leave lasting marks. I'll never forget the feeling of hopelessness in those moments.
Desperate for a solution, I sought help from professionals. I tried a highly reputable “force-free” trainer, but their methods didn't yield the results we needed. Then I went to a trainer on the opposite end of the spectrum — their approach suppressed the aggression temporarily, but it didn't address the root cause. The cycle of frustration continued.
That's when I decided to take matters into my own hands. I immersed myself in learning everything I could about dog behavior. My journey led me to mentorships under Cheri Lucas and Brian Agnew, then to the prestigious Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers, where I honed my understanding of canine communication and learning theory, focusing on puppy development and sport work. I went on to earn Gold certification in the NePoPo® system — a balanced approach built on communication, clarity, and empowerment for both dogs and their handlers.
These experiences shaped my philosophy. I've taken the best of every method I've studied to create a system focused on clear communication — empowering dogs with the skills to thrive in our world, and giving owners the knowledge and confidence to become expert handlers. I've walked in their shoes. I know the frustration, the doubt, and the heartache that comes with trying to do right by our dogs.
My philosophy is rooted in empathy, education, and empowerment. Every dog has the potential to grow, and every owner can learn to be the leader their dog needs. It's not about control — it's about connection.
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