Frequently Asked Questions

I offer private training and behaviour consultations, along with ongoing coaching and support for dogs and their families. My work includes proactive training, teaching practical life skills, supporting reactivity and other behaviour challenges, and interactive activities that help build connection between you and your dog. I also provide mentoring for other trainers and pet professionals.

A big part of my approach is looking at the whole picture. I take time to review your dog’s history in detail and assess their daily routines, environment, and overall lifestyle. Behaviour doesn’t happen in isolation, so understanding what your dog is experiencing day to day helps us make sense of the challenges you’re seeing.

From there, we work together to create practical, individualized strategies that support your dog’s needs, reduce stress, and set everyone up for success. This often includes adjustments to routines, meeting enrichment needs, building skills, and creating clearer communication between you and your dog, rather than focusing on behaviour in the moment alone.

Where appropriate, this process may also include referrals to other professionals such as veterinarians, veterinary behaviourists, or other specialists to ensure your dog is receiving well-rounded, supportive care.

Training focuses on teaching skills such as recall, leash walking, manners, and basic cues to improve communication between you and your dog. Behaviour consulting takes a holistic approach, addressing complex issues like reactivity, fear, anxiety, or aggression. It involves ensuring your dog’s needs are met, using behaviour modification techniques such as desensitization, counter-conditioning, and shaping to build new associations, and may include recommendations for additional support from other professionals, such as veterinarians or veterinary behaviourists, for a comprehensive approach to care.

As a Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant (IAABC), I have advanced education in canine behaviour, learning theory, and body language. This allows me to:

• Assess the underlying causes of behaviours, including subtle stress signals that may not be obvious.

• Develop individualized plans that address both safety and quality of life.

• Work with complex or high-risk behaviours, including aggression or dogs with a bite history.

• Collaborate with other professionals when medical or environmental factors are involved.

• Support guardians with strategies to reduce stress, meet their dog’s needs, and strengthen their relationship.

In short, behaviour consulting goes beyond teaching cues and manners. It focuses on understanding, supporting, and improving your dog’s overall well-being while providing practical tools for guardians to create lasting, positive change.

Both trainers and behaviour consultants play important roles in a dog’s learning and wellbeing. If your dog is struggling with fear, aggression, reactivity, or anxiety, a behaviour consultant can provide specialized support. If your goals are focused on basic skills, obedience, and general manners, a trainer can be a great fit. Since I provide both training and behaviour support, we can work together to determine the approach that best meets your dog’s individual needs.  

In an initial session, I’ll review your dog’s history, behaviour, and daily routines, and discuss your goals and concerns. We’ll observe your dog in relevant situations, identify triggers or patterns, and discuss practical strategies you can start implementing right away. After the session, you’ll receive a detailed plan via email, including step-by-step guidance, recommended exercises, and any helpful resources to support your dog’s learning and reduce stress. 

I provide mobile training and behaviour services in Edmonton and surrounding areas, as well as online across Canada. This allows me to work with your dog in their home environment, where most behaviours occur, making training more comfortable for both dogs and guardians. A travel fee of $2.00 per kilometre applies to locations more than 15 km from my location in South Central Edmonton.  

No, my rates and packages are based on time rather than per dog, so pricing is the same whether you have one dog or multiple. Multiple dogs can present multiple challenges, so it may take additional sessions to fully cover and support each dog. I tailor the plan to what is most helpful for you and your dogs, and you can always add follow-up sessions to dive deeper or focus on more individual support.  

Yes! Reactivity is one of my specialties. I work with dogs who bark, lunge, or overreact to things like other dogs, people, or noises. My approach is based on understanding what your dog is feeling, building their confidence, and giving them skills to cope in the world.

Not at all. While reactivity is a common issue I support, I also work with puppies, new rescues, multi-dog households, and dogs who need help with manners or life skills. Proactive training can prevent bigger problems down the road, so I love supporting dogs at every stage.

Enrichment means giving dogs opportunities to engage in natural behaviours like sniffing, chewing, exploring, and problem-solving. It’s more than just activities, it’s a commitment to improving quality of life. When dogs’ needs are met, behaviour challenges often improve, and they’re happier, healthier companions.

Yes! Many adopted dogs need extra patience and support as they adjust to a new home. I help guardians set realistic expectations, create safe routines, and build trust so dogs can settle in and thrive.

It’s never too late! Older dogs can absolutely learn new skills and benefit from behaviour support. Training is about building communication and meeting your dog where they’re at, no matter their age.

Yes, I support dogs who display aggression, fear, or anxiety, including those with a history of biting. Safety and welfare are always the priority. For dogs who show human-directed aggression and may be stressed by a new person in the home, I offer virtual coaching options to provide initial support in a low-stress way. I’ll help you understand what’s driving the behaviour and create a plan to address it safely.  

Yes! I love working with puppies. Early training is a great way to set your pup up for success and prevent future behaviour problems!

Yes! I work with dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages. While each dog is an individual with their own personality and needs, my experience spans puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs, including mixed breeds and purebreds. No breed requires a heavy hand or harsh methods. Positive, science-based training is effective for every dog. My approach is tailored to each dog, ensuring training and behaviour support is appropriate, effective, and respectful of their unique characteristics.  

Every dog learns at a different pace. Some skills may only take a few sessions, while behaviour challenges like reactivity or anxiety often need longer-term support. My goal is to set realistic expectations and give you tools you can use right away.

No trainer or behaviour consultant can ethically guarantee results, because dogs are individuals with their own personalities, histories, and needs. Behaviour is influenced by many factors, including environment, health, and past experiences. Be wary of anyone offering quick fixes or guarantees, these often rely on methods that may suppress behaviour in the moment but do not address the underlying causes and can compromise welfare.

What I do offer is science-based support to help reduce stress, improve communication, and strengthen your relationship with your dog, setting both of you up for long-term success while respecting your dog as a unique being.

I use science-based, positive reinforcement methods that focus on teaching skills, building confidence, and improving your dog’s overall quality of life. This may include using food rewards, toys, praise, or access to valued activities to reinforce desired behaviours. I also use techniques such as shaping, capturing, and luring to help your dog learn in clear, low-stress ways.

Training plans are tailored to your dog’s individual needs and may include strategies to manage and reduce stress, support emotional wellbeing, and incorporate enrichment that allows your dog to practise natural behaviours. Tools I commonly use include harnesses, long lines, treat pouches, and enrichment items such as snuffle mats or puzzle toys.

I do not use fear, pain, or intimidation. My approach is always rooted in kindness, clear communication, and setting you and your dog up for success.

Yes, I come to your home for private training and behaviour sessions. Working in your dog’s familiar environment makes learning easier and helps address issues where they actually occur.

Training and behaviour sessions are designed for the whole family. All guardians, regardless of experience, are encouraged to participate so everyone can learn how to communicate effectively with the dog and apply strategies consistently. Including the entire family helps ensure long-term success and strengthens the bond between your dog and everyone in the household.  

I offer both. In-person is great for hands-on support, but online coaching can be a flexible option, especially for initial consults, follow-ups, or when distance is a factor. I offer online consulting all across Canada.

I do not offer group classes at this time. Group settings can be overwhelming for dogs with behaviour challenges, so I focus on one-on-one training and behaviour support. If your dog would benefit from a group environment, I can recommend trusted colleagues who run small, supportive classes. My priority is providing personalised guidance tailored to your dog’s needs and ensuring a safe, positive experience.  

I understand that professional dog training and behaviour support can be an investment. I offer flexible payment options, including payment plans, to make my services more accessible. Please reach out to discuss your needs, and I can work with you to find a plan that fits your situation.  

I love helping dogs and their families understand each other and build strong, positive relationships. Every dog is unique, and I enjoy seeing their confidence grow, witnessing small breakthroughs, and supporting guardians as they learn to communicate effectively with their dog. Being part of that journey and helping dogs feel safe, understood, and happy is the most rewarding part of my work.