When people hear that I went from naturopathic medicine and executive coaching into dog training, they are often surprised. The truth is that it was never part of a plan, although it had always been a dream of mine. My journey into this work began unexpectedly when a neighbor asked me to help with her dog. That one request led to another referral, and before I knew it, what started as a simple favor grew into the work I do today with families and rescues across North America. Discovering a Natural Fit What has surprised me most is how natural this path has felt. Dog training has not only become…

Cilla wasn’t looking for a second chance… she created one. She jumped into her rescuer’s car in a grocery store parking lot and refused to leave. Jill, who was about to leave town for three weeks, hadn’t planned on taking in another dog, but Cilla made it clear she wasn’t going back to life on the street. That single, bold choice set her on a new path. Jill knew she couldn’t keep Cilla permanently, but she also wasn’t willing to send her off without setting her up for success. Cilla needed more than a kind home. She needed structure, consistency, and someone who could meet her where she…

What’s a leash for? It sounds like a simple, maybe even silly, question, right? But the truth is, many dog owners misunderstand the leash’s real purpose. Too often, it’s seen as a tool for controlling a dog: keeping him in a certain spot, stopping him from lunging, or (worst of all) allowing him to pull the owner around during a walk. You’ve probably seen this on your walks. Or, maybe you recognize yourself here. Don’t worry. No judgment! You’re reading this because you want a better way, and that’s what we’re here to talk about. The Leash Is a Tool for Teaching, Not Controlling A common mistake…

When people think of training their dog they often focus on teaching new commands or rewarding good behavior. But there is another side to the training process that is just as important: knowing how to interrupt unwanted behavior and redirect it effectively. That is where corrections come in. What Is a Correction? A correction is simply an interrupter. It is something you do to stop an unwanted behavior in the moment. A correction is a tool to create a pause, giving you the chance to guide your dog toward a better choice. The important thing to remember is that a correction by…

As the saying goes, “You get the dog you need, not the one you want.” And if you’ve ever owned a dog that challenged you in unexpected ways, you probably know exactly what that means. I often tell my clients that owning a dog is a spiritual practice. Not because it’s peaceful or serene all the time, but because it invites you to grow. Our dogs hold up a mirror. They show us our stress levels, our habits, our tone of voice, our inconsistencies, and even our emotional blind spots. They reflect back our energy, mood, and communication, whether we’re aware of it or not. In doing so,…