What training methods do you use?

I use positive reinforcement and modern, science-based training methods. Training is built on engagement, choice, and structure — never force, fear, or intimidation. Every program prioritizes your dog’s emotional state first, because calm dogs learn faster and retain skills longer.

What programs do you offer?

I offer three structured programs, each designed for a specific type of dog:

Purposeful Puppy Foundations — for puppies 8 weeks to 6 months old who need foundational skills like engagement, impulse control, and early leash communication.

Grown With Purpose — for adult dogs 6 months and older with little to no formal training. Builds the same foundational skills as Purposeful Puppy, adapted for adult dogs with established habits. Includes a rescue decompression protocol.

Walk With Purpose — for adolescent and adult dogs who pull, fixate, or become overstimulated on leash. Builds calm, structured walking and real-world composure through a three-phase system.

Calm On Purpose — for dogs struggling with fear, anxiety, panic, or chronic emotional dysregulation. Phase-based rehabilitation focused on emotional regulation before skill-building. Currently accepting cases by referral only.

Skill Sessions — targeted packages for dogs that already have a foundation and need focused work on a specific behavior. Available in Recall, Leave It, Settle/Place, Greeting Manners, Crate Training, and Handling & Husbandry.

The right program is determined during your consultation — not by what you think your dog needs, but by what the assessment reveals.

How do I know which program is right for my dog?

That is what the consultation is for. I assess your dog’s behavior, temperament, and emotional state in person and recommend the correct starting point. Some dogs need leash training. Some need foundational skills first. Some need emotional stabilization before any structured training will work. The consultation ensures your dog is placed where they can actually succeed.

How much does training cost?

Investment details are discussed during your consultation, where I can recommend the right program and explain exactly what is included. I do not sell individual sessions — every program is a structured system designed to produce a specific outcome.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes. Flexible payment options are available. We can discuss this during your consultation.

How long does each program take?

Purposeful Puppy Foundations and Walk With Purpose are both 8 sessions over 4 weeks. Grown With Purpose is also 8 sessions over 4 weeks, though some adult dogs may need 1 to 2 additional sessions to meet graduation criteria. Calm On Purpose is phase-based, so the timeline depends on your dog's progress. Most phases involve 4 to 8 sessions. We never rush and we never advance a dog before they are ready.

How are sessions structured?

All programs are trainer-led. I do the hands-on training with your dog, then transfer the skills to you at the end of each session. Between sessions, you receive clear homework assignments, video clips, and access to a shared Google Drive folder with resources specific to your dog.

Where do sessions take place?

Sessions take place in controlled training environments, local parks, neighborhoods, and public spaces — depending on where your dog is in the program. Training starts in low-distraction settings and progresses to real-world environments as your dog is ready.

Do you offer virtual training?

Yes. I offer virtual consultations for owners who want to discuss their dog’s behavior before committing to an in-person program. Virtual sessions are also available for ongoing support and homework guidance.

What areas do you serve?

I serve dog owners in Culver City, Mid City, Beverly Hills, West LA, Mar Vista, Palms, Playa Vista, and surrounding Los Angeles neighborhoods. Consultations are available by video for anyone in the greater LA area.

What breeds do you work with?

I work with all breeds, but I specialize in high-drive working breeds — Belgian Malinois, German Shepherds, Australian Kelpies, Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs, Dutch Shepherds, Huskies, and similar breeds. These dogs were bred for intense work and they need structured training that matches their drive. That said, every dog that needs a real foundation is welcome here. The same methods that work for a Malinois work even better for a Goldendoodle.

My dog is a working breed and I am overwhelmed. Can you help?

Yes. This is exactly what I do. Most working breed owners are told to exercise their dog more, use a firmer hand, or just accept that their dog is "a lot." None of that is true. These dogs need structure, not force. They need a foundation, not more fetch. Start with a consultation and we will build the right plan for your dog.

Do I need a working breed to train with you?

Not at all. I work with all breeds and all ages. Working breeds are my specialty, but the structured, criteria-based approach I use produces results for every dog. If your dog needs a foundation, better leash behavior, or help with specific skills, I can help.

What if my dog is reactive or aggressive?

It depends on what is driving the behavior. Many dogs that are described as “reactive” or “aggressive” are actually operating from fear or anxiety. Calm On Purpose is specifically designed for these dogs. During the consultation, I assess whether the behavior is fear-based, arousal-based, or something that requires a veterinary behaviorist referral. I will always be honest about what I can and cannot help with.

Do you work with aggressive dogs?

It depends on the situation. I do not work with dogs that have a confirmed bite history involving injury. For dogs showing fear-based reactivity, lunging, or barking, Calm On Purpose may be appropriate. During the consultation I will assess the behavior honestly and let you know whether I can help or whether a veterinary behaviorist referral would be more appropriate.

What if my dog does not improve?

Every program follows a structured, criteria-based progression. If your dog is placed in the correct program and the homework is practiced consistently, most dogs make meaningful progress. If I discover during the program that your dog needs a different level of support, I will tell you honestly and we will adjust.

Can I just book a few sessions instead of a full program?

I do offer single Skill Sessions for clients who need targeted help with one specific behavior. However, my core programs are structured so that every session builds on the previous one. A few random sessions will not produce the same result as a complete progression. The structure is what makes it work. If you are unsure whether you need a full program or a single session, a consultation will help us figure that out.

How do I get started?

Book a free video consultation. We will talk through what you are experiencing with your dog and I will recommend the right next steps. From there, if an in-person evaluation makes sense, we will schedule that. No pressure, no obligation.