FAQs
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
After reaching out, I’ll suggest setting up a time for a phone call so we can get to know each other a bit. During the call, I’ll ask about your dog, their training needs, and the goals you have for them. If we’re a good fit, I’ll invite you and your dog to my home for an in-person meeting. This visit allows you to see where your dog will stay during training and helps your dog become familiar with me and my home. You’ll also have the chance to meet my dogs and see the results of my training! After that, we’ll schedule a drop-off date to begin your dog’s training!
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
My journey into this line of work began quite accidentally, believe it or not. A little background: I have extensive experience handling dogs. I started my grooming career as a teenager, expanded into boarding from home, and now, into my 30s, I continue to work with dogs daily. Over the years, I’ve handled tens of thousands of dogs. My hands-on experience, commitment to continuous learning, and, most importantly, my love for dogs have driven me to where I am today. It all started when a client brought me a Belgian Malinois puppy they had found scared and running on a busy street. The pup was clearly neglected, untrusting of people, and in need of veterinary care. I decided to foster him with the intention of adopting him out after he had time to recover. But despite having fostered many dogs before him, he was my first “foster fail,” and I ended up keeping him. I named him Jett! Belgian Malinois are some of the most energetic, mouthy, intelligent and chaotic dogs I’ve worked with, but if you know how to care for them, they’re also incredibly loving, obedient and loyal. A few months later, I rescued another Malinois, who I named Kila, who had also had a rough start in life. Here’s where it all becomes relevant: As I trained Jett and Kila, I began working with them outside the home, taking them places, and putting them through their paces (since they are working dogs). People started to notice. Although I’m friendly and approachable, I’m not much of a social butterfly so I mostly keep to myself. Yet, people kept approaching me, asking for my card because they wanted their dogs trained like mine. I would politely decline, wish them well, and continue on my way. But this kept happening. One day, a neighbor was walking by, and their large dog stopped mid-walk on the sidewalk, laid down, and refused to move. The neighbor looked at me and asked, “Do you know what I should do?” That’s where it all started. I agreed to help her out with some lessons. Eventually, I also agreed to board her dog for training, and I was able to bring so much good into both the dog’s and owner’s lives. After that, I was hooked and knew this was something I had to pursue. I took online classes to further my education and sharpen my skills, I started putting myself out there and training dogs, and I haven’t looked back since!
- Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
I’m currently working on an incredible project! I collaborate with Dalmatian Rescue SoFlo, where I board Dalmatians between finding a foster or forever home, giving them a soft landing after coming from their previous living situations. Right now, I’m caring for and training a deaf Dalmatian named Target, who has a lot to learn before he’s ready for a foster home or adoption. When I first picked him up, it was clear that he had a rough start in life. He didn’t seek guidance or affection from people, which suggests he hasn’t experienced a positive relationship with humans. He arrived anxious, even with medication to sedate him if he couldn’t calm down. Without using the medication, I’ve been able to help him reach a much calmer state, and he’s starting to trust me more each day. My goal is to show Target that people are safe, begin proper socialization, build his confidence, and train him in obedience so he can thrive in a forever home. Transforming a dog who was surrendered to a shelter, especially one with obstacles like deafness and limited life skills, into their best self is why I do this—to change dogs’ lives for the better.