How long have you been working as a dog trainer?
I’ve been certified for 3 years.
What inspired you to become a dog trainer?
From my own challenges as a dog owner. My family had many dogs growing up, but it wasn’t until my early 20s that I met a dog with behavioral challenges. After seeing how much training helped bridge communication, I was hooked.
What kind of training do you specialize in?
Over the past year, I’ve specialized almost entirely in off-leash puppy play for dogs ages 8 weeks to 1 year, helping them build social skills and confidence in a safe, structured environment. I also have a strong passion for working with dogs who struggle with reactivity or aggression.
What’s your favorite high value snack? (For yourself)
Coffee… does that count as a snack?
What’s one accomplishment you’re especially proud of in your training career?
Becoming a trainer, I used to daydream about working with dogs while at other jobs, wondering what it would be like to turn that passion into a career. In 2021, my husband and I took a big leap and moved to Seattle—without jobs lined up, but with a lot of hope. I applied to local animal rescues and was lucky enough to connect with an incredible mentor who helped me grow and develop my skills. From there, everything started to fall into place—and I haven’t looked back since.
Why do you swear by positive reinforcement? (We know it works, but we want to hear your why!)
I think of positive reinforcement as the dog trainer’s version of the Hippocratic Oath: “First, do no harm.” I’ve seen incredible transformations in dogs with aggression and severe behavioral challenges through science-based, positive reinforcement training. It’s not just effective — it’s compassionate, respectful, and builds lasting trust between dogs and their people.
Give us a tale of a training success that makes you do a happy dance every time you think about it:
It’s those moments when the light clicks on—whether in the dog’s eyes or the owner’s—that truly make me do a happy dance. Seeing that spark of understanding and confidence grow in each team is incredibly rewarding. I love empowering people to realize they can do it and watching their bond with their dog grow stronger because of it.
What’s one piece of advice you wish every dog guardian knew?
Your dog isn’t stubborn; they’re likely confused, distracted, finding better reinforcement elsewhere, or not feeling safe. Behavior is communication. Instead of jumping to frustration, pause and ask yourself why it’s happening. Understanding the “why” is the first step to making real progress together.
Also, don’t forget to let your dog be a dog. In our modern world, we’ve taken away many of their natural outlets—sniffing, exploring, digging, chewing—and that can lead to frustration or behavioral issues. Give them time to decompress and engage in dog things. Go for a sniff walk, let them wander at their pace, or rent a Sniffspot so they can just be a dog for a while. It makes a world of difference.
If you weren’t a dog trainer, what would you be doing instead?
I’d probably still be working in a screen-printing production facility. Before becoming a dog trainer, I managed embroidery, screen printing, and shipping departments. I went to school for fine arts, and that was the closest I could get to working in a creative field—until I found dog training, which turned out to be the perfect mix of problem-solving, communication, and passion.
Do you currently have any pets? Tell us about them!
I share my life with Zoey, my 11-year-old American Akita, and Pink Floyd, my 19-year-old orange tabby. Zoey is a huge part of the reason I got into dog training, she’s greatest teacher. Pink Floyd mostly supervises from a sunny windowsill, when he’s not yelling at me for food or pets.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
“Rebel Rebel” by David Bowie
If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be?
So hard to decide! Possibly Japan – for the culture, beauty, and peaceful routines. Plus, it’s where my favorite breed originated.
If you were a dog, what breed would you be and why?
An Akita– quietly loyal and deeply committed once you’ve earned their trust.
