Small dogs can thrive in our modern lives.

Let me show you how.

Positive, Not Permissive

Most of us have pretty similar visions for our life with a small dog: we want a companion, a walking pal, someone we can bring on outdoor adventures or to that new outdoor cafe. We want non-dog people, big-dog people, and cat-people to say “Wow. What a great dog!” And we want our friends to text us: “Hey- Bring Daisy! We love her.”

What we don’t want is also pretty universal: walks ruined by frantic barking at every passing person or animal, potty accidents, over-the-top guarding alerts, leash-pulling, separation anxiety, snappiness or other erratic behavior that makes it hard to live happily with our pups.

If we feel these behaviors are problematic, can you imagine how our pup feels?

Being ten inches tall, give or take, in a world made for giants is tough. It’s no wonder our small dogs sometimes react with outsized emotion and behaviors. Of course, these reactive responses don’t help the dog feel any better. Worse, they can destroy the pup’s quality of life altogether.

Whether you’re experiencing behavior issues with an adult small dog, hoping to start right with a puppy, or simply wish to help your aging small dog maintain her puppy ways, I’d love to help.

training philosophy

Many people believe “positive training” isn’t enough and that, in order to “make” our dogs behave, we have to dominate them, show them who’s boss, use harsh corrections, or better yet, easy e-collars.

Yet, study after study proves that, especially with small dogs, harsh corrections will make fear, anxiety, or aggression worse. My approach is not about permissiveness but about providing consistent and firm, loving guidance and helping you learn to do the same. Positive training methods will lead your pup to become as confident and as courteous as possible.

I’ll look at your pup’s genetics, her prior learning, her family life, and her personality. We’ll use these factors, combined with calming techniques and positive teaching, to help her learn to navigate her life with happiness, fun, AND consideration for others.