My Training Philosophy :
Connection over Obedience
True training isn’t about forcing commands; it’s about building a relationship of trust, safety, and understanding between dogs and their families.
I learned this from my heart dog, Presley. She wasn’t just an obedient dog; she was my partner in agility, my companion in therapy visits, and my source of comfort during life’s hardest times. Presley showed me that when you nurture connection first, obedience naturally follows.
That’s why I created The Whole Family – Dog Training: to help families experience the same deep bond I had with Presley. By focusing on play, enrichment, and family involvement, I don’t just teach puppies to “sit” or “stay”. I help families and dogs truly understand one another, creating harmony in the home that lasts a lifetime.
At The Whole Family Dog Training, I believe puppies aren’t here to “obey” us through obedience training, they’re learning how to live in our human world and they should be given patience and choices to learn our ways. That’s why my training style is rooted in positive reinforcement, play, and connection. When families and dogs learn to communicate with respect, behaviors become more reliable and the relationship becomes stronger.
My play-based training approach gives puppies the freedom to make good choices in fun, real-life environments. Instead of strict commands, I guide them toward behaviors that fit naturally into family life. This creates a safe, joyful home where both dogs and children can thrive together.
What makes my approach different from other trainers is that I don’t just work with your dog or puppy in isolation, I support your entire household. I know that dogs don’t live in a vacuum, and the success of training depends on how the whole family interacts with them day to day.
That’s why my programs include clear, practical guidance for parents, kid-friendly involvement that teaches children how to connect safely and respectfully, and simple enrichment practices that are easy to fit into everyday routines. Instead of overwhelming you with complicated steps, I focus on giving your family the tools and confidence to succeed together.
This family-centered approach builds more than obedience — it creates calm, connection, and safety in your home so your puppy grows into the well-mannered family companion you’ve always hoped for.