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, connection and fun 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 don’t believe puppies are here to simply “obey” with cut and paste training. Instead, I believe they deserve to be guided as they learn how to navigate our human world. Just like children, every dog has a unique learning style and when we honor that with patience, respect, and choice, they gain the confidence to thrive.
My training approach is rooted in positive reinforcement and connection. By teaching families and dogs to truly communicate and understand one another, behaviors become more reliable and the bond grows stronger. When connection comes first, cooperation naturally follows.
Working together privately allows me to shape the training around your relationship with your dog, honoring their individual learning style while making sure you feel supported every step of the way.
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 with patience and support.
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.