Frequently Asked Questions
You talk about “leadership” a lot. Does that mean dominating my dog?
No.
When I talk about leadership, I don't mean dominance, force, intimidation, or making your dog submit to you.
I mean taking responsibility for your dog's needs and becoming someone your dog can trust to make good decisions for them.
You'll learn how to understand your dog's behaviour, communicate in ways that make sense to them, and build trust and respect without relying on pain, fear, shock collars, or intimidation.
If you don't use force, do I never tell my dog “no”?
Of course you can tell your dog no.
The goal isn't to let your dog do whatever they want. It's to help you understand why your dog is doing something and learn how to respond in a way that actually makes sense to them.
I'll show you how to set boundaries and give your dog appropriate consequences without relying on fear or physical corrections.
I already take good care of my dog. How do I know if I'm meeting their needs?
Taking good care of your dog and understanding your dog's needs aren't necessarily the same thing.
Dogs have their own ways of communicating, feeling secure, asking for things, and responding to the people around them. Sometimes behaviours that seem like affection, stubbornness, excitement, or disobedience are telling us something else.
That's why we don't start by assuming your dog is being difficult.
We start by learning to understand what your dog is communicating.
Will this work for my dog?
My approach is designed to be used with dogs of all breeds, ages, sizes, and personalities.
That doesn't mean every dog will change at the same speed. Some dogs respond to changes very quickly, while others need more time and consistency.
My goal isn't to promise you a particular timeline. It's to teach you how to understand your dog and give you a way of working with them that you can continue using throughout their life.
Will this make my dog perfect?
No—and I don't think your dog needs to be perfect.
Dogs are living beings with their own personalities, preferences, fears, and quirks.
What I want for you is something much more useful: the knowledge and confidence to understand your dog, handle everyday situations, and help your dog feel safe and secure with you.
Do I have to keep using this approach forever?
You're not going to graduate from understanding your dog.
The point isn't to follow a set of rules forever because you're afraid your dog will fall apart without them. It's to learn how to communicate with your dog and build a relationship that continues to develop throughout their life.
As your dog changes and different situations come up, you'll have a better understanding of how to respond.
Did you make up the rules and rituals you teach?
No.
The principles I teach come from observing and understanding natural dog behaviour and communication. I've developed the way I teach them through my own experience working with dogs and their people.
I don't expect you to memorize a collection of tricks. I want you to understand why these things matter to your dog so you can apply them in real life.
What happens during a Calm Canine Session?
The Calm Canine Session is a three-hour, in-home session where we look at your dog, your relationship, and the behaviours you're struggling with.
I'll teach you the foundation of my approach and, most importantly, how to apply it to your particular dog and your everyday life.
You aren't signing up for the first session of a long training program. The goal is for you to leave with the understanding and tools you need to continue the work yourself.
For many dogs, one session is enough to get started making significant changes.
What if I have questions after our session?
Your support doesn't end when our session does.
You have ongoing access to me by text and email after your session. If you aren't sure how to handle something, get stuck, or have a question about something you're seeing with your dog, you can reach out.
If your question can be answered by text or email, I'll answer it.
Sometimes something is easier to work through together. If you want me to observe you and your dog, troubleshoot something in real time, or spend dedicated time helping you work through a challenge, additional coaching is available.
How much does it cost to work with you?
The Calm Canine Session is $500 + mileage and includes three hours of in-home work, plus ongoing support by text and email afterward.
Additional coaching is available when you would benefit from dedicated time together.
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What if I'm not sure whether you're the right person for my dog?
Send me a message and tell me a little about your dog and what's going on.
I'll let you know whether I think my approach would be a good fit for your situation.
