Dog training
that is ethical,
science-based,
and effective
Serving Chico, California and surrounding areas since 2024.
I love helping dogs and their people thrive.
As a certified Dog Trainer and Behavior Consultant, graduating from the "Harvard" of dog training schools, my mission is to provide ethical, science-backed, and fear-free dog training and behavior modification to each family I work with. By working together, I help bridge the communication gap between you and your dog—teaching you what your dog needs and showing your dog what you need in a clear, compassionate, and effective way.
With over a decade of professional dog training experience, plus a background in marine mammal training, I am passionate about bringing force-free dog training to Butte County. I follow the position statement put forth by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) that recommends only using positive reinforcement methods. Current research shows that punishment-based training methods—such as prong, shock, choke, and e-collars—can increase fear, anxiety, and aggression in dogs and are not recommended. Instead, I follow the scientifically based guidelines of positive reinforcement, operant conditioning, classical conditioning, desensitization, and counter conditioning in animal training, behavior prevention strategies, and behavior modification programs. Training without pain promotes faster learning, longer-lasting results, and an enjoyable experience for the whole family.
My key areas of expertise.
Along with these highlights, view my pricing information. If you're ready to work with me, please fill out my lesson/class intake form.
Fear, Aggression, & Reactivity
I specialize in working with dogs who struggle with fear, reactivity, and aggression, and I know how overwhelming those challenges can feel. Using compassionate, science-based methods, each consultation is designed to help you understand the root cause of your dog’s behavior while giving you techniques to transform how your dog feels about the world, which will change their behavior long term. Whether you’re dealing with resource guarding, handling sensitivities, stranger fear, dog-dog fights, or on-leash barking and lunging, I’m here to support both you and your dog.
Puppy, Adolescent, and Adult Dogs
With more than ten years of experience, I’ve worked with dogs of all ages, stages, and breeds. Using ethical, science-based methods, I’ll coach you on how to get the dog of your dreams. From recall and loose-leash walking to puppy raising, polite greetings, and attention around distractions, I’ll help set you and your dog up for a lifetime of success. I offer private, in-home training, virtual coaching, and small group classes to reach your goals.
Dog, Baby, Toddler, and Kid Safety
As both a mom and a professional trainer, I’ve personally navigated the many seasons of raising children and dogs together: from managing a newborn alongside a grumpy, high-needs dog, to chasing a toddler around a resource-guarding dog and a biting puppy, to balancing life with a school-aged child and a young dog. These real-life experiences, combined with my professional expertise, make me Chico’s trusted resource for coaching families on how to raise dogs safely and successfully with babies, toddlers, and kids.
I work with you to get stellar results!
I take great pride in supporting my clients and their dogs, working collaboratively to help them succeed in the areas that matter most. I listen to your goals, understand your challenges, and design a customized training plan tailored to your dog, your family, and your lifestyle—so you see meaningful, lasting results.
See the Google reviews from some of my satisfied clients below!
Alyssa is wonderful! We got our cute little Jack Russell in 2020, and to say I had some worries considering her breed and the stigma of her breed was an understatement. Alyssa was awesome with helping us teach Lucy early on what a soft bite was, helped us with crate training tips and tricks, and has continued to be a great resource as Lucy has grown older.
Haley McCarty
Client
Alyssa was such a strong influence in the training of our puppy. He was so unruly and wild. After spending an hour a week with her and us working on him at home, he is now the most well-behaved and complimented dog I've ever seen. Highly recommended. Thanks Alyssa!
Don Spencer
Client
I encountered Alyssa during a puppy training class. I really appreciated the very clear instructions and the coaching she provided to help me teach my puppy basic manners. She was full of tips to help me adjust to having a new puppy. My 6 weeks of training with Alyssa was a great start to teaching me and my puppy manners and it alleviated the stress of having a misbehaved dog.
Rachael Slater
Client
I'm so grateful for Alyssa and her positive, compassionate approach to dog training. She's helped my fear-based reactive dog become so much more comfortable and confident in his environment. Her guidance and practical tips have made a huge difference for both of us. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a thoughtful, effective, and kind trainer. Thank you for empowering me to support my pup with patience, knowledge, and understanding—we're both so much happier thanks to you!
Mieke DeWitt
Client
Alyssa came to our house for a 1.5 hour consultation. She was so sweet and understanding with my puppy. All of our questions and concerns were answered….she had an explanation for everything and it all came together to make sense. She gave us ideas that we hadn't thought of and made us feel comfortable with having a new puppy. We will be doing her weekly group classes starting soon.
Sage Bowman
Client