Dog training that really works
Training Without Pain Works!
Dog training in the United States is an unregulated industry, meaning there are no standardized educational or licensing requirements to practice professionally. By pursuing advanced education, reputable certifications, and ongoing continuing education, I am committed to maintaining a higher standard of professional excellence. My goal is to provide clients with knowledgeable, ethical, and evidence-based training while contributing to greater transparency and accountability within the field.
See below for the specific services I offer, which range from private in-person or virtual consults to in-person group classes. You can find more details and pricing information here.
Private Consultations
Private sessions typically start in your home so you can start learning how to communicate with your dog and teach them, free of distractions. We can focus on 1-2 behavior goals per session for basic manners, puppy behaviors, tricks, and adolescent challenges. Topics could include loose leash walking, house training, jumping, barking, coming when called, cooperative care with grooming, stays, puppy biting, crate training, door dashing, polite greetings, counter surfing, chewing, digging, tricks, and more.
Virtual private consultations
A virtual consultation (via Zoom or other platform) focused on 1-2 behaviors per session. Topics could include leash manners, house training, jumping, barking, recall, stays, puppy biting, crate training, door dashing, polite greetings, counter surfing, and more.
Group Classes
Group classes consist of 4-8 dogs for Puppy Playgroups, Puppy Preschool, Manners for Life (levels 1-3), and short workshops focused on either recall or leash manners. To get you and your dog off on the right paw, each class utilizes the latest knowledge about canine development and behavior to guide the course.
Pre-adoption prep
A 45-minute in-home consultation to help ensure you and your home are set up for success before your new puppy or dog arrives. This consult will help you avoid common mistakes around house training, barking, chewing, digging, counter surfing, play biting, separation anxiety, jumping, etc.
Fear, Reactivity, and Aggression
I specialize in fearful, reactive, and aggressive dogs. In each consultation, I educate you on the current science behind fearful barking, growling, lunging, nipping, & biting. We determine your dog's triggers and work to help your dog feel safe so they do not feel the need to defend themselves. I use counterconditioning and desensitization to change how your dog feels, which will change their behavior long term. I can help with resource guarding, dog-dog fighting, leash barking and lunging, chasing and nipping, fence fighting, window barking, stranger fears, etc.
Reviews From Real Clients
Alyssa is wonderful! We got our cute little jack Russel in 2020, and to say I had some worries considering her bread and the stigma of her bread 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