About Salty Dog
The Full Story
My passion for animals began at a very young age when I received my first dog, Bailey—a Lab/Chow mix—at just seven years old. That early bond sparked a lifelong love for dogs and quickly grew into action. By the age of eight or nine, I was already involved in animal rescue, spending much of my childhood helping abandoned and neglected animals recover, regain trust, and eventually find loving homes.
As I grew into young adulthood, my focus naturally shifted toward training my own dogs—many of them over the years—with a desire to better understand how dogs think, learn, and respond. Over the past decade, I took that passion to a more professional level, expanding my hands-on experience while learning from some of the top dog trainers in the country. Through these early experiences, I gained a deep understanding of how instincts, genetics, past experiences, and owner expectations all play a role in each dog’s individual needs—whether working toward training goals or addressing problem behaviors.
Today, I have successfully trained dogs at all levels, from basic obedience and manners to advanced behavior modification. I specialize in addressing serious behavioral challenges, including fear, reactivity, and aggression. I have a deep, natural ability to connect with dogs
—especially those struggling with aggression or reactivity—and that connection is at the heart of my work. Earning a dog’s trust, understanding what drives their behavior, and creating a safe, clear path forward allows training to begin in a way that feels fair, calm, and effective. This bond makes the transition into training smoother and plays a critical role in helping even the most challenging cases become confident, reliable companions. My approach goes beyond obedience, focusing on creating balance, clarity, and a better life for both dogs and their owners.
My Approach to Dog Training
I bring realism to dog training because dogs don’t live in controlled environments—they live in our homes, neighborhoods, and communities, full of distractions, noises, and unpredictable situations. My approach focuses on preparing dogs to succeed in the real world, not just during structured training sessions. I work with dogs in a variety of environments, from quiet home settings to busy parks, stores, and public spaces, helping them learn to listen, respond, and remain calm under any circumstances. This emphasis on real-world application ensures that training is functional, practical, and reliable—giving owners the confidence to enjoy life with their dog anywhere they go.
I know there is no “one size fits all” approach to training. I take the time to truly understand not only your dog’s personality, instincts, past experiences, and needs, but also your goals, lifestyle, and expectations, creating a program that is customized for both of you. I bridge the communication gap between dogs and owners, creating a shared language that both can understand. This process builds trust, strengthens the bond between owner and dog, and establishes a strong, unbreakable foundation. By focusing on both obedience and everyday manners, I help dogs develop impulse control, confidence, and reliability, setting them—and their owners—up for lifelong success together.
Education, understanding, and connection are at the heart of everything I do. I stay committed to the latest advancements in canine training and behavior science, constantly refining my methods and incorporating evidence-based practices to ensure the best outcomes. My work is rooted in balanced training, addressing problem behaviors, fear, reactivity, and aggression with empathy, consistency, and patience. I have a natural ability to connect with dogs—especially those with aggression or reactivity issues—allowing me to earn their trust quickly and begin training in a way that feels fair and effective. Beyond training dogs, I am passionate about empowering owners through guidance, support, and education so they can feel confident, capable, and connected to their dog. Once you choose to work with me, you gain a lifetime partner in your dog’s journey—supporting you long after training ends. My ultimate goal is to transform the relationship between dogs and their owners, creating a bond built on trust, respect, and joy that lasts a lifetime.
Let’s Work Together
Get in touch so we can start working together today!