The Soul Dog Method is a science-based dog training method that improves the wellbeing of both dog and handler. Over time, this more optimistic frame of mind generalizes to interactions with people–and yourself. You’ll find yourself applying it to all your self-talk as you live and work (it’s fundamental to my work as a writing coach).
My dog training classes feature mindfulness practices you share with your dog in the peace and comfort of your home. You focus on your dog, and I focus on you. Together, we build a more joyful, trusting, and profound relationship with your dog.
Whether you’re raising a puppy, working on behavioral challenges, or looking for more activities to enjoy with your dog, this method incorporates human mental health best practices into your dog training. It’s especially suited to dogs or people who:
- live in an area without suitable dog training clubs or schools,
- are experiencing health or mobility challenges,
- may be facing social stressors around other people, places, or dogs,
- want training goals and creative challenges between classes and trials,
- want broaden their working relationship and communication,
- who want to learn, grow, deepen their mutual trust, build their confidence, and surprise each other in joyful ways.
I’m a professional educator. A former creative writing professor, high school English teacher, and college counselor, she has combined the foundations of teaching effective readers and writers with fostering a uniquely rewarding relationship with your dog.
Why tricks?
Tricks give confidence to shy dogs, add charm to service and therapy dogs, and make scary-looking dogs disarming.
Tricks are one dog sport everyone instantly understands, so you can also wow friends, family, and entire crowds. Tricks training improves your bond and confidence. Playful positive reinforcement is the best medicine for any dog/human relationship–and it works on your kids and your significant others too. That’s why every trick is magic!
Why Train With Me?
- I’m a 3-time All-Star Trainer-of-the-Year,
- a Certified Trick Dog Instructor,
- an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator,
- an Official Stunt Dog Judge,
- President of the Upper Suncoast Dog Training Club from 2020 – 2024,
- Instructor at USDTC since 2016: Tricks — Novice through Champion, S.T.A.R. Puppy, & Agility 1. Therapy Dog Assistant.
- Official AKC Canine Ambassador
- Certified Tester/Observer for Alliance of Therapy Pets
- Certified handler for R.E.A.D. with Intermountain Therapy Animals
- DACOF 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022
- DOCOF 2025
- Titled in Tricks, Agility, Obedience, & Rally
- Author of Soul Dog: a Memoir of Spirit, Smarts, and Love
- Host of This Animal Life, a podcast about animal intelligence.
- Former writer for Clean Run: The Magazine for Dog Agility Enthusiasts
What Positive Reinforcement Can Do For You:
- Deepens bonding and mutual trust
- Improves training skills for handler and dog
- Teaches mindfulness, focus, and impulse control
- Reduces reactivity in dog and handler
- Makes training time more intentional and precious
- Increases gratitude for your time together
- Builds handler’s confidence in problem-solving
- Builds dog’s confidence in learning skills
