Evidence-based behavior support for dogs who are struggling - and the people who love them.

Is my dog a good fit for Best Life Dog Services?

I work primarily with dogs experiencing acute or chronic fear, anxiety, or stress, as well as dogs displaying aggressive or reactive behaviors. This includes dogs who are struggling with dysregulation, trauma, hyper- or hypo-arousal, and behaviors such as growling, snapping, lunging, or biting.

If you're not sure whether your dog's needs are a good fit, please reach out. I'm happy to talk through your concerns and, when appropriate, connect you with another evidence-based professional who may be a better fit.

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What methods do you use?

My approach is evidence-based, trauma-informed, and focused on the whole dog. Behavior therapy may include reducing stress, building resilience, increasing your dog's sense of agency and choice, developing self-regulation skills, creating emotional change, addressing environmental factors, exploring possible physical health concerns, and creating individualized enrichment and management plans.

I will never recommend methods intended to cause pain, discomfort, fear, or distress. I also don't believe in punishing or suppressing behavior simply because we find it inconvenient. Instead, we work to understand what the behavior is communicating and address the underlying needs driving it.

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Is virtual behavior therapy right for my dog?

For many dogs (especially those experiencing significant fear, anxiety, or chronic stress) virtual behavior therapy can be an excellent option. Meeting from home eliminates the stress of traveling to an unfamiliar environment and allows us to observe your dog in the place where they are most comfortable and where many of their behaviors actually occur.

Virtual support can also make it easier to involve the entire household and build practical strategies into your everyday life.

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What's the difference between a behavior consultant and a dog trainer?

The terms dog trainer and behavior consultant aren't regulated titles, and there is a wide range of education, experience, and methodology within the industry.

Traditional training often focuses on teaching specific behaviors through learning and reinforcement. Behavior consulting goes deeper, looking at behavior as communication and considering the emotional, environmental, physical, and learning factors contributing to it.

For dogs experiencing significant fear, anxiety, stress, or aggression, teaching a new behavior isn't always enough. My goal is to understand why the behavior is happening and help make that behavior less necessary in the first place.

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How long does behavior therapy take?

There isn't a one-size fits-all timeline. Every dog, family, and behavior case is different. The amount of time needed depends on factors such as your dog's history, current stress level, environment, health, the behaviors we're addressing, and your goals.

Behavior change isn't about checking a box or reaching a predetermined number of sessions. We'll regularly assess progress and adjust the plan as your dog's needs change.

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How often do we meet?

All new clients begin with a New Client Consultation, which includes a two-hour initial meeting. Follow-up sessions are generally one hour and are typically scheduled weekly or every other week.

Support doesn't stop when our meeting ends. Communication between sessions through email, text, and video updates is an important part of the process, allowing me to help you implement your plan and make adjustments along the way.

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What happens during the first consultation?

Your first consultation is about understanding the whole picture. We'll talk about your dog's history, behavior, environment, daily life, and what you're hoping to change.

You'll leave with a better understanding of what's happening, a management and enrichment plan to help reduce stress right away, and a clearer path forward. You'll also have opportunities to share video for review and receive support implementing your plan between sessions.

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Does my dog need to be acting out aggressively to work with you?

Not at all. You don't have to wait for your dog's behavior to become severe before seeking help.

Early support can be incredibly valuable when you're noticing increasing fear, anxiety, reactivity, difficulty settling, changes in behavior, or situations that are becoming harder for your family to manage. If something doesn't feel right, that's reason enough to reach out.

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What if my dog has bitten someone?

Please reach out. Dog bites can be frightening and overwhelming, and you don't have to figure out what to do next by yourself.

Behavior following a bite needs to be assessed individually, with safety and management as the first priority. I'll help you understand the circumstances surrounding the bite, identify immediate safety concerns, and determine an appropriate path forward. In some cases, collaboration with your veterinarian or other professionals may also be recommended.

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What if I need behavior therapy but can't afford it?

I never want finances to be the reason a dog doesn't receive the support they need. Best Life has financial accessibility built into its business model, and I strive to work with families whenever possible.

If cost is preventing you from accessing care, please reach out. We can talk about available options, including the Best Life Accessibility Fund and other ways of making support more accessible. If you have pet insurance, it's also worth checking whether behavior therapy is covered under your plan.

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What if you aren't the right person for my dog?

That's okay. My goal isn't to fit every dog into my practice - it's to help you find the support that is right for your family.

If your dog's needs fall outside my area of expertise, I'll let you know and, when possible, provide referrals to other evidence-based professionals who may be a better fit.

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Do I have to use a specific training style or equipment?

You don't need to come to me knowing exactly what to do. Part of my job is helping you understand why we're making the recommendations we make.

My approach prioritizes your dog's safety, emotional well-being, agency, and quality of life. I won't recommend tools or techniques intended to intimidate, punish, or cause pain or fear. We'll focus on practical strategies that you can understand, feel comfortable using, and realistically incorporate into your life.

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How do I get started?

The first step is to schedule a First Touch Appointment. Before we meet, you'll complete an intake questionnaire and provide information that will help me understand your dog's history and current concerns.

From there, we'll work together to understand what's happening, reduce stress, and create a plan that makes sense for both you and your dog.

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You don't have to have all the answers before you reach out. That's what I'm here for.​

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If you have additional questions I haven't addressed here, please don't hesitate to send me an email.