My Philosophy

A lot of traditional training is built around obedience commands and, at times, aversive tools. While these can create quick results, they often miss the deeper cause of a dog’s behavior and may lead to stress, frustration, or emotional shutdown.

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My philosophy is different:

• Emotions first, obedience second. I focus on a dog’s mindset, not just their outward behavior.

• Safety and optimism. By helping dogs feel safe, they learn to relax and predict good outcomes.

• Collaboration, not control. I emphasize trust, games, rewards, and clear communication so dogs choose calmer behaviors naturally.

 

This way, dogs develop resilience, owners feel less frustrated, and the relationship between them becomes stronger and more rewarding.

 

My Training Approach

Much of my work draws from Mark McCabe’s Training Between the Ears (TBTE) system, which helps rebalance a dog’s nervous system and ease the stress, fear, or anxiety that often drives difficult behaviors. Instead of simply correcting reactivity, hyperactivity, or over-excitement, TBTE changes how a dog feels in those moments — shifting them from tension to relaxation, from distress to calm optimism.

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Even what looks like “happy hyper” can actually be anxiety in disguise. By teaching dogs how to access and enjoy relaxation on their own, we set the stage for better choices: calmer greetings, less reactivity, and an overall happier, safer dog.

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My Journey

Before dog training, I spent 25 years in academia and the nonprofit sector. After earning my PhD in economics, I taught at the University of Denver and UMass for 15 years, then worked a decade in environmental justice — always fascinated by how environments and reward structures shape behavior.

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Then came Apple. Despite being bred for ideal traits, she turned out to be a sensitive dog — nervous around new noises, hyper-excited with people, and uncertain with other dogs. Training her wasn’t straightforward, but her challenges opened a door for me. I realized my professional background in human behavior could apply just as powerfully to dogs. Helping Apple led me to help others, and ultimately inspired me to build Western Mass Dog Training.

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Education & Certifications

• Dog Trainer College (Spencer, IN): Certified in the Dog Behavior and Obedience Program — a 180-hour in-person course covering behavior, obedience, canine first aid, breed temperaments, and nutrition.

• Advanced behavioral training under Rhonda Bilodeau, winner of Seven Daysies Readers’ Choice Award for Best Dog Training Company in Vermont (Seven Days independent community newspaper, Burlington). Gained advanced skills in socialization, confidence building, behavior modification, and working with traumatized rescues.

• Year-long certification with Rhonda Bilodeau & Jessica Gorham: Behavioral modification techniques rooted in TBTE.

• Professional experience (since 2021): Off-leash socialization and hiking service in Shelburne Falls; training at a doggy daycare; adult dog day school program; private training.

 

I continue to study under a wide range of trainers, because every dog — and every method — has something to teach.

 

Why Training Matters

The most fulfilling part of this work is seeing real transformations: anxious, reactive, or over-excited dogs learning how to relax; worried owners discovering a calmer, happier companion; relationships shifting from conflict to cooperation.

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Whether you’re starting fresh with a puppy or struggling with a dog who can’t seem to settle, I believe compassionate training can help every dog grow — and every human-dog relationship flourish.

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Let’s Connect

If this approach resonates with you, I’d love to meet you and your dog. Together, we can create the calm, connected, and joyful partnership you’re looking for. Get in touch here.