Frequently Asked Questions: What I work with, how I work, and where I go

Yes. I work with dog-to-dog (or dog-directed) reactivity. I also work with human-directed (stranger danger) and general leash-reactivity.

I work with a variety of issues including general anxiety, specific anxieties such as storm phobia, noise sensitivity, handling anxiety (e.g. vet exam activities). I work with resource guarding (possession aggression), fear-driven aggression, conflict with the humans or other animals in the home, unruly/over-arousal behaviors.

I teach basic to advanced skills and manners, including Sit, Down, Come, Stay, Drop, Leave It, Leash Skills, Door Manners, Polite Greetings. I teach social engagement skills such as eye-contact and regular check-ins when on or off leash. I often help clients teach their dog to participate in their own husbandry care such as cooperating for bathing, brushing, nail trims, vet exams including needle pokes, ear checks, and medication delivery, and the like. If you have a specific skill or behavior challenge and are unsure if it is something I teach, please do not hesitate to reach out and ask.

In the US, there is no regulation overseeing the dog training field. Anyone, with any (or no) education or experience can decide to be a trainer and start charging for their services.

The certified applied animal behaviorist (CAAB/ACAAB) is the highest certification available without a veterinary degree. To qualify, one must hold a PhD (CAAB) or MS (ACAAB) in animal behavior or a related field, with published peer-reviewed research, a conference research presentation, at least 5 years of professional experience, and two documented case studies — all reviewed by an elected board of the Animal Behavior Society. Renewal every 5 years requires new case studies and continued contribution to the field.

Other behavior credentials include CBCC (through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers – CCPDT) and CDBC (through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants – IAABC). There are also trainer credentials such as CPDT (CCPDT) and ADT (IAABC). All of these require a high school diploma and between 300 hours (CPDT/CBCC) and 2 years (ADT/CDBC) of professional experience, a competency exam, and continuing education for renewal each 3 years.

There are a number of online and in-person trade schools which offer certificates to reflect successful completion of their programs.

I do. Resource guarding is most often a fear-driven behavior. Once we understand what your dog is guarding, and why, we work together to develop a safe management plan and help your dog learn that there is no threat to their access to their prized possession.

I do have a Separation Anxiety program. See how the program is organized and what it costs.

I do. In fact, the timid/fearful and shy dogs are some of my favorites to work with. It takes a quiet patience and gentle support to help these shy pups build confidence and come out of their shell. And it brings me such joy watching these nervous dogs blossom.

I do offer remote sessions via Zoom. This does require the client to provide video clips of training practice between sessions so I can best help you make progress. If this is something you're interested in, I will explain the details of how we set up these sessions for best success.

The initial behavior consultation is our opportunity to discuss the behavior issue in depth. I will use your intake form as a jumping-off point for this conversation so I can gather as much detail as possible. During this session, I will also meet and get to know your dog in real time. I may observe their gait, play games with them, offer them treats, take them for a leash walk, or do some basic training practice. These interactions allow me to evaluate your dog's social skills, interest in food and play, and willingness to learn. It also allows me to determine if there might be a physical or medical issue that is causing or exacerbating the concerning behavior. If I see something that looks like it might be medical, I will share what I am seeing, and I provide a written behavior summary on my letterhead for you to bring to your vet so they may diagnose and treat as appropriate.

I am committed to a force-free, cooperative approach in all my training and behavior modification work. I utilize treats, toys, play, affection, and access to desired spaces to help your dog learn what behaviors earn those reinforcers. I use negative punishment (e.g. withholding the treat or toy; disengaging from the interaction if the dog was seeking attention) to teach your dog that certain behaviors do not work to get those needs and desires met.

I do NOT use aversive tools such as choke chains, prong/pinch collars, shock collars (e-collars, stim-collars, educator collars). I do not use physical force such as poking, kicking, hitting, or so-called alpha-rolls. I do not use intimidation tactics such as looming or staring hard at the dog. I am not a “balance” trainer.

My aim is to set the dog up for success and help them build confidence. Because a calm and confident dog is a well-behaved dog.

Nobody ever wants to consider making such a permanent decision for their beloved pet. But there are times when the risks to safety of humans or other animals are so great that it becomes necessary. When quality of life and welfare would suffer from necessary management protocols, we need to consider what is not only safest for everyone, but kindest for the dog.

Although it is rare that we reach that point, there are times when a behavioral euthanasia (BE) is the right choice for that dog and that family. I cannot make the BE decision for you. But I will discuss the pros and cons, what successful management involves, what happens if/when management fails, and what's involved in the BE process. I will support you through the decision process and beyond.

As of this writing (last reviewed September 2026), the following pet insurance plans cover behavior services provided by A/CAAB professionals (I hold an ACAAB certification).

Coverage terms change, and plans differ by state and by individual policy. Please confirm current coverage directly with your insurer before assuming a session will be reimbursed.

• MetLife Pet Insurance — Covers A/CAABs as part of their behavior training and therapy benefits
• Spot Pet Insurance — Covers A/CAABs. The treatment must be part of a vet-prescribed care plan following a diagnosis. This means your vet would need to have noted the behavior issue in your pet's chart and that they recommend behavior help from a professional.
• Pumpkin Pet Insurance — Covers advanced behavioral consulting. A licensed vet must first diagnose the issue and refer to an A/CAAB.
• Embrace Pet Insurance — Covers specialist care, including certified behaviorists, as long as the underlying issue is a covered, non-pre-existing condition.
• Lemonade Pet Insurance — A/CAAB behavior services available with the purchase of their optional behavior coverage.
• Pets Best Insurance — A/CAAB services with a written referral from a licensed veterinarian

At this time, my service area is quite large. I currently see clients in person in the Antelope Valley, including Lancaster, Quartz Hill, Palmdale, Acton, Santa Clarita, Stevenson Ranch, Valencia and Canyon Country.

I see clients throughout the San Fernando Valley including Chatsworth, Porter Ranch, Northridge, Granada Hills, Mission Hills, Van Nuys, Reseda, Canoga Park, Hidden Hills, Woodland Hills, Tarzana, Encino, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Burbank, and Glendale.

To the west, I see clients in person throughout Simi Valley, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, and Calabasas.

If your area is not listed, but you are interested in in-person sessions, please reach out so we may determine if special arrangements can be made.

Travel fees are based on drive time from Palmdale. See the travel fee schedule.