Second Act Dog Training: Specializing in re-homed and adopted dogs… Because there are lots of Second Acts in American lives.

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My passion is helping people develop the best possible relationship with their canine family members.  Whether you’re a first-time pet parent, or an old hand having some difficulties with a new addition to your pack, I’m here to help. 

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Bringing a new dog into your life is a great joy -- but it can also be a big challenge. 

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All dogs are individuals and come with their own personalities, abilities, likes and dislikes, skills and quirks. And, if they're rescues, they come with everything they've learned in life so far: some good things and some not-so-good things. 

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I've been working with (and living with!) shelter dogs for over two decades and I understand the challenges and joys of opening your heart and your home to these wonderful, deserving animals. 

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My goal to is to give you the tools you need to understand your dog and to help you communicate with her in a positive and humane way. Your dog is "talking" to you all the time and understanding what your dog is trying tell you is crucial to building a happy relationship. 

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Training should be fun: something both you and your dog look forward to! You can learn to replace behavior you DON'T want -- like jumping on your guests -- with behavior you DO want -- like sitting politely -- through Positive Reinforcement Training. 

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Positive Reinforcement isnt just about giving your dog lots of cookies. And it's not about "bribes." A reinforcement can be anything your dog loves: play, affection, a chance to go sniff or dig or chase a ball. I will show you how to use the things your dog loves to strengthen the behaviors you want. 

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Science shows us that positive, choice-based training has better, longer-lasting effects than old-fashioned force-based training. And common sense tells us that a dog who trusts us and finds joy in training is happier and more emotionally stable than a dog who fears us and works because he doesn't want to get punished.

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For more information about private training, see the Services page.