Hi, I'm Leash!

In my senior year of high school, my mom brought home a dog from a nearby shelter. Dog behavior and training had always been one of my special interests, and I was excited that I would finally be able to put into practice everything I had learned. I named our dog Strider (after Aragorn from The Lord of the Rings), and I jumped head-first into training him. Even with my developing understanding of dog behavior, I quickly learned that Strider was highly reactive. Knowing this deeply impacted the way that I trained him--I knew that to keep both of us safe, I would have to account for his specific behavioral challenges and implement individualized strategies in his training sessions.

My professional path led me through a diverse array of experiences. I honed my skills by working alongside veterinary technicians at a clinic. There, I gained valuable insights into dog behavior, health, and the profound bond between humans and their pets.

Through my work at the clinic, I was able to welcome Timber and Coyote into my life. Timber (a husky/lab mix) was deeply stubborn and independent and always found a way to test my patience. He taught me the invaluable lesson that you have to work with your dog and change your strategies to fit your dog's terms and timelines. It took me about 6 years to get him to walk off-leash, and sometimes that's just how it is.

Coyote (a Chow/Australian cattle dog mix) left us all too soon, but she emphasized to me the importance of cherishing our canine companions. She reminds me that a dog's trust and friendship is a precious and finite gift, and we must do our best for them.

I continued to broaden my horizons by immersing myself in the bustling world of doggy daycares in both Oregon and Washington. One of the highlights of my career was at the Downtown Dog Lounge in Seattle, where I had the opportunity to work with a wide range of different breeds and temperaments. In this role, I served as the evaluator, ensuring that new dogs were a compatible fit for the daycare environment. I also took on the important responsibility of monitoring and addressing any behavioral issues among the dogs already enrolled, fostering a harmonious and enriching experience for all, and working with dogs in the park who needed training.

Throughout my journey, every dog I have owned and worked with has been a remarkable teacher, imparting invaluable lessons that have continuously improved my training skills. Dogs have taught me the significance of patience, adaptability, and the beauty of the unique bond shared between a dog and their owner. I am committed to ongoing learning and professional development, constantly seeking out new techniques and insights from fellow trainers. Every dog I encounter contributes to my ever-expanding knowledge, reinforcing my belief that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to dog training. Every dog and owner combination is a unique puzzle, and it's my privilege to find the right pieces to make that puzzle whole. With over two decades of experience, a passion for canine behavior, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of dogs and their families, I look forward to the opportunity to work with you and your beloved canine companion on your training journey. Together, we'll build a strong foundation of understanding and trust, creating a harmonious and fulfilling life for both you and your dog.