I’m Kayla — Army veteran, mom, and dog trainer specializing in the foundations that matter most: the first 6 months, puppy development, and building rock-solid basics - for humans and their pups.

My path to dog training wasn’t traditional. After serving in aviation and intelligence roles, I earned my degree in physiology and spent years studying how brains—human and canine—learn, adapt, and thrive under pressure.

This background shapes everything I do: training isn’t about dominance or quick fixes. It’s about understanding how your dog’s brain works and setting them up to succeed.

I currently specialize in puppies and young dogs because that’s where the foundation is built. The first six months determine whether you’ll have a confident, well-adjusted dog or spend years managing problems that could have been prevented. I focus on temperament assessment, breed-appropriate development, and teaching owners to read their dogs—not just command them.

I’m also beginning my own service dog journey in 2026, which will deepen the work I do around canine behavior and handler partnership. My academic focus is on psychiatric serviced dogs and how they can help mitigate or even alleviate symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and depression. I currently pursue my CPDT-KA certification while building Sonoran Canine Co. to serve families who want to do right by their dogs from day one.

What I believe:

- Every dog deserves training that respects their breed’s original purpose

- The best time to start training is the day your puppy comes home

- Handlers need education as much as dogs need repetition

- Good training shouldn’t be gate-kept by geography or income

Whether you’re in Alexandria with a new German Shepherd puppy or Springfield with a rescue dog struggling to settle in, my programs give you the clarity and skills to build a lasting bond.

Currently pursuing: CPDT-KA Certification; M.S. Applied Animal Behavior  

Serving: Alexandria, Springfield, Arlington, and surrounding DMV areas  

Specialties: Puppy foundations, breed selection guidance, first 30 days with new dogs

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