What if the problem isn't your dog?

What if training isn't working because the relationship hasn't been built yet?

My core belief

Behavior is information. I learned that as a Blackhawk crew chief and a counterintelligence agent before I ever learned it as a trainer. Every reaction has a cause. Treat the symptom and it comes back. Read the pattern and it changes.

Your dog isn't stubborn or dominant. They're a sensitive animal shaped by genetics, environment, and every interaction they've had with a human. And they're reading you as closely as you're reading them.

Why SCC is different

• I train you too. Most trainers work the dog. Your patterns shape your dog's behavior, so we work both.

• No assumptions. Whatever you've been told about your dog's breed or temperament, we look at what's actually in front of us first.

• Evidence over conventional wisdom. I'm tracking success rates for working dogs by comparing what research says against what we actually observe with our clients. That feeds my Master's work and every assessment I run.

• Depth, not volume. I train only a small roster at a time (join the waitlist here). You get a custom plan, not 3 commands and a clicker.

• You keep the skills. You leave knowing how your dog thinks and how to keep building after we're done.

What I specialize in

The beginnings: puppies, newly adopted dogs, the first six months. And the next chapter: psychiatric service dog teams, therapy dogs, and AKC CGC+.

Most of my clients are families who love their dogs and are drowning in conflicting advice. I help you cut through it.

SCC is not a fit if
- You want a finished dog handed back to you, running commands but not thinking for itself.
- You want an e-collar trained dog; who only listens when that thing is on and charged.

SCC is a fit if
- You want to understand your dog’s mind and build something that lasts beyond the class.
- You care about building a lasting relationship with your dog.
- You want a dog who listens because they trust and respect you, not because they fear you.

If I’m the kind of trainer you've been looking for:

Send me an email — Let's talk about your dog, your goals, and whether we're the right fit.

View Services— Puppy foundations, new dog integration, behavior consultations, and more.

GoodPup Certified | CPDT-KA, CDBC Candidate | M.S Anthrozoology, 2027 | Insured |

Serving Alexandria, Arlington, Springfield, Loudoun, and surrounding DMV areas.

Virtual consultations available nationwide