At Grace With Dogs, we believe exceptional dog training requires a blend of art and science. It’s not just about commands; it’s about understanding the why behind the behavior and crafting a how that works for your unique life. Our combined expertise in psychology, veterinary medicine, and mechanical problem-solving offers you an unparalleled approach you won’t find anywhere else.
My journey to dog training wasn’t a straight line—it was a convergence of my two greatest passions: understanding minds and healing animals.
It started at Georgetown University, where I fell in love with the ‘psychology of learning.’ I was fascinated by what motivates behavior in both humans and animals. After graduation, I used that knowledge as a counselor for at-risk teens, seeing firsthand the powerful, healing bond between kids and my therapy dogs.
But my pull towards animal science was strong. For 20 years, I worked as a surgical Veterinary Technician. In the operating room, I learned the intricate details of canine physiology and how health directly impacts behavior. In the clinic, I became a translator for thousands of worried owners, helping them understand what their dogs were trying to say.
These two paths—psychology and veterinary medicine—uniquely prepared me for my true calling. As a full-time professional dog trainer for 6 years and an active member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), and an AKC Evaluator, I don’t just train dogs. I use a science-based framework to decode their behavior, ensuring the solutions we build are not only effective but also compassionate and tailored specifically to you and your dog.
Where Grace sees the big-picture behavior, I see the step-by-step process to fix it. I’m a natural problem-solver with a mechanical mind that loves to deconstruct complex issues into manageable, achievable steps.
Trained by the best—my wife and business partner—I’ve spent the last 6 years honing my skills in the field. I thrive on tackling the tough cases, the seemingly stubborn problems where owners feel they’ve tried everything. My approach is logical, honest, and creative. I don’t believe in magic wands; I believe in clear, practical plans that deliver fast, reliable results.
This hands-on, mechanical mindset extends to my workbench, where I design and fabricate custom training equipment for our clients. Whether it’s a specialized ‘Skills Training Box’ for obedience or a unique tool for a specific behavioral challenge, I enjoy creating physical solutions that support the training process. For me, it’s all about building—whether it’s building a better behavior, building an owner’s confidence, or building the right tool for the job.
CREDENTIALS & EXPERTISE
Georgetown University, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Surgical Veterinary Technician, 20 Years of Experience
Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
Member, International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP)
AKC Canine Good Citizen Trainer & Evaluator
My Focus: I leverage this unique background to strengthen your bond with your dog through clarity, patience, and proven, science-based methods.
SOLUTION-FOCUSED & EMPATHETIC
Life gets busy. Whether you’re…
Feeling overwhelmed by a new puppy and don’t know where to start.
Dealing with frustrating behaviors like pulling, jumping, or barking.
Worried you’ve fallen behind on training and need a clear path forward.
Our Role: We provide the structure, support, and expert guidance to turn that frustration into confidence, no matter where you are in your journey.
OUR TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
We believe every dog is capable of amazing things when we communicate effectively. There are no ‘bad dogs,’ just misunderstood ones. And there are no failing owners, just ones who haven’t yet found the right teacher. Our philosophy is built on three pillars:
Partnership: Transforming the “owner” dynamic into a joyful, cooperative partnership where obedience comes naturally.
Clarity: Using consistent communication your dog instinctively understands.
Empowerment: Teaching you the why behind the methods, making you the expert on your own dog.
Life’s too short to be at odds with your dog – it doesn’t have to be that way.
Let us teach you what I know.
“I highly recommend Grace for anyone who not only wants wants a better behaved dog, but also wants a better relationship with their canine best friend. Thank you Grace for all you’ve done for us!” -John L.
“Grace is one of those humans put on this earth to help others. Amazing talent with helping, teaching & forming relationships with dogs. Hard-working, funny, genuine & the gentlest of souls.” -Meg T.
“With working dogs, you can’t have just anyone handle them. Grace is one of the few people I trust implicitly to care for our four German Shepherds and cat! They don’t get the upper paw with her.” -Diana H.