A calm dog starts with the relationship .
You love your dog and your dog loves you. But a good relationship with your dog is about more than love and affection. When you understand what your dog needs from you—and how your dog actually experiences the world—you can start changing the behaviour that has been frustrating you.
Jumping, pulling, nipping, anxiety, reactivity. I can help you understand what's really driving your dog's behaviour—and show you what to do about it.
RELATIONSHIP FIRST. TRAINING SECOND.
Does life with your dog feel harder than you expected?
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Your dog pulls you down the street instead of walking with you.
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Guests come over and your dog jumps, barks, or can't settle.
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Your dog is anxious, clingy, reactive, or constantly seeking your attention.
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You feel like you're always managing behaviour instead of enjoying your dog.
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You've tried treats, commands, corrections, or advice from other people—and you're still struggling.
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You love your dog deeply, but you're sturggling to make everyday life easier.
You don't need to become better at controlling your dog. You need to understand what your dog is communicating—and learn how to become the kind of leader your dog can trust.
What would it be like to have a calm, quiet, and loyal dog, who looks at you with trust and respect?
> Imagine enjoying your dog again.
> Imagine going for a walk without constantly scanning the road for another dog.
> Imagine having people over without worrying about what your dog will do.
> Imagine your dog looking to you when something is difficult—not because you've bribed him, threatened him, or commanded him, but because he trusts you to handle it.
Hi, I'm Elaine!
I'm a professional dog trainer and Certified Family Dog Mediator, but my work with dogs didn't begin with obedience.
I've always been fascinated by the relationship between people and animals—why some dogs seem relaxed and connected while others seem anxious, demanding, reactive or difficult to manage.
My background also includes nursing, life coaching and stress management for people. That combination shaped the way I work today: I don't just look at what the dog is doing. I look at the relationship, the environment, the human, and the dog's emotional state.
My job isn't to become your dog's trainer.
It's to teach you how to understand your dog.
Here's Milo, my German Shepherd/Norwegian Elkhound cross. He truly is a good, calm dog and he is my best teacher.
About the Method
Your dog doesn't just need more training. He needs a relationship with you that makes training possible.
Most dog training focuses on changing the behaviour you don't like:
Stop pulling.
Stop barking.
Stop jumping.
Come when called.
Those skills can be useful—but they don't necessarily address why your dog is struggling in the first place.
I take a different approach.
I teach you how to understand your dog through dog psychology and relationship, and how to become a calm, trustworthy leader your dog can rely on.
When your dog trusts you to handle the world, many of the behaviours you're struggling with begin to change at their root.
That's what I mean by relationship first.
It's not about dominating your dog. It's not about being permissive. And it's not about endlessly handing out treats.
It's about learning how to meet your dog's needs, communicate clearly, and become the person your dog feels safe to follow.
A different approach to dog training
Relationship-based: Build the foundation of trust, communication and leadership rather than simply suppressing unwanted behaviour.
Root-focused: We look at what's driving the behaviour—not just what you want your dog to stop doing.
Gentle, without intimidation: No shock collars, prong collars, physical punishment, or fear-based handling.
Owner-focused: I'll teach you how to understand and guide your dog, so you aren't dependent on a trainer forever.
What working with me looks like
1. We look at your dog as an individual.
I'll observe your dog and your relationship with him and help you understand what's actually going on.
2. I teach you the foundation.
You'll learn the principles I use to help dogs become calmer, more secure and more responsive to their people.
3. We apply it to your real life.
We'll address the things you're actually struggling with—whether that's jumping, barking, anxiety, pulling, reactivity, or something else.
4. You'll know what to do moving forward.
You won't leave with a list of commands to practise. You'll leave understanding your dog and knowing how to handle situations yourself.
How We Work Together
The Calm Canine Session
3 hours · $500 + mileage
One comprehensive, in-home session where we look at your dog, your relationship, and what’s really behind the behaviour you’re struggling with.
I’ll teach you the foundation you need to understand your dog and make meaningful changes at home. For many dogs, this one session is all they need.
You’ll also have ongoing access to me by text and email if questions come up along the way.
Additional coaching is available when you want dedicated time to work through something together—but it’s not something you have to buy to get the full picture.
