How I Work
Thoughtful support for dogs with big feelings and the people who love them
Dog training doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Behavior is shaped by emotion, environment, history, and relationship — and lasting change comes from working with all of it, not just the visible behavior.
My Approach
My work is rooted in:
Emotional safety and welfare-first decision making
Preventing rehearsal of behaviors that don’t serve the dog or the household
Building skills that support regulation, confidence, and choice
Helping guardians feel informed, capable, and supported — not blamed
I don’t rely on corrective tools or intimidation-based methods. I care deeply about how dogs feel while learning, not just what they can do.
The Clients I Work Best With
I work best with people who:
Are curious about their dog, even when things are hard
Want long-term change over quick fixes
Are willing to move at a pace that supports learning and emotional safety
Value relationship, enrichment, and quality of life — for both dog and human
If you’re primarily looking for rigid compliance or a checklist of behaviors, my services may not be the best fit.
How Support is Structured
Support typically falls into three categories:
Guided entry points to clarify needs and create a plan
Group programs focused on specific challenges or developmental stages
Self-led and maintenance options for ongoing enrichment, skill building, and regulation
You don’t need to understand all of this before starting — that’s what Guidance is for.
Where to Begin
If you’re feeling unsure about next steps, Guidance is the most straightforward place to begin.
If you’re still exploring, you’re welcome to browse programs or resources at your own pace.
I’ve been training dogs my whole life, but began formally assisting in classes and deepening my understanding of learning, behavior, and the human–animal relationship in 2015.
I’ve been offering professional services through Like Magic since 2019.
My specialization in reactivity grew out of my own training journey, and my fascination with development and relationships naturally expanded my work into puppies, adolescents, fear, anxiety, and aggression.
Stories have always been as constant in my life as dogs. It didn’t take long to see training as a collaborative storytelling adventure — complete with stat blocks, good and bad dice rolls, and challenge ratings for the hard things.
Meet the Magical Crew
Artemis
Cassidy’s Sport Dog and Demo Dog
Yo-Yo vom Wildhaus “Fig”
BH NW2 L1C L1I L1V DCAT CAA CGC
Liz’s Sport Dog and Demo Dog
Final Frontier’s Roll Charisma “Riz”
Everyone’s Emotional Support Chi and Demo Dog
Soot Sprite
Training Cat and Professional Himbo
Karma
Training Cat and The Most Perfect Child
Catra (2022-2024) and
Stars and Stones “Mouse” CGC (2011-2025)
The Legends
