I have been training dogs since 2007, and my priority is making sure families know how to communicate with their dogs in a positive and respectful way. Training your dog is such an important part of bonding and learning each other’s needs and wants, and I take that responsibility very seriously. My goal is to help my clients understand the “why” behind what their dogs are doing or thinking and work together to reinforce behaviors that are both beneficial and necessary to live together in harmony and happiness. Communication with your dog is key, and I think of myself as a “dog translator” here to help you speak “dog” fluently! I also have a four-year-old Doberman named Zelda who loves to learn new tricks and go to the dog beach whenever possible.

I have used my experience and my education (B.A. in Philosophy) to successfully train and rehabilitate dogs. I believe that every interaction with a dog is an opportunity to train them. In a society that tends to treat dogs like humans more than ever before, I believe it’s incredibly important to educate pet parents on dog psychology and communication so that both canines and humans feel as if their relationship is fulfilling. I have three dogs: Moo who is a Rat Terrier mix, Annie who is a Dachshund mix, and Tom Cruise, a Labrador Retriever.

I’m a proud dog momma of my Australian Cattle Dog, Scout, and found a passion for training dogs when I started training and doing agility with her. I also have previous experience working with rescue dogs, providing various pet services, as well as working with dogs at PAWS Chicago and helping with the adoption processes. I love dogs, and hope to be able to help create lasting fur-ever relationships with pets and their parents!

I have had dogs all my life. I grew up with two German Shepherds and now I have two mixed breed dogs, Chester and Timothy, who live with my family in Italy. They are spoiled just like your dogs. By the way, I’m a native Italian! I moved to the US in 2019. My journey at PUPS has been great so far. I worked at the daycare and met incredible people and their awesome pups! This opportunity with the training team excites me because I get to help humans and their dogs build strong and happy relationships.

My new dog, who I adopted, named Rachel was adapting to her new home, learning new things and changing so quickly. I wanted to know where some of her hilarious and seemingly random behaviors were coming from, how her mind was working and most importantly, how she became such a perfect angel dog. I also have another pet: a small bird named Fiver, who is a goofball, but they get along! “How,” I began asking myself, “did I end up with this perfect dog who will allow a bird to land on her head and not even flinch?!” I couldn’t wait to begin my training journey with PUPS Pet Club. Now, I hope to use my extensive experience working with human students and parents to foster many awesome and loving pet parent relationships.

Rescue dogs come with many unique challenges, often dealing with anxiety, trauma, and sometimes physical disabilities. The care and understanding they require can be overwhelming at times, but helping a dog feel safe and happy is incredibly rewarding. Being able to apply that same special care to every dog I train and work with, no matter their background, is such a privilege and a joy.

As a kid, I watched my grandfather, a natural-born dog trainer, train and care for dogs. He took me under his wing and planted a seed of interest that would grow into my passion. I learned how to modify dogs’ behavior and understand their language. In my career as a dog trainer, I have been fortunate to witness the growth of relationships between humans and their dogs.  Strengthening the bond between a dog and their human is what brings joy. I can’t wait to work with you so you too can have the absolute best relationship with your pup!