You don’t have to live down the street to get help with your dog’s behavior!
From puppy problems to frustrating everyday habits, I’m here to help you understand what’s going on with your dog, figure out what needs to change, and make a plan to get there. All from the comfort of your own home.
Maybe your dog turns every walk into an arm workout. Maybe guests coming over means barking, jumping, and trying to keep everyone under control. Or maybe you’ve tried a little bit of everything, and nothing seems to stick.
Sound familiar?
You don’t need another random training tip from the internet. You need someone who can take a look at your specific situation, explain what’s happening, and help you figure out what to do about it.
That’s where I come in!
I’m a professional dog trainer with over 10 years of experience working with dogs of all ages, breeds, and personalities. My approach focuses on practical training that makes everyday life with your dog easier.
And thanks to virtual services, we can work together even if you’re nowhere near Southwest Florida.
Virtual training starts with a consultation, but it doesn’t have to end there!
Your starting point for getting some answers and making a plan.
During this one-on-one video call, we’ll talk through your dog’s behavior, your concerns, and what you’d like to accomplish.
I’ll help you better understand what’s going on, discuss a personalized training plan, and recommend the next steps that make the most sense for your situation.
We’ll also determine if my ongoing training services are a good fit for you and your dog.
Please Note: Consultations are discussion and planning sessions, not hands-on training lessons. Booking a consultation does not guarantee acceptance into ongoing training.
Book Your ConsultationReady to start putting that plan into action?
If we decide to continue working together after your consultation, virtual lessons give you personalized, one-on-one coaching to work through your dog’s training goals.
I’ll guide you through exercises, demonstrate techniques when appropriate, watch you work with your dog, and give you feedback along the way.
We’ll work at a pace that makes sense for you and your dog, focusing on the skills that matter most in your everyday life.
Please Note: Virtual training lessons are available to approved clients following an initial consultation. Additional lessons are booked and paid for separately.
Start With a ConsultationYou might be surprised how much we can accomplish without being in the same room!
Virtual training and consultations can be helpful for a variety of concerns, including:
Not every behavior concern is appropriate for virtual training, and that’s okay! Part of our consultation is figuring out what kind of help will be most effective for your dog.
Some situations may be better suited for in-person training or another qualified professional. If that’s the case, I’ll be upfront about it.
Book your virtual consultation through my online scheduling form. You'll answer a few questions about your dog, choose an available appointment, and complete payment.
We'll meet over Zoom to discuss your dog's behavior, your concerns, and what you'd like to change. We'll talk through a personalized training plan and figure out the most appropriate next steps.
If we're a good fit for ongoing virtual training, we can discuss scheduling follow-up lessons where you'll start putting your training plan into practice with my guidance.
If virtual lessons aren't the best option for your situation, I'll let you know and help point you in a more appropriate direction when possible.
I’ve spent over a decade helping dog owners work through everything from basic puppy manners to more challenging behavior problems.
One thing I’ve learned? Two dogs can have the exact same problem for completely different reasons.
That’s why I don’t believe in handing everyone the same list of exercises and calling it a day.
I take the time to understand your dog, your home, your daily routines, and what you’re hoping to accomplish. Then we figure out an approach that makes sense for your specific situation.
My goal isn’t to overwhelm you with a hundred things to practice. It’s to help you understand your dog, feel confident about what you’re doing, and make progress that actually matters to you.
Animal Behavior College
International Association of
Erica Stevens
MJ did a fantastic job with our job and was a pleasure to work with! I feel like we have more control over Norman and can better handle his issues with our other dog. She's incredibly professional and great with dogs.
Highwater Dog TrainingThank you so much for the wonderful review, I'm so glad I was able to help you with Norman - he's such a sweet boy!
Emily Greenhalgh
We loved working with MJ. Our dogs are friendly, but intense. They would overwhelm guests. We needed training ourselves almost as much as the dogs and MJ was great with that.
She was thoughtful about what we actually needed and wanted to accomplish and changed her techniques and lessons around our dogs vs just doing a one-sized fits all approach. The actual practicing we had to do was bite sized enough that it felt do-able and we could see the dogs making progress right away. Both "Back" and "Place" have been life savers for us.
Her balanced approach to training and her patience with both us and the dogs has made me feel much more confident for having people over.
I would absolutely recommend her to anyone (and so would Maggie and Cooper! )
Highwater Dog TrainingThank you Emily! You've done amazing work with Maggie and Cooper, they're lucky to have you!
Debbie Winnick
This is our 4th dog, but the most challenging puppy we have had. He is a love, but stubborn and thinks he is dominant. MJ gave us great ideas and really understood and supported us with the behavioral issues we were having with our new puppy, Riley. He is doing great and we are using all the new skills we learned from MJ. She is direct, but very calm...in just 6 private sessions with MJ we have pragmatic techniques that help Riley - he is well socialized, walks well [or, at least, better] on a leash and plays well with others.
Highwater Dog TrainingThank you Debbie! I was so happy to help you and Riley!
Jean Whitney
MJ has helped us so much - help with real life situations to help our pups learn good manners.
Sarah Casey
MJ is a dog whisperer! Quincy had so much trouble walking on a leash and settling in the house before we started training. He is a different dog now! MJ helped so much with commands and explained why certain things work and don’t work with training a dog. She is the best!
Highwater Dog TrainingThank you Sarah! Quincy is such a good boy, I'm so glad I was able to help!
Kris Jones
I have attended numerous training sessions for reactive dogs in MA and RI. MJ is the best because her training is balanced and, most importantly, effective. I wish I had met her many years ago. Thank you, MJ!
Nope! Your consultation is a chance for us to discuss your dog's behavior, identify your goals, and create a plan for moving forward. We won't be actively working through training exercises during this appointment. Hands-on coaching happens during separate virtual training lessons.
Possibly! During our consultation, we'll determine if my virtual training services are a good match for your dog and your goals. If we agree to move forward, we can discuss follow-up lessons. Ongoing training is not guaranteed with the purchase of a consultation.
We'll meet over Zoom, and I'll coach you through working with your dog in real time. I'll explain exercises, observe what you're doing, and provide feedback to help you improve your training.
Some dogs and behavior concerns need hands-on professional help. If I believe in-person training would be a better option for your situation, I'll be honest about that. I want you to get the help that's right for your dog, even if that means working with someone else.
No fancy setup required! You'll need a phone, tablet, or computer with a camera, and a reliable internet connection. For consultations, your dog doesn't even need to be present unless we've discussed it beforehand.
Absolutely! Virtual consultations are available to dog owners across the country. You don't need to live within my in-home training service area to work with me online.
That's perfectly fine! You don't need any prior experience. I'll explain things in a way that makes sense and help you figure out where to start.
You don’t have to keep guessing what to try next.
Let’s talk about your dog, what’s been frustrating you, and what you’d love to change. Together, we’ll figure out a plan and see if working together is the right next step.
Consultations are paid, one-on-one planning sessions. Follow-up training lessons are available separately for approved clients.
