Opal
Dog Trainer

Before I fully delved into working full-time training dogs and their owners, I worked in the mental health & substance abuse field as a clinical social worker. I incorporated my dog behavior knowledge & training skills, paired with Animal Assisted Therapy techniques with my clients, using my two dogs at the time, Mini a dachshund mix and Frisco, a chihuahua. Both, whom I trained to help me with the my work of helping people to become a better version of themselves, to help release the symptoms they had been struggling with for years. This technique helped build trust/openness to their innermost struggles in their life. This technique was the gateway to help decrease their anxiety/depression, paranoia & their symptoms of PTSD. This was so POWERFUL to see the growth & change in them! All with the assistance of my dogs.My training techniques are customized to each puppy & dog no matter the breed, age or temperament/personality. I subscribe to balanced methods which is a combination of leadership and positive reinforcement, including behavior modification. I educate owners on communicating effectively with their dog(s), consistent with the training to get the result they want, which is a happy well behaved dog. I also equip them with training tools and techniques they need to reach their goal. I then teach the skill needed for them to become the leader of a balanced pack. During the pandemic in 2020, I decided to shift gears and follow my true passion of working with dogs and helping their owners to better communicate with them. I first became a Certified Dog Trainer through Animal Behavior College in 2003, but was training part-time, along with training my personal dogs. At that time I was working full-time in the mental health & substance abuse field. So in 2021, I began working with a doggie daycare & boarding facility as the manager of the dog training program, which I developed & put systems in place while also working with owners training their dogs. I also incorporate agility training in my training program. This helped the dogs to have fun while learning. While working there, I attended Jo-Thor’s Dog Trainers’ Academy in Atlanta, GA where I received my certifications: Certified Professional Dog Educator & Trainer, Certified Advanced Dog Educator & Trainer. In 2022, I obtained my Certified Master Dog Educator & Trainer certification and in 2023, and I continue to help owners build a bond of mutual trust and respect between themselves and their dogs. My motto is, "No Problem.” to whatever dog behavior issues presents itself, whether is basic obedience, anxiety/reactivity or aggression. I work with all breeds, ages & sizes.