Hey, i’m alix

I help dog owners who love their dog and are quietly falling apart trying to help them.

You love your dog more than you can explain. You’ve tried everything. You’ve felt frustrated and defeated after lots of bad walks. You’re not looking for someone to correct your dog’s behavior; you’re looking for someone who understands what you’re going through, can support you, and who can help your dog’s behavior and big feelings by making them feel safe again.

I’m here to help.

I used to be you.

I brought Buster home at 6 weeks old (this is not recommended, but the shelter insisted…) and did everything by the books. At first, he was an easy, sociable, happy puppy. After he was attacked by a familiar dog, he became reactive to everyone and everything.

I just wanted to have an active, easy life with him, but everything was a reaction and even walks were hard. When I tried to find help, the options were limited. Finally, I found one person who was supportive, understanding, and actually helped.

This is what ignited my interest in behavior, and here we are.

Buster is 14 now. We’ve hiked hundreds of miles, camped in the woods, and traveled all over New England (our very favorite area). He still has his quirks, but years of training and connection have allowed us to build an easy life that works for both of us and is better than I ever dreamed was possible in those early years.

If you have a dog with big feelings, I get it because I had that same life. I became the supportive, kind trainer I wish existed when I was in the thick of it. When I needed help, there wasn’t enough of it, and now I’m here to help you and your dog live the life you want.

READY TO UNDERSTAND YOUR DOG BETTER?
What I Believe In

I believe behavior is communication. Not defiance or dominance. Not a stubborn dog trying to make your life harder. When a dog lunges, shuts down, barks, or spins out, they’re telling you something. Your job isn’t to silence it. It’s to understand it.

I believe you have to care about how a dog feels before you ask anything of them. Most trainers skip this step entirely. You can’t expect your dog to do something differently if you don’t understand what the dog is experiencing in the first place.

I believe the relationship between a dog and their person is a unique, special thing worth protecting. Everything you and your dog do together should bring you closer. Connection over correction, always.

Professional & Educational Experience
COMPLETED LEARNING
  • Living and Learning with Animals – Dr. Susan Friedman – 2021
  • PetTech CPR & First Aid – 2016
  • Dog Emotion & Cognition – Dr. Brian Hare – 2015
  • Reactive Rover Workshop, in person – Pat Miller – 2014
CURRENTLY WORKING ON
  • LEGS – Kim Brophey
  • Fear Free Certified Professional
WORKING EXPERIENCE
  • 5+ years as a vet tech
  • 10+ years training dogs
  • 6+ years working as a pet industry copywriter
  • 6+ years working on explosive detection canine programs

You’re in the right place if…

  • You love your dog more than you can explain, and you’re over the people who don’t seem to get it.
  • You’ve tried other trainers, videos, Reddit threads, and even advice from Facebook. Some of it helped, but most of it didn’t.
  • You’ve cancelled plans because of your dog’s needs.
  • You feel guilty and resentful because you feel like you can’t trust your dog.
  • You’re starting to wonder if your dog is just too much.
  • You worry that you’re doing something wrong and making it worse.
  • You crave support from someone who actually gets it because they’ve lived it.

You’re not failing your dog. You’re just carrying something heavy without the right support.

That’s exactly what I’m here for.

Let’s Talk About Your Dog →
about me

A little more about me

avid reader

Thriller, lit fic, you name it.

lifelong journaler

I love to write (can you tell?).

sourdough baker

Doughorothy makes tasty bread!

hobby hopper

Name any crafty hobby. I bet I’ve done it.

I LOVE MAINE

Maine is my favorite place.

trying new food

I’ve been vegetarian for over 10 years.

People say dogs aren’t our whole lives, but that they make our lives whole. I kinda think they’re both.

Ready to feel less alone in this?

If you’ve read this far, I’m guessing something here felt familiar.

Maybe it was about the exhausting walks. Maybe it was about how much you love a dog who can be so challenging at times. Either way, I’d love to hear more about you and your dog so you know you aren’t alone.

Book a free connection call read some articles
SNIFF AROUND SOME POPULAR TOPICS
ENRICHMENT

Meeting your dog’s needs is the first step in establishing a good connection and working through challenges together.

FOR THE HUMAN

I’ve lived what you’re going through, and I know how important it is to make sure you’re supported during this journey.

SENIOR DOG SUPPORT

Senior dogs have special needs and let’s be real, there isn’t enough guidance out there on how to help them through their golden years.

ALL THE RESOURCES

A one-stop-shop for all the resources I wish I would’ve had when I started. Resources you can trust, endorsed by me and Buster.