About V

V (Victoria) is a dog trainer and behavior consultant with nearly a decade of experience in modern, dog-friendly, science-based behavior change. Over the years, V has helped countless clients achieve lasting changes to improve quality of life for everyone in the household. V works with dogs of any breed, age, ability, or health status.

V is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT), a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), a Fear Free Certified Professional, and a graduate of the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA CTP). With these certifications and as someone committed to continuing her education, you can trust that V holds herself to a high standard of ethics and know she has been tested rigorously on her dog training knowledge and skill, as well as her human coaching abilities.

Throughout the last decade, V has consulted with clients privately not only for dogs with separation distress and dogs who avoid being touched, but also everything from basic training to severe fear and aggression. She has also worked with dogs with a variety of physical limitations such as dogs with neurological disorders, missing limbs, deafness, blindness, and dogs who are both deaf and blind. Additionally, she has taught basic through advanced level group classes (including Canine Good Citizen AKC training), written training class curriculums, run drop-off group day training and socialization classes for both young puppies learning to socialize for the first time as well as adult dogs who have struggled socially with other dogs and people, run boarding and training programs out of her home, consulted with breeders and other folks who found themselves raising litters of puppies and provided hands-on help with early socialization and training, and more!

Not only does V have years of professional experience, she also has extensive personal experience with her own dogs and many foster dogs with a wide variety of behavior concerns. Scout (pictured above in V’s arms) was one her foster dogs with separation anxiety. He was found on the streets of Houston as a young puppy with severe mange, and as he started to recover his intense fear of being alone came to light. V couldn’t even go to the bathroom without him at first! After several months of careful intervention, Scout overcame his anxiety, was adopted, and now happily snoozes on the couch when alone!

Freddie Mercury (pictured somewhere in the puppy pile above), is V's youngest dog. Even though Freddie had excellent early life experiences, he still developed fears of having his nails trimmed and ears cleaned after a couple of painful infections. With consistent training, Freddie overcome his fears, learned to trust that the procedures are safe, and now happily relaxes and agrees to nail trims and ear cleaning!

As a disabled person herself, V takes pride in creating space for clients that is free of judgement, shame, or blame. Although not completely fluent, V also understands and uses American Sign Language regularly.

In their free time, V enjoys peaceful walks in the woods with their dogs, training and playing with their dogs, playing video games, dancing, and spending time with friends. 💜