Your dog's barking, growling or biting isn't a failure - they are trying their best and so are you.
I work with fear-based behaviors like reactivity, aggression, and anxiety through evidence-based, compassion-led methods. No harsh tools. No forcing. Just thoughtful, flexible training that helps your dog feel safer in their world — and helps you feel more confident navigating it with them.
Our dogs have found out how to navigate this world more comfortably by themselves and with each other. We have all learned new tools to make for a better life together.
- Anna, Oliver, Clementine and Elsa
Patty Mayo! She had a hard time meeting new people and being alone. Now she relaxes when alone and has made many new friends.
You got your dog thinking you'd have a new hiking friend, a coffee shop buddy or a nap partner. Now you have a dog who is afraid to go places, who barks at everything on walks, or who bites you or others. You've tried group classes, read every article, and even tried a trainer, and you still feel stuck.
Having a dog with fearful or aggressive behavior is exhausting, it can make you feel sad, anxious, guilty and ashamed. It hurts to feel like you aren't doing enough, and maybe other trainers gave you things that felt impossible to do - adding some feelings shame.
I've felt stuck before and know how it can feel. My job is to help you move from fear, shame, and confusion towards compassion, understanding and joy.
What I can help with:
Your dog barks or hides when someone comes to your house
Your dog barks, growls, or bites when touched or approached
Your dog seems on edge all the time — and it’s breaking your heart
There is tension or fighting between dogs in the house
Your dog freezes, hides, or panics in new places
Your vet recommended working with a dog behavior consultant.
They hide, growl or bite with handling or at the vet
They guard items, food, space or people
They are afraid of loud noises
You avoid visitors or walks because you're worried how they'll react
The good news - no matter what you’ve tried before, I can help you understand and change your dog’s behavior and your life. And because I know how overwhelming this can be, I’ll support you through this process too — with realistic plans and absolutely no judgment.
I was unsure what training would be like because we tried to work with so many trainers that had attempted to force my puppy or hurt my puppy to control him with shock collars or pushing him to the point of frustration and aggression. We didn't trust trainers and we were really stressed and upset. I was really happy to find out that your training involved compassion, patience, and decreasing triggers for aggression instead of making them worse or mistreating an animal. I also appreciate that you cared for all my pets and not just the puppy.
- SW
The Experience: Support, Clarity, and Care
Dog behavior can seem confusing or unclear. It is my job to teach you all you need to know about your dog while creating a learning space for everyone. I work with you to create a compassionate plan that fits both your life and your dog's needs.
Individual Care
Effective behavior change requires an individual approach - for your dog and you. We'll work together to create a plan for your family and adjust along the way as your dog learns and grows. The goal is lasting change and harmony, supported by a system that works in real life. I offer both online and in-person sessions for flexible, accessible learning.
Support Every Step of the Way
After each session, you’ll receive a clear, easy-to-follow summary—and if it doesn’t feel easy, I’ll revise it so it works for you. Between sessions, I’m available by email for questions, and membership clients can book short check-ins most days of the week to get support when they need it. I’ll also collaborate directly with your vet, trainers, or other care professionals so you don’t have to play translator or advocate alone. That way, you can focus on your dog—and on taking care of yourself.
Support Every Step of the Way
Caring for a sensitive pet can bring up big feelings—and you deserve support, too. My approach is rooted in compassion and a trauma-informed framework, honoring both your pet’s needs and your own. I create a safe, affirming space for queer and neurodivergent pet parents, where you don’t have to mask, feel judged, or push past your limits. Together, we’ll build understanding, confidence, and connection—for your cat and for you.
Bandit
How it Works
1. Start with a Discovery Call
Schedule your free 15-minute call to ask questions, see if we’re a good fit, and book your Initial Consultation.
2. Initial Consultation
Your 90-minute Initial Consultation ($225, virtual) is where we’ll dive into your pet’s history, challenges, and needs. You’ll leave with first steps in hand, and we’ll decide together which membership level best fits your family.
3. Membership Support
Continue with the membership level that works best for you. Together, we’ll:
Work through training activities and follow-up sessions
Check in on goals and adjust as needed
Keep learning and celebrating progress
4. Long-Term Success
Eventually, you won’t need me as much — or at all! But I’ll always be here if you’d like support again.
Membership Benefits
Every membership level includes:
Flexible scheduling and easy reschedules
Session rollovers for when life gets busy
Priority booking and travel perks
Ongoing email/text support
Video reviews of training, behavior and more
Collaborative care team communication
Advocacy letters and behavior reports
Weekly office hour check-ins
Our dogs were having conflict in the house and we were feeling overwhelmed with how to make the situation better. We had tried some things we found online, but felt like our fixes were basically band-aids on a situation that needed more attention. We joke that Sam was a therapist for us throughout the journey too. The stress your pets feel absolutely gets passed on to you as humans, and the better you can make the situation for them, the better you'll feel about yourself in the situation too. We've found peace again in our house, and every day isn't perfect, but we have the tools to mitigate conflict as much as possible, and when it does arise, recognize and de-escalate quickly.
- Anna, Oliver, Clementine and Elsa
Common Questions
My doghas bitten someone, will you work with us?
Yes! I may recommend working with a Veterinary Behaviorist or veterinarian with knowledge in behavior in conjunction with our sessions to help maximize our efficacy. I often recommend starting with virtual training to reduce everyone's stress.
What is a behavior consultant? Are you a behaviorist?
A pet behavior consultant specializes in addressing maladpative behavior issues (fear, anxiety, aggression, repetitive behaviors, and litterbox challenges for cats). I call myself a dog and cat behavior consultant because I work with complex behavior for cats and dogs. At this moment, I only have a certification for dog behavior consulting (and to be honest, certifying bodies aren't always the most ethical, so the letters don't mean everything).
You may have heard the term cat behaviorist or dog behaviorist. Many people inaccurately describe behavior consultants as behaviorists, but we are not the same. In the USA, the term behaviorist means someone who holds a PhD in one of the behavior science fields ~or~ who holds both a Master’s degree and a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist certification through Animal Behavior Society.
© 2025
In Person in Colorado: Broomfield, Westminster, South Boulder, Arvada,
Virtual everywhere!
