Frequently Asked Questions

Do you only work with dogs? 

Not at all! I also love working with cats, especially those who are fearful or experiencing conflicts with other pets in the home. While my current certifications are specifically for dog behavior consulting and animal training, I am also an experienced and knowledgeable cat behavior consultant. 

My pet does ____ behavior, can you help?

Probably!  I have experience helping with a wide range of behaviors. I specialize in fear, anxiety, compulsive behaviors (e.g. spinning, light and shadowing chasing, excessive licking or chewing) and aggressive behaviors (eg. growling, lunging, biting).  If I don't feel confident in my ability to support you, I will either refer you to another skilled consultant or collaborate with others through the process.  

Are you a behavior consultant or behaviorist? What does a pet behavior consultant do?

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. 

My pet has a bitten someone, will you see them?

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.

Can you help me if I'm not in Colorado?

Yes! I offer virtual consultations and training sessions, allowing us to work together no matter where you’re located. Remote sessions are highly effective and provide the same level of personalized guidance and support as in-person sessions. Sometimes it is even better than in-person because we are all comfortable in our homes and a stranger in the home (me) isn't stressing your or your pet out. 

Where do you see people in-person?

Broomfield, Longmont, South Boulder, North Arvada, Westminster

What other experiences do you have that help you as a behavior consultant? 

My background in veterinary medicine gives me a deeper understanding of how health and behavior are interconnected. Many behavior challenges stem from or are influenced by underlying medical conditions, and my experience allows me to recognize when a veterinary assessment is needed. This knowledge helps me create well-rounded plans that consider both your pet’s physical and emotional well-being. 

Beyond veterinary medicine, my education in gender studies and philosophy gives me a unique perspective on how all things are interconnected. These disciplines have taught me to approach problems holistically, consider diverse perspectives, and recognize the importance of meeting the needs of both pets and their people. Together, these experiences help me provide compassionate, effective, and inclusive support for families navigating behavior challenges.

How long will it take to see results? 

Every pet and situation is unique, so the timeline for change varies. My goal is to help you get relief quickly while working towards life-long change towards improved quality of life for everyone. We may need to call in other teams to help us, like a veterinary specialist, as we continue to learn more together. While I cannot guarantee specific outcomes, I focus on providing you with effective tools, knowledge, and strategies to support your pet's progress and long-term well-being.