Over 25 years of experience helping families train their dogs.
Specializing in the family dog.
My goal as a dog trainer is to help dog families build a wonderful, life-long relationship with their dog. My teaching methods empower dog owners with an understanding of how dogs learn and how to clearly and effectively shape their pet into a well-mannered pup. Together, we can teach your dog to become a well-behaved canine who is welcome wherever he or she goes.
Dog training is a joint effort between dog-parent(s) and trainer. I offer a holistic perspective of pet parenting including tips such as keeping your dog healthy, grooming techniques, choosing appropriate toys and equipment for your pup, and more.
I will show you the way to success!
My proven training curriculum combines a number of methods that nurture a calm and stable temperament. These methods include positive reinforcement and motivational techniques which makes training fun for both you and your dog. This creates a much happier and more willing dog who will bond more easily with his/her family. My goal is to enable you to develop a deeper understanding of your dog as well as a stronger relationship with this important family member.
My students are very important to me and I consider it a privilege to help them and their family. I care deeply about their success and I am committed to providing personalized, quality instruction for every family. I listen to my student’s needs and do my best to support them in the best possible way. Complimentary email support is available to all of my students to ensure their success in-between lessons. In order to promote consistency in your pup’s training, I encourage all family members to participate.
Thank you for your interest in Muddy Paws Dog Training!
PUPPIES!
Puppy Head Start is for puppies up to 12 weeks of age. We will meet at your home to address every aspect of caring for and teaching a young puppy. The goal is to start on the road to success right away and to develop a relationship that is built upon trust.
Puppy Head-Start consists of two, 90 minute sessions, which are followed by hourly Private Lessons or group classes. It is recommended that your first lesson take place before your pup arrives.
Topics Include
How to effectively manage your puppy.
Your pup’s first days home.
Setting up your home for ease and success.
Developing a routine.
Helping your puppy transition into life with a family.
Housebreaking.
Crate Training.
Nipping.
Destructive behavior.
Taking inappropriate items.
Children and puppies.
Nurturing a calm/responsive pup.
Early socialization for proper behavioral development.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Now that you have completed the Puppy Head Start curriculum, you and your puppy at ready for hourly private lessons, where you and your family will receive 1:1 instruction and support.
Topics Include:
Complete focus on your family and your pup.
Teaching cues in a clear and fair way.
Learning how ones actions can affect their pup’s behavior
Balanced and holistic approach to training
Focus on shaping temperament, bonding, and effective communication
Inclusion of children
Group Classes: The Ladder to Success.
Muddy Paws Dog Training offers group classes for puppies as young as 9 weeks of age.
Adult Dog Training
My proven training curriculum combines a number of methods that nurture a calm and stable temperament. These methods include positive reinforcement and motivational techniques which makes training fun for both you and your dog. This creates a much happier and more willing dog who will bond more easily with his/her family. My goal is to enable you to develop a deeper understanding of your dog as well as a stronger relationship with this important family member.
25 years of dog training at your service.
• 25+ years as Director of Dog Training, Especially for Pets.
25+ years teaching private and group classes, including specialty classes for service dog puppies.
Volunteer Puppy Raiser Instructor for Canine Companions for Independence.
Testimonials
We began working with Leslie when our pup was 8 weeks old. She was an absolute godsend! Honestly, I always thought dog training was all about the dog, but Leslie really helped us understand that it's even more so about the owner(s) and the handling in addition to the training. She really helped us understand the do's and dont's and was very consistent with us. In addition, she gave us so many wonderful recommendations for all things dog related. We trust Leslie and I have personally referred about a dozen friends to her. We have such a sweet dog and we thank Leslie's guidance for that. I would not hesitate to recommend her!
— Melissa M
We have been working with Leslie for just under a year now—and in that time she has quickly become fairy dogmother to our high-energy, high-anxiety, high-excitement rescue pup. Not only did she give us realistic expectations and reassurance when things were tough at the outset, she gently helped us adjust the way we interacted with our dog in a way that helped all of us (dog included) feel more safe and stable. As new challenges and situations arise, we have full faith that Leslie’s guidance, combined with our own commitment to “do the work” each and every day, will only continue to make a world of difference in our lives.
— Sarah T
Dog walks are stress-free again! After a couple of negative encounters with other dogs, our mild-mannered Lola started to become anxious and reactive when walking on her leash. Neighborhood walks were all but impossible, as she would growl, lunge, and strain whenever we would pass another dog. Leslie quickly identified the root of the issue, and she patiently led us through a series of training steps designed to build Lola’s confidence and reduce her fear and anxiety. Leslie’s training instructions were always clear and easy to follow, and her attitude was positive and reassuring. She set small, achievable goals each week, and before long we were walking Lola through the neighborhood again, passing other dogs calmly and with confidence. Thank you, Leslie!
— Heidi T
