Tailored, Relationship-Based Solutions for Every Family
As a certified family dog mediator, my approach to dog training is grounded in understanding each dog’s unique makeup, influenced by their genetics, life experiences, and individual personality. I believe that effective training goes beyond basic obedience—it’s about building a meaningful relationship between you and your dog, fostering trust, confidence, and resilience.
Using a range of techniques, I focus on creating a strong bond and addressing your dog’s specific needs. Clients will see concrete results through a customized approach that helps the dog feel safe, understood, and confident in their environment, leading to a balanced and fulfilling relationship.
Relationship Building and Trust 
Marina Dominguez, CFDM
Owner, Trainer, Dog Lover
Relationship Building and Trust
At the core of my training approach is the belief that trust and communication are vital for a healthy dog-owner relationship. Since dogs are incredibly intuitive, they thrive when they experience consistent guidance and a sense of connection with their human family. Therefore, I teach you to interpret your dog’s signals and understand their unique needs. My goal is to equip you with the tools and confidence to strike the right balance between meeting your dog’s needs and fitting within your family’s lifestyle. By understanding your dog and creating an environment of clear leadership and safety, you’ll be able to guide their behavior in a way that feels natural and positive for them and you.
Enrichment and Autonomy: Meeting Your Dog’s Needs
Many dog breeds were originally bred for specific working roles, and as such when their natural needs aren’t met, modern dogs can become under-stimulated. Accordingly, my approach focuses on ensuring your dog receives the right enrichment — whether through mental stimulation, physical exercise, or breed-appropriate activities. Dogs also need a sense of autonomy, and I work with families to strike a balance where the dog feels in control while still fitting into the family’s lifestyle. This autonomy helps reduce stress and builds confidence, leading to a more balanced and content dog.
Building Confidence and Stress Resilience
Many dogs struggle with anxiety or fear, which can lead to reactive or undesirable behaviors. As such, one of my focuses is helping dogs build stress resilience and confidence. I accomplish this through positive experiences, gradual exposure, and reinforcement of calm behavior, as we work to create a stable and confident dog who can handle new situations with ease. By using a combination of classical and operant conditioning, we empower dogs to feel in control of their emotions and environment, rather than overwhelmed by stress.
Importance of Structured Dog Walks
I show you how to get the most out of your walk, even with a busy schedule. A proper dog walk is essential to complement your training and behavior modification plan. Not only do structured walks provide much-needed physical exercise, but they also serve as a valuable opportunity to expend your dog’s mental energy. This combination of physical and mental stimulation results in a more satisfied and calmer dog.