Our training methods emphasize connection, safety, and trust. It may look a bit different from traditional or "mainstream" training.
We will honor your dog’s natural abilities while helping him build confidence.
If you are ready to embark on a unique journey with your dog, then you've come to the right place.
Click here to learn more: What We Teach
Since studying dog behavior beginning in 2010, I have become adept at reading the body language of dogs. This ability to read canine body language is the key to understanding what's truly going on with your dog's emotional state.
A dog's behavior is simply the expression of an emotional state. Instead of addressing the "symptoms" and trying to get the problem behaviors to go away, we need to look at the root: your dog's emotional state and what caused it. Many dogs today, just like humans, are experiencing nervous system dysregulation.
In order to help your dog become more regulated, we have to find ways to help them feel safe, calm, and confident. If you are feeling overwhelmed by your dog's behavior, we will start the process of transformation with a Behavioral Assessment.
Once we come up with a training plan and house protocol to meet the individual needs of your dog, the problem behaviors will start to resolve.
Dogs are completely "in the moment" creatures, with no separation between mind and body. By studying the way they move and honoring their innate wildness, we can help restore their natural function: to be happy, social, and loyal companions.
Obedience work is based on learning how to be a confident communicator while also learning new skills, sensitivity, and patience.
Our lessons will focus on helping create a trusting connection with your dog.
When your dog feels connected to you, obedience naturally follows.
Dogs store stress in their bodies the same way people do. Problem behaviors in dogs are caused by this stored stress being expressed in unwanted ways. Stress is simply a natural biophysical reaction to stimulation. When the energy equation is out of balance, i.e. too much stimulus without enough emotional grounding, we get a surplus of energy which is stored as stress. So what we have to do is give your dog a place to download this excess energy.
There are a few core exercises for dogs that work to bring this energy to ground, at the same time making your dog more resilient moving forward. Holistic Dog Training is akin to somatic psychology for dogs. We take into consideration that the mind and body are one, and in working to heal the body of excess stress, we can bring the mind back into balance.
If your dog has a bite or fight history, please start with a Behavioral Assessment. After this initial session, you can move forward with our lessons in Holistic Dog Training. We are located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. A travel surcharge applies outside of our service area, please contact us for details.
You can reach Leah directly on her cell phone FMI or to book a session: 423-468-0840
Elbie
"For those of you who really want to get to know your dog’s nature, gain his respect, and, yes, his love, this holistic approach is enlightening. The bonus is that your dog will walk better on a leash, sit, and other types of calm and polite behavior, naturally. Leah’s YouTube videos are extremely helpful and clear. She is always ready to listen to any question and concern, and, responds immediately whether by text, email or phone. I really appreciated Leah’s compassionate treatment of both canine and human."
-Allyson, Portland
"Leah has helped me on several occasions with my unruly hound dogs. She has encouraged me in embracing the quality of their breed and she has been right about every situation we have faced to date. She is intuitive and genuinely cares about the dogs she is training. She is encouraging, smart, passionate, and a great teacher. I highly recommend Leah and this program to anyone seeking to better understand their dog."
-Jennifer Grace, Auburn
Apollo
"I got Apollo last Oct 2018 when he was 4 months old and emaciated. He was afraid of a lot....the dark, the leaves blowing around, my putting food into his dish etc. None of the other methods of 'traditional' training that worked with my other dog seemed to work with him. He was starting to become afraid of me as well... Leah's method of training has pushed me way outside my comfort zone but the improvements I have seen in Apollo in such a short time have convinced me this is the way to go. I look forward to seeing the awesome dog I know he will be under Leah's training methods."
-Kate, South Portland
