How I Train
Balanced dog training in San Diego for aggressive, reactive and anxious dogs.
“As gentle as I can be, and as firm as I need to be.”
My approach
I’m a balanced trainer. Training starts with rewards, routine and clear communication, and fair corrections come only once a dog understands what I’m asking. Every plan is built for one dog and one family, and I work with every client myself, from the first evaluation through graduation.
What makes my e-collar training ethical?
For most behavior cases I recommend an Educator e-collar, for dogs from over-excited jumpers to dogs with serious bite histories. Used well, it’s a gentle and very adjustable tool that helps dogs and their people learn quickly. What makes it ethical is how it’s used:
Your dog is introduced to the collar gradually, and understands it before it’s ever used for a correction.
I work at the lowest level your dog notices. Every dog’s level is different.
Rewards stay at the center of training.
A correction is there to get your dog’s attention, not to cause pain.
I teach you to use it in person, alongside me.
The collar isn’t forever. Once your dog is reliable, we wean off it.
It starts with an evaluation
Before any tool is used, I meet you and your dog at home for a free evaluation. We talk through your dog’s history, triggers and any bites. I tell you honestly what I expect the program to achieve, what it will ask of you at home, and how much I expect your dog to need the e-collar.
If your dog may have a medical issue, I’ll talk it through with you first, and I can take your dog to their regular vet. For a few very anxious dogs, I’ve suggested that owners ask their veterinarian whether medication could help alongside training.
Fearful and anxious dogs
A fearful dog needs a different plan from an aggressive one. With anxious dogs I lean much more on rewards, affection and praise, and use the e-collar far more lightly, often only its beep or vibration. Clear, consistent guidance and small wins build confidence, and as anxious dogs gain confidence they start opening up and exploring the world.
Can I choose not to use an e-collar?
Yes. It’s my recommendation, not a requirement. Training only works if you’re on board, because most of the practice happens at home between sessions. If you’d rather not use one, I’ll tell you at the evaluation what results I’d realistically expect without it, and why, so you can decide with the full picture.
Safety
For dogs with a bite history, I introduce a basket muzzle slowly and positively, so it becomes a normal part of going out and keeps everyone safe while we train.
Who I work with
Aggression toward people or other dogs, including dogs with a bite history
Leash reactivity: lunging, barking and pulling
Conflict between dogs in multi-dog households
Rescue dogs
Fearful and anxious dogs
All breeds, including German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Cane Corsos and Great Danes
Training happens in your home and neighborhood, across San Diego County.
About Lauren
Master of Arts in Biology (Miami University’s Project Dragonfly, with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance)
Certified canine behavior specialist
About ten years in veterinary clinics in Chicago and San Diego
Over 400 dogs trained
Insured