Training Built for Real Clinical Work
Services designed for the mental health world — the people who work in it, the clients they serve, and the dogs who support them both.
Trauma-Informed Obedience Training
Before a dog can support clinical work, they need a foundation built with the same principles we apply in trauma care: safety, predictability, and attunement.
My obedience training applies a trauma-informed framework to basic through advanced behavioral skills. I work at the dog's pace, avoid aversive methods, and build a relationship between handler and dog that can withstand the regulatory demands of clinical environments.
This service is appropriate for:
— Handlers preparing for therapy or service work
— Facilities onboarding a new canine team member
— Individuals whose dogs will live with or support someone with a trauma history
Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD) Training
Psychiatric service dogs perform specific, trained tasks that directly mitigate the symptoms of a handler's psychiatric disability. This is not the same as emotional support — PSDs have ADA-protected public access rights because of the work they do.
We train tasks including:
— Grounding and interruption for PTSD and dissociation
— Anxiety and panic response
— Medication reminders
— Crowd and space management
— Nighttime safety and nightmare interruption
As a licensed clinician, we bring clinical understanding of the conditions PSDs support — not just a trainer's lens. Your dog's task work is built around your specific diagnosis, functional impairments, and treatment goals.
Therapy Dog Training
Standard therapy dog evaluations test for temperament and basic manners. They don't test for what a dog encounters in a mental health clinic, a residential facility, or a trauma-informed school setting.
My therapy dog preparation goes beyond standard registry requirements. We train for the full range of clinical environments — varied presentations, emotional dysregulation in the room, unpredictable behavior, and extended engagement. Dogs trained through my program are ready for the work, not just the certification.
This service is appropriate for:
— Mental health clinicians integrating animal-assisted interventions
— School counselors, hospital staff, and facility coordinators
— Handlers seeking a higher bar than standard certification
Emotional Support Dog Training
Emotional support animals (ESA) provide comfort and companionship as part of a person's mental health treatment. While ESAs don't require specific task training, a well-trained ESA is significantly more effective — and significantly less stressful to live with.
I offer behavioral training, handler coaching, and guidance on documentation, housing rights, and appropriate expectations for your ESA's role in your treatment and daily life.
Rates:
Services start at $100. I believe well-trained dogs should be accessible regardless of financial situation, and I'm committed to building plans that work. Reach out — rates are flexible and we'll figure something out.
Dog Sitting
I also offer limited dog sitting for existing clients and referrals. Because of my training background, I am a particularly good fit for dogs with anxiety, reactivity, or behavioral needs that require an experienced, trauma-informed handler.
Availability is limited.
Inquire directly to check current openings.
Call/Text 804.571.0305
Rates
$40/night
Additional fees apply for:
- administration of medications
- dogs under 1 year old
- incontinent / dogs not housetrained
-Late pick ups