"Dogs respond to what we communicate, not what we intend."

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Dogs have been a central focus in my life for as long as I can remember. Even in my twenties, when asked to write down a five-year goal at work, mine was always the same: become a dog trainer. It took a little longer than five years, but I eventually made it happen, and I've never looked back.

I've always been a seeker and learner, and dogs have been my greatest teachers. They are the ultimate truth tellers because they reflect what's real, not what we wish were true. I've learned more about authenticity, presence, and communication from dogs than from any other source.

One of the things I love most about dogs is that they respond to what we communicate, not what we intend. They don't get caught up in stories or assumptions; they simply respond to the information we give them in each moment. That makes them extraordinary teachers, if we're only willing to pay attention.

My path began with family and rescue dogs, including weekly walks with my uncle's rescues and volunteering at the SPCA, where I gained my first real appreciation for the incredible diversity of canine personalities, temperaments, and behavioural challenges. Later, I began a formal apprenticeship with trainer Monique Anstee of The Naughty Dogge. I entered that program with my own difficult dog, Bodhi, who became one of my greatest teachers and the catalyst for my career.

In 2022, I launched FurLife Dog Services with the goal of helping people build stronger, more meaningful relationships with their dogs through clear communication, real-world training, and customized support. Since then, my work has become a full-time immersion in canine behaviour: training and working hands-on with dogs of all breeds, temperaments, and backgrounds. I am obsessed with all things dogs, and I never tire of watching dog dynamics in my packs and out in the world. What fascinates me most is understanding how dogs communicate, how they make decisions, and how relationships are built through thousands of small interactions every day.

My methods and style have been shaped by trainers such as Mia Skogster and Ivan Balabanov. In 2025, I successfully graduated from Mia's CERTIFIED™ Dog Trainer program, where I was one of only three students in my cohort to complete the certification. Through years of hands-on experience and continuing education, I've come to realize that my greatest strength as a trainer isn't simply teaching behaviours, it's seeing the subtle patterns in communication and relationship that often go unnoticed.

I love helping people recognize what their dog has been trying to say all along, because when dogs and people begin to truly understand one another, communication becomes clearer, relationships deepen, and behaviour often starts to take care of itself. That's where the real transformation happens.

My background in psychology, fitness, yoga therapeutics, coaching, and martial arts taught me that meaningful change begins with awareness. It taught me how to observe people, recognize patterns, and understand the subtle dynamics that shape behaviour and relationship. Today, that perspective allows me to see and support both ends of the leash. My goal is not simply to teach obedience, but to help dogs and their people understand one another more deeply, communicate more clearly, and build a true, authentic partnership. 

Outside of client work, I actively train and compete in obedience with my three dogs, Zenya, Kymber, and Quest. Continuing to develop my own skills as a handler keeps me learning, growing, and bringing fresh experience back to every dog and person I work with.

If you're looking for a trainer who will see both you and your dog clearly, meet you where you are, and help you grow together with honesty, compassion, and supportive accountability, we're likely a good fit.