Kismet Canine Training

At Kismet Canine Training, I offer clear, flat-rate pricing for each of my programs—no hidden fees or surprise charges. All programs include the training tools you’ll need (leashes, collars, treat pouches, safety clips) plus structured homework plans to help you stay on track. Payment plans are available, and I'm always happy to work with you to find an option that fits your needs and budget. Service options include: In-home consultation ($75, credited toward a program): Full behavioral assessment and customized training recommendations. Single private lessons starting at $250 (obedience): One-on-one coaching for specific needs. Puppy Foundations Program starting at $1200: 4 private lessons + 6 group classes covering socialization, early obedience, confidence building, and polite household behavior. Potty Training Support starting at $1200: 4 private lessons + 6 group classes. Focused on solving adult dog housebreaking challenges with structured routines and support. Basic Obedience & Manners Program starting at $1800: 6 private lessons teaching leash skills, polite greetings, impulse control, crate training, basic commands (sit, down, heel), guest manners, and relaxation protocols. Behavior Modification Program (pricing variable $2800-$3500): 12 private lessons designed for dogs struggling with aggression, reactivity, or anxiety, using a combination of behavior tracking, management strategies, obedience foundations, and emotional regulation techniques. Advanced/Off-Leash Training Add-On starting at $1800: 6 private lessons after basic obedience, focusing on reliable e-collar recall, long-line work, and off-leash obedience under distraction. Owner-Guided Psychiatric Service Dog Program starting at $6400: 24 private lessons + 12 group classes covering advanced obedience, public access skills, and customized task work for psychiatric service dog teams. Group Classes (6 sessions) available for $250: Beginner and advanced level classes focusing on real-world obedience, engagement, and reliability around distractions. I proudly offer discounts for seniors, veterans, EMS professionals, and alumni of partnered rescue organizations such as Trinity GAP. I also run occasional seasonal promotions and referral incentives for current clients.

We begin with a free 15–20 minute phone call to get to know you and your dog. During this call, I’ll complete a short intake, explain our training methods, match you with the right program, and—if we’re a good fit—schedule your lessons and place any needed equipment orders. For basic obedience, manners, and puppy training, this phone call is usually all that’s needed. If your dog is experiencing aggression, fear, reactivity, or other behavioral issues, we’ll schedule a 60-minute in-home evaluation ($75). This includes a thorough behavior intake, a customized training plan, and time to make sure we’re the right match for your goals. The fee is credited toward your training package if you choose to move forward. I’ll also walk you through how to prepare ahead of time so you feel confident going into the consultation. For most clients in our puppy and potty training programs—or our basic manners and obedience classes—one lesson per week is recommended. However, many of our behavior modification plans involve two lessons per week to make sure you and your dog get the right support and consistent progress. Whether you’re working on foundational skills or addressing more complex challenges, I’ll help guide you every step of the way.

I’ve been working with dogs for over 7 years in both professional and volunteer capacities, focusing on obedience, manners, reactivity, and aggression. I attended the Tom Rose School for Dog Trainers, one of the most respected professional training programs in the country. I believe it’s essential to be an educator of people first, and dogs second. My goal is to teach you how to understand your dog, communicate clearly, and create structure that supports long-term success. My approach is balanced—I use food rewards and leash corrections to build trust and accountability in a way that makes sense to both you and your dog. Ongoing mentorship and continuing education are a priority in my work. I’m currently preparing to submit my portfolio for professional certification with the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) in June 2025 and plan to join both the IACP and the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NAODI) this year.

Like many dog trainers, I got started because of an exceptionally naughty dog. My first dog in college was dog-aggressive, had major separation anxiety, was an escape artist, and pulled like a freight train on leash. One day I came home to find my room completely destroyed, and that was the breaking point—I started searching for a trainer. But I quickly realized how overwhelming and contradictory the dog training world can be. Everyone seemed to have a different opinion, and I had no idea who to trust. After lots of trial and error, some bad advice, and eventually a bit of real progress with my pup, I finally found what worked—and it completely changed our lives. That journey sparked a deep interest in dog behavior and communication, and ultimately led me to attend the Tom Rose School for Dog Trainers. What started as a desperate attempt to help my own dog turned into a lifelong passion for helping others build calmer, more connected lives with their dogs.

While I work with dogs of all breeds and training goals, I primarily serve clients dealing with aggression, reactivity, fear, or anxiety. Many of my customers come to me feeling overwhelmed—especially after trying other methods that didn’t resolve the issue. I provide the structure, tools, and coaching needed to create real, lasting change. That said, I’ve worked with a wide range of dog owners—from first-time puppy parents and busy professionals to seniors, families with kids, and dedicated rescue adopters. I’ve helped clients build solid obedience, improve leash manners, and create calm, structured homes—whether they’re raising a new puppy or rehabilitating a difficult rescue. I also support owner-trainers working toward psychiatric service dog goals and can help you build the foundational obedience and behavior stability needed for that journey. No matter the situation, my focus is on educating owners first. I’ll help you understand your dog’s behavior, teach you how to respond clearly and consistently.

One of my favorite recent projects has been working with my current foster dog, Merlin—a 5-year-old Shepherd Mix pulled from the Euless Municipal Shelter. He was in urgent need of foster placement due to spiraling kennel neurosis, severe separation anxiety, and escape behaviors. He was escaping from his kennel to fence-fight with other dogs, and his behavior was rapidly deteriorating in the high-stress shelter environment. When I brought Merlin home, I immediately began crate training and dedicated the first week entirely to desensitization work around separation. By the end of that week, he saw the crate as a safe space and could tolerate short absences without panic. I gradually moved his crate from my home office to the living room, where he could see my other dogs, and began counterconditioning his fence-fighting tendencies. Using high-value rewards and a marker word, I reinforced calm behavior when dogs walked past or barked nearby. Over the next few weeks, Merlin made huge progress. He now relaxes in his crate even when other dogs are roaming freely. I taught him leash walking, door manners, and basic obedience using a prong collar for clear, fair communication. With that foundation in place, we began daily field trips to busy parks, dog-friendly stores, and patio cafés to generalize his training in real-world environments. Throughout his time with me, I’ve supported his progress with daily enrichment—sniffing games, shreddable toys, chews, and licky mats—to fulfill his biological needs and reduce stress. We’re still waiting for the perfect forever home for Merlin, but he’s now a calm, well-mannered companion who walks beautifully on leash and handles other dogs with ease. His transformation has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m proud to have helped him get a second chance.

When looking for a trainer, choose someone who takes the time to understand both your dog and your household. Training isn’t one-size-fits-all—your dog’s personality, your goals, and your lifestyle all matter. The best trainers will not only work with your dog but also coach you so you can confidently apply the training in everyday life. Ask about their methods, especially when it comes to behavior issues like fear, reactivity, or aggression. A solid trainer should use primarily reward-based techniques, meet your dog’s biological and emotional needs, and explain how they use tools if applicable. Tools like prong collars, e-collars, and slip leads can be incredibly helpful when used correctly—but they should always be paired with food, play, praise, and relationship-building. Personally, I don’t accept “low food drive” as a stopping point; every dog has motivation—we just have to find it. Also consider whether the trainer’s approach prepares your dog for the real world—not just for lessons. Can they help you with leash skills in public, calm behavior around visitors, or safe management in the home? In the end, a good trainer should make you feel supported, not judged—and give you practical skills that truly work for your unique dog.

Before reaching out to a trainer, take a few minutes to reflect on your goals and your dog’s challenges. Some helpful questions to ask yourself include: What specific behaviors do I want to change or improve? What would daily life with my ideal dog look like? How does my dog currently react to people, dogs, or new environments? Has my dog shown signs of fear, reactivity, or aggression? How much time can I realistically commit to training and follow-through? It’s also helpful to consider your dog’s history—such as past training, rescue background, or medical issues—and be honest about what has or hasn’t worked in the past. Finally, think about your training values. Are you looking for someone who uses a specific method or is open to a balanced, individualized approach? The more clearly you can share your concerns and goals, the easier it is for us to build a training plan that truly fits your dog and your lifestyle.