Whether you have a new puppy to get started on the right foot or a rescue dog showing fear, reactivity, or walking challenges… I am here to help YOU! I’m available for dog training in Annapolis, Edgewater, Arnold, Severna Park and surrounding areas.  Here’s what what makes my (Nedra, she/her, CPDT-KA, PMCT1) training special!

Empathy:  I’ve been through it myself.  Frustration, guilt, worry, confusion, burn-out, elation, love, anger and more.  My personal and professional dog experience covers ankle biting puppies, reactive rovers, unsocialized dogs, fearful fidos and even those with touch sensitivities, guarding tendencies, or the power to pull you off your feet.  I’ve even trained personal dogs in agility and conformation.   I understand and aim to treat both you and your dog with the compassion you deserve.  Allow me to provide relief - replacing your feelings of guilt and frustration with peace and calm at home and in public.

Understanding:  I bridge the gap between confused pups and frazzled owners.  With over 30 years hands-on experience with dogs, I will teach you to understand how your dog is thinking and feeling so that we can build trust and communication at both ends of the leash.  Often dogs with “big feelings” are simply misunderstood. I love to learn new things from every dog I work with as none are alike.  This includes my own rescued Golden Retrievers - one of which has very big (and deep) feelings about cars, other dogs, baby strollers, garbage trucks and more.  My coaching provides the knowledge and skills you need to work with your dog (and their nuances) more confidently. If communication has reached a critical point, day training services can provide much-needed intervention to jumpstart rebuilding your relationship.

Professionalism: Tired of dealing with people that don’t show up, have zero personal skills, or don’t deliver?   I bring together an innately strong work ethic with reliable experience from  30 years in successful corporate project management,  7 years on a non-profit rescue board (4 as president), 17 years in dog rescue, owning multiple businesses, and participation in multiple leading training industry organizations.  Together we will set training / learning goals and monitor progress.  On the rare occasion that traffic slows me down, you will hear from me.  I honor my commitments.

Rescue-minded:  Yes - I’m the girl that jumps out of the car to help a dog running down the side of the road. Seriously, my life’s purpose is to keep dogs out of shelters and in loving homes.   I have a special knack for helping adopted pups overcome past challenges and thrive.  Beyond general hands-on rescue experience, I’ve personally fostered and rehabilitated many dogs through successful adoption.  I continue to serve as the Behavior Chair for Southern California Golden Retriever Rescue, providing guidance for fosters and volunteers on a wide variety of cases. If you have adopted a dog that is fearful, acts aggressively or simply doesn’t know how to be a dog, I would love to work with you.

Humane Methods:  I prioritize a safe and supportive environment for both dog and owner, built on positive reinforcement and gentle guidance.  In my youth, I learned dog training that involved the use of choke chains and prong collars. But through my 17 years in dog rescue, I’ve seen firsthand what aversive methods, dominance theories, lack of socialization, and neglect can do to a dog’s psyche as well as the human bond. It has fueled my passion for the power of rewards-based dog training. I have turned away from the archaic command and control techniques and stepped fully into the positive reinforcement techniques that are grounded in modern science and supported by force-free organizations. 

Qualified:  Did you know the dog training industry is unregulated and many trainers are self-taught?  You want someone who puts the time and effort into continuing education and certifications from leading professional associations.  I am a supporting member of the IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants),  founding professional affiliate of Animal Positive Coalition, and member of PPG (Pet Professional Guild).   I have achieved the CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed) certification, and am a PMCT1 (Pat Miller Certified Trainer 1).

Personal:  I’ve raised 3 puppies and given 5 rescue dogs the lives they deserved.  I currently reside in Admiral Heights, Annapolis with my 2 rescued Golden Retrievers from Turkey. I happily took on one of these to rehabilitate after he felt compelled to bite an adopter who used old school dominance on him – forcing a “down” when he had a painful spine. My other rescued Golden Retriever showed up as my foster just as happy and go-lucky as one can be. You will also find us fostering dogs and supporting rescue initiatives whenever we have time.  This is one of my proudest rehabilitation stories for Southern California Golden Retriever Rescue.