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About Doreen

Canine Behavior Specialist • Certified Professional Dog Trainer • Dog-Human Translator
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your dog’s behavior, you’re not alone — and your dog isn’t broken. They are a unique individual with a nervous system, a learning history, and a personality all their own. My job is to help you see that clearly… and to help your dog feel understood, safe, and capable in our very complex human world. I’m Doreen, and I help dogs and their humans live their best lives together — with expertise, compassion, humor, and zero intimidation.

Why I Do This Work

I didn’t start out planning to become a canine behavior specialist. I was pulled into this world after adopting an adolescent dog who needed more than “sit,” “stay,” and a pocket full of treats. She was reactive, overwhelmed, and misunderstood — and honestly, so was I.



Training wasn’t enough. I needed to understand why she behaved the way she did (and what she needed in order to behave differently).

So I dove headfirst into canine behavior, neurophysiology, learning theory, and the emotional lives of dogs.

I took courses, earned certifications, studied with experts, and spent thousands of hours observing dogs in real life — on trails, in homes, in classes, and in the messy, beautiful moments where behavior actually happens.



That journey changed everything. It taught me that dogs aren’t stubborn, dominant, or manipulative. They’re social mammals doing their best with the skills they have. And when we give them emotional safety, clarity, and support, they thrive.

Harsh corrections, intimidation, and “showing them who’s boss” are outdated and unnecessary. Dogs need to be understood and taught.
Emotional safety is fundamental to learning.
Behavior is driven by the nervous system, not a bad attitude.
Breed stereotypes are unhelpful; individuals’ characteristics matter more.
Cooperation and communication are superior to plain compliance.
Your dog is an individual with preferences, intelligence, and personality — and they deserve to be treated that way.
  • My Philosophy

This isn’t just training.
It’s relationship-building.
It’s communication.
It’s science. It’s art.
And it’s life-changing.

Clients describe working with
me as:

  • Transformational
  • Eye-opening
  • Insightful

And they describe feeling supported, hopeful, and a sense
of relief.



And my favorite compliment of all:

“My dog trusts Doreen.”

Why People Work With Me

I’m known for being warm, funny, deeply compassionate, and a little nerdy in the best way. I translate complex behavior concepts into simple, practical steps you can actually use. I see the dog in front of me — not the stereotype, not the label, not the outdated generalization you found online at 2 a.m.


I’ve worked with hundreds of dogs and their humans, from anxious puppies to “difficult” adolescents to sensitive, soulful adults who just need someone to finally understand their difficulties and teach them the skills they need.

Meet my Mascot: Colvin

My current dog, Colvin, is living proof of what compassionate, evidence-based training can do. He earned his Canine Good Citizens (CGC) and AKC Advanced Tricks (TKA) titles at just two years old — not because he’s “perfect,” but because we built a relationship based on trust, clarity, and joy.



He’s also my hiking buddy, my co-teacher, and the dog who reminds me every day why this work matters.

What Success Looks Like

You and your dog have the kind of relationship other people envy — the kind where communication feels easy, problems feel solvable, and joy is the default setting. They listen to you and are well-mannered. You listen to them and meet all their needs.


You understand your dog.
Your dog understands you.


And you both feel confident navigating life together.
That’s the future I help you build.

Education, Certifications & Continuing Study

A lifelong student of dogs

One of the things I love most about this work is that there is always more to learn.

Understanding dogs requires far more than teaching cues and behaviors. It means studying learning theory, neurophysiology, emotions, development, trauma, relationships, and the countless ways dogs experience and respond to the world around them.

I regularly pursue advanced education so I can provide the most thoughtful, evidence-based support possible for the dogs and humans I work with.

Professional Certifications
  • CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed)
  • Family Dog Mediator (FDM)
  • Family Dog Mediator, Behavioral Diversity Welfare Analyst (FDM-BDWA)
  • ISCP Certificate in Canine Behavior
Advanced Education & Specialized Coursework
My continuing education includes coursework and mentorship from leading experts in canine behavior, welfare, and learning, including:
Science Matters: Research Bites
Canine Brain and Behavior Through Life Stages

Resilience in Dogs

The Resilience Rainbow

Attachment in Dogs

Building Secure Attachment Between Dog and Caregiver

LEGS Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation

Slow Thinking is Lifesaving for Dogs

Transforming Puppies

Professional Member, Pet Professional Guild (PPG)

Professional Member, National Institute for Canine Ethics (NICE)

Aggression in Dogs for Dog Professionals
Understanding Trauma in Dogs

Animal Emotions

Resolving Challenging Behaviour

Predatory Behavior for Dog Professionals
Trauma Informed Dog Practitioner Programme

I am currently completing certification in:

  • Suzanne Clothier’s Relationship Assessment Training (RAT)
  • Suzanne Clothier’s Treat and Retreat® for Shy and Fearful Dogs
  • FAQs

The Fun + Practical Edition

Do you train humans or dogs?
Both. Your dog learns new skills, and you learn the skills you didn’t even know you needed. It’s a shared adventure.
Nope. Those labels usually mean the dog is overwhelmed, confused, or unsupported — not “bad.” I love working with dogs who’ve been misunderstood.
Absolutely not. Most owners are doing the best they can with the information they’ve been given. My job is to help you move forward, not shame you for the past.
No. Fear and intimidation don’t create healthy behavior. I use humane, evidence-based methods that support your dog’s emotional wellbeing.
Great! But every dog is an individual, and our understanding of behavior has evolved dramatically. I’ll help you understand this dog as the unique individual they are — with their own learning history, genetic qualities, and temperament traits.
Perfect. You’re exactly the kind of person I love working with. Curiosity and willingness are all that I ask for.
Most people start with an 8-week program. Many continue with occasional sessions over the years as their dog grows, faces new challenges, or needs support during big life changes.
Yes. I’m regionally famous for it — I’m even on the cover of the book DOGHIKER with my dogs. Nature is where dogs show you who they really are.
Your dog is capable of more than you think. And so are you.
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