Training Approach
Training Style
"The Pawtroglyphs Path"
Training is always happening - either you are training your dog or your dog is training you.
What is your style of training? Inquiring minds always want to know.
Our dogs are always watching, so training dogs is in everything you do. Every. Single. Interaction. is a conversation with your dog - your every gesture, facial expression, body movement, and vocal cue is brimming with information. And vice versa.
My style is based on Crystal Clear Communication and Calm Leadership.
Crystal Clear Communication
Training dogs is primal in the sense that communication is innate and intuitive. Our modern world conditions us humans to be “thoughtful,” as in always in thought. And we sometimes 'reason' our intuition away. It is necessary to get back in touch with this intuition in training.
Dogs lead with energy and instinct, just like their ancestors. Modern-day humans communicate with rationalization and logic. See the language barrier?
I teach crystal-clear communication between human and canine - no wrangling, no yelling, no frustration. We will use body language, intentional cues, clear instructions, spatial boundaries, motivators, and rewards for focused obedience, timed perfectly, just to scratch the surface. And now we've become V E R Y interesting to our dogs because we are conversing clearly.
We're engaged. 🥂
Thankfully, it comes across as very logical to human students, and a relief for the resident dog, paving the way for a long harmonious relationship - just like with prehistoric dogs, but with modern day amenities.
Calm Leadership
Leadership is sometimes confused with dominating, or bullying behavior, which has nothing to do with Leadership.
A pack-leader, obviously.
Simply put, dogs recognize if you are calm, confident and in control as soon as you walk into a room. They know if you are a leader - and you haven't said a word yet... you aren't even holding a treat bag! But you have their attention. It doesn't mean you have to walk around like a king or queen all day (but why wouldn't you?).
How you give your dog a treat, let your dog out of the house, and so on, are little daily conversations that add up to convey your leadership, and determine your dog's response to you when distractions are high.
Anyone would agree that relationships need attention as well as respect. From this point, cooperation and learning can happen. Learning never happens with intimidation - it happens with engagement, trust, and if it’s rewarding, it becomes ingrained much faster - and the canine student can hardly wait for another session.
In closing, our relationships with our dogs should be a dance of Communication that feels like true companionship. Calm Leadership means there is respect, and you can get your dog's attention and cooperation - the training road is paved from there.
I’m here to wake up your doggy instincts, bring out your dog’s eager participation, strengthen your bond, accomplish your dog training goals, and get an insane amount of training referrals, thank you in advance.
Training Tools:
The Slip Lead and YOU
Client practicing loose leash walking and handler focus with "Olive," her 3-month-old Labradoodle, at an outdoor mall.
Let’s Talk Leashes.
This outrageously handsome boy is Leonitis, "Leo" for short. He is retired now, but has been my right hand dog for over a decade. He is sporting a basic slip lead, as he has since he was a rambunctious, W I L D puppy in training. Trust me, anyone who owns a Doodle-type is likely familiar with the Poodle brand of energy!
We keep things simple here—just like dogs like it. So my go-to tool is a good ol’ slip lead: clear, effective, and easy to use. You’ll spot client dogs wearing them all over this site.
Got a special case? No guilt, no pressure. There are thoughtful alternatives (and harnesses for the half-pint hunters). The goal? Clear communication, not confusion.
Now, here’s the fun truth: the leash doesn’t train your dog—you do. It’s not a magic wand, a steering wheel, or a remote control. It’s simply a line of communication between you and your pup. That’s it.
The real magic? It’s all YOU:
• Your body language and presence
• Your tone and timing
• Your clarity, calm, and consistency
• Your choice to lead instead of chase chaos
Gear is just gear. You’re the real training tool.
When we work together, we’ll start with the slip lead to guide your dog with simple, natural cues. As your dog becomes focused and reliable—especially around distractions—we’ll eventually graduate back to a regular collar and leash.
The end goal? A dog who listens to you, not the leash.
Outdoor Slip Lead practice: Client's dogs no longer racing down the street.
The Pawtroglyphs Path
"The 10 Rock Carvings"
for rock-solid training
These are the 10 ROCK CARVINGS every well-trained dog and human team needs for 'rock solid' training. Simple, practical, and designed to work together, these rock carvings lay the groundwork for real-life success—at home, on walks, and everywhere in between.
Leadership, Communication, Consistency
Calm, confident, consistent guidance
Habits practiced are habits kept. Be consistent with the habits you want.
Leadership, Communication, Consistency
Behavior Modification
"CEU: Canine Eruption Unit"
When behavior bursts, we dig to the core.
Some behaviors are more than a phase—they’re a full-blown eruption. When biting, guarding, aggression, or deep-rooted fear start rumbling beneath the surface, our Canine Eruption Unit steps in. This elite team specializes in the most intense behavioral cases, using science-based strategies and a trauma-informed approach to create lasting change. Because even the fiercest volcano can cool—with the right kind of care.
But here’s the truth: not all eruptions are what they seem.
Sometimes a behavior that looks scary—growling, lunging, barking—is just a dog’s overwhelmed way of saying “I’m afraid.” And sometimes what appears innocent—freezing, hiding, clinging—can point to serious emotional distress.
That’s why every dog is carefully assessed before entering our programs. We don’t guess. We don’t label. We listen, observe, and make sure your dog gets the support they truly need.
If signs of biting, bullying, guarding, or aggression emerge—or if your dog has a rescue history filled with fear, detachment, or trauma—we’ll shift them into a tailored track through the Canine Eruption Unit, where we can work on healing from the core.
Because it’s never just about what a dog does—it’s about why.
When the ground starts shaking, so does the CEU. Join forces now.
The Seismic Shift Toolkit
Trigger change. Create calm. Stabilize the storm.
Here's a peek into some of the tools used by the CEU to help
with your dog's behavior modification.
Gradual, controlled exposure to reduce reactivity
Changing your dog’s emotional response to triggers
Every dog is different - we fine-tune our response based on a dog's feedback
Gradual, controlled exposure to reduce reactivity
Getting Started
Your First Steps on the Trail
1.Papagayo
Pow Wow
We'll kick things off with this 45–60 minute Meet and Greet. I’ll get to know you and your dog, chat about your goals, and see how your dog behaves in real life. We’ll map out a game plan and explore training options that fit your goals, vibe and lifestyle.
2.Before We Start
You’ll get an easy homework assignment— just a little peek into:
• Your daily life with your dog
• How you two "talk" to each other
• Goals & Aspirations
This helps me customize your training blueprint.
3.Our 1st
Session
Every private Canine Compass session comes with clear notes, so you’ll never be stuck thinking, “Wait... what did we do again?” You’ll leave every lesson with a plan, practical tools and the confidence to take the lead like a pro.
4.Between
Sessions
I’ll be checking in with tips, cheerleading, and any fine-tuning if needed. You’re not in this alone—I’ve got your back to make sure the training is understood, makes an impact outside of the session and actually works in your real, everyday life.
What to expect from training
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🪨 Personalized Approach
Each dog and human duo is unique—your training path is carved -
to match your goals, lifestyle, and your dog’s needs.
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🏕️ In-Home Sessions
I come to your cave! Training happens in your real environment -
where behaviors actually happen.
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🧭 One-on-One Coaching
Clear, honest guidance to help you feel confident and capable— -
not just your dog.
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🍖 Reward-Based Methods
We’ll use motivation that makes sense for your dog—treats, -
toys, praise, or primal joy.
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🌋 Big Picture Progress
We’re not after quick fixes. We’re building a lifetime of -
understanding, respect, and calm.
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🔥 Support Between Sessions
Got questions? Need a mid-week check-in? I’m here to help as we go.
Your future dog is just a phone call away
Location
ABQ, New Mexico - Westside
Contact
505-317-5777
Opening Hours
Mon - Fri
10:00 am - 6:00pm
Saturday
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sunday
Closed