A WORD FROM VALERIA
"I don't train dogs. I teach you to understand them."
SOUND FAMILIAR?
These aren't obedience problems.
They're communication problems.
For over 30 years I've helped people across the country make sense of what their dog is actually doing and why. Through military moves, different states, and a lot of life in between. Returning to my home in Northern Michigan and virtually from anywhere. The answer is almost never more commands. It's understanding what's driving the behavior in the first place.
→ Growling, snapping, or biting
→ Tension between dogs at home
→ Not wanting to share food, toys, space — or you
→ Barking or lunging at strangers
→ Jumping, mouthing, ignoring you
→ Anxiety: pacing, whining, shaking, destruction
→ Fear: cowering, lacking confidence, shyness
Clarity.
"One of the first things and probably the most important thing she did was explain the characteristics of the breed. But not only the characteristics but how they could manifest themselves in my pup's behavior. This tempered the expectations I had for my pup's life with me which greatly lessened my anxieties."
It is a process but each week that goes by my pup and I become closer and because I now understand the breed's characteristics my anxiety levels are down.
Matt Dost · ★★★★★ FAMILY DOG MEDIATION
DOG BEHAVIOR CONSULTING · NORTHERN MICHIGAN & VIRTUAL
Find the right path for you and your dog.
Every situation is different. Virtual consultations are available year-round from anywhere. In-person classes are held in Johannesburg, Michigan. Serving Gaylord, Petoskey, Traverse City, and the greater Northern Michigan area.
YEAR-ROUND · VIRTUAL
Family Dog Mediation
A one-hour virtual consultation that gets to the root of what's happening. Not a training program, but a real conversation that gives you a clear picture of your dog's behavior and a practical plan for moving forward. Most cases resolve in a single session.
$200 · Virtual via Zoom · Available year-round
SEASONAL · IN-PERSON · NORTHERN MICHIGAN
Life Skills Group Class
Online video curriculum combined with four in-person group classes on an outdoor field in Johannesburg, Michigan — just outside Gaylord. For dogs who are ready to work in a small group setting. Limited to 6 teams per class.
$250 · May through September 2026 · Monday or Wednesday
"I contacted Valeria after my 10 week old golden retriever attacked two of my Pomeranians. I'm 100% sure that if she hadn't answered my call, that my puppy would have gone back to the breeder that day."
My pup is now 5.5 months old and is the most perfect dog ever. He has no signs of his past problems and I believe it's all because of Valeria.
Lori + Storm · ★★★★★ FAMILY DOG MEDIATION
From crisis call
to the most perfect dog ever.
FROM SOMEONE WHO'D ALREADY TRIED EVERYTHING
"She was the advocate I needed — she listened to my struggles and helped me create plans to overcome them. Val will not only teach you how to lovingly communicate with your dogs, but you will feel heard and seen."
We are able to treat each season of life as an exciting opportunity to continue our training thanks to the foundation Valeria has given us to launch from. Instead of seeing it as what my dogs can't do, I now see a moment to learn together, grow a deeper bond, and continue to enjoy life's many adventures.
Megan Shephard, Henry & Leroy · ★★★★★
Online Program
You don't have to figure this out alone.
START HERE
Leave the call knowing exactly where to start.
A Discovery Call is a short, no-pressure call to talk through what's going on with your dog and what you're hoping life can look like instead.
I call you and ask a few questions to understand your situation and what feels most important right now. By the end of the call, you'll have clarity about what kind of support makes sense for you and your dog.
This call isn't about quick fixes or committing to anything. It's a place to get oriented, understand what matters most right now, and decide what comes next.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A conversation, not a sales call.
1 Book your call and pick a time that works for you
2 I call you and ask about your dog and your situation
3 You get clarity on what's happening & where to start
4 We decide together, no pressure
Want to share more before the call?
Optionally complete the K9 History Form after booking. It helps focus our conversation but is completely optional.
★★★★★
"We got great help training our dog, and really help training us to set our dog up for success. It was over zoom which I was a little skeptical of at first, but the meeting was great and very informative. We were given some exercises to do with our pup that ended up working quickly and great!"
Randy Reddell · Family Dog Mediation
★★★★★ GOOGLE REVIEW
"Not obedience, but guiding and coaching with understanding and compassion to work through behavior hurdles. She is such a beacon of knowledge and an incredible teacher and mentor."
Ashley Badgley · Life Skills Group Class
Your dog has been trying
to tell you something.
Most people never find out what it is.
One conversation with Valeria usually changes that.
No pressure. No commitment. Just a conversation.
Virtual consultations available year-round · In-person classes in Johannesburg, MI · May–September · Serving Northern Michigan