Hi, I’m Alynn.
I’m here to help you better understand your dog and help your dog better understand you.
The start of my journey into dog training is similar to that of many other professionals: a magnetizing love for animals from as early as I can remember. Of course I love interacting and sharing my life with pets, but one of my greatest joys is simply watching animals, especially dogs, navigate the world. Somewhere along the way, I was given the loving nickname “mother hound” for my many hours spent observing free-roaming dogs abroad and taking a great deal of care in dog behavior and wellness close to home.
More about Alynn
Alynn has a bachelor's degree in Neuroscience from the University of Colorado, a Certificate in Applied Animal Behavior from the University of Washington and is a supporting member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. In addition to training dogs for the last decade, she interned at the Denver Zoo and the largest animal sanctuary in the country, volunteered in the Training and Behavior department at Colorado Humane (formerly Dumb Friends League) and spent nearly a decade working in the pet industry developing toys, enrichment and high-quality food for dogs and other pets. She has studied applied behavior analysis and its applications in the animal world through the Behavior Works Living and Learning with Animals course, completed the Aggression in Dogs Master Course and has learned from countless mentors and colleagues - both human and animal.
It’s not about them, but really…it’s all about them. Meet Blue and Mavis —the inspirations, muses and favorite training partners I share my free time, couch and life with.
I train dogs to navigate the human world with confidence, without compromising who they are. We will build skills so you and your dog are prepared in new or previously uncomfortable situations. We will also take a broader look at you and your dog’s day-to-day routine to make meaningful, often simple, modifications with great positive impacts.
Dog training should be enjoyable, effective and humane. We will use progressive, science-based methods and positive reinforcement to build behaviors we find desirable. Together we will:
learn what is reinforcing for your dog
use those findings to reinforce desirable behaviors
replace undesirable behaviors with desirable behaviors
Effectiveness
Humane training is highly effective. By reinforcing behaviors we like, we can build a variety of skills and reliably replace undesirable behaviors.
By shifting our focus to what we want our dogs to do rather than what we don’t want them to do, we are able to build behaviors and lasting relationships with our dogs.
Compassion
Our dogs don’t know what we consider as “good” or “bad” behavior; they are just trying to do what works for them. It can be hard for us to understand, and it’s certainly hard not to take their misbehavior personally. But once we learn they are not intentionally trying to make our lives more difficult, we open the door to so many opportunities for connection.
Clarity
By providing clear cues, consistent practice and predictable outcomes to our dogs, we reduce stress and frustration, allowing the opportunity for them to learn.
Plus, training is a conversation. You are listening to your dog as much as they are listening to you. I will help you understand how your dog is communicating.