Hi! My name is Lily
I started dog training in Monterey, CA, gaining years of experience working with dogs of all background and needs, fine tuning my skills as a trainer for several years. Now I am bringing my training to the East Coast and the DMV area. I am excited to have the opportunity to help more dogs and owners and improve our community one step at a time: teaching our dogs to be reliable on and off leash, safe around others, in the city or out in the parks. Above all, I am an absolute dog lover and keep near and dear to my heart the dogs I have worked with, because I too always have something new to learn from them. I can’t wait to help you and your dog!
About Learning Canine Training
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Every dog is an individual, which is why my approach centers on meeting every dog right where they are. During our initial consultation, I conduct a full behavioral evaluation to assess how your dog learns best, anticipate potential hurdles, and establish a clear timeline. Behavioral issues like fear, reactivity, and aggression are often a ticking clock; the longer they persist, the deeper they root and the greater the risk of injury or chronic stress.
Guided by the LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) philosophy, I prioritize your dog’s mental and physical well-being above all else. Treating every dog with compassion, care, and love means knowing when to expedite training to relieve the dog of the stress and to ensure safety, other times working consistently at a problem that takes time and practice to resolve, with steady patience and perseverance.
So, my tools vary a lot! I start most dogs on a martingale collar and leash, with a method that introduces meaning to leash tension. Everything here on out depends on the dog at hand, their needs and your needs — which I am happy to discuss at length so we can settle for what works for everyone.
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I can give most of the credit for designing my training method to my dog, Vera. Starting out in dog training, I studied the leading literature and education for behavior consultants in the field, got certified with the IAABC and though I was set in my ways, with all the tools I could possibly need. Learning to train with Vera still caught me completely off guard — a puppy who was extremely shy, energetic, but anxious about almost anything that moved.
Vera taught me the value of experience and practical skills over the strict theory. Integrating into the industry I discovered a great divide between schools of though, but to me the goal was simple and much less polarized. I wanted to help dogs and do so in a way that would give them skills they would be inclined to self-reinforce and apply every day, while also breaking problematic habits and behavior cycles as soon as possible to give them a chance to experience more along side you. For fearful dogs to be able to accompany you more places without fear, for reactive dogs to be able to enjoy the same parks and places without causing themselves and you stress. For aggressive dogs to live safer in the home and be able to enjoy the company of people.
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Since starting Learning Canine Training, my mission has been to transform the lives of dogs and their owners by building a clear foundation of communication. Far too often, behavior issues stem simply from miscommunication—and no dog is too stubborn or too scared to learn.
I work directly with dogs to target the root causes of reactivity, aggression, and daily behavioral challenges. By equipping dogs with lasting skills and a foundation of obedience to fall back on, I give them the tools they need to flourish in their environment and make future learning alongside their owners seamless. This structured approach builds true confidence, allowing dogs to safely experience new places, try new things, and live fuller, happier lives.
Have a question?
No pressure — send me a quick message and I’m happy to answer any more questions you have.