Hey There

That’s me with my dog, Indiana Jones. She had a rough start but ended up having a well-rounded life full of adventures. (even if she did hate it when I squished her like that.) She’s the dog who pushed me into the dog training world back in 1999 and taught me so much. Below is A LOT of information. Read as little or as much as you need. Finding the right dog trainer is more than just credentials; it's about finding a good match. The work isn't just for your dog; it's for you and your family as well. Read on and/or contact me to learn more.

Why should you work with me?

Consultation Fees deducted from cost of any full program or package purchased
Use of WhatsApp for added support between sessions
Daily updates for dogs of photos and videos in Day Training
In-Home lessons for real-life troubleshooting
Continued Education options for training beyond your initial goals
Online classes
Free Meet-Ups
References & Connections with other facilities such as Board & Train companies, dog sitters, groomers, etc.

Ultimately, the trainer you select should be one you trust, match well with, and can meet your needs. We are all educators with access to the same information. How we sift through that information and customize it for you and your dog may differ. If you need a recommendation for a service or type of training (sports/protection work) I do not offer, I'd be happy to assist.

I've been in your shoes:

I've owned the reactive dog, the insane puppy, the shy fearful dog, I've been kicked out of group classes, I've made mistakes, I've had regrets, I've cried.

I have the education:

Countless books, research papers, seminars, workshops, online courses, and I continue to seek out new information and experts in various fields fo animal behavior and health.

I have more experience than I'd like to admit:

I was a dog groomer for 28 years. I've been training dogs for almost 15 years now, 12 of which were as a Senior Trainer with Opportunity Barks, a prominent Dog Training Business right here in Philadelphia.

I was a business major and theater minor:

Besides working with dogs I have experience and knowledge of managing teams, building projects, and definitely NOT being the main character. Jokes aside- Theater was an amazing experience that would humble anyone! My point is: the creativity and team work in theater is not much different than what is needed in dog training. I want this to be fun for you as well as educational.

I aim to build a community:

Philadelphia is filled with dogs and I couldn't possibly train them all if I wanted to. These dogs need all sorts of caregivers like walkers, day care, sitters, and more. I'm trying to do more to bring those businesses together, share information, and create collaboration instead of competition.

Client for life:

I value each and every one of my clients and will be here to support you in any way I can even after your program is over. I understand that dog training is not linear, has hurdles, and can (and should) continue for our dogs throughout their lives.

Skills / Experience

PUPPY:

Development & Manners, Crate Training, Potty Training, life skills, leash skills

ADULTS AND RESCUES:

Relationship Building, Basic Manners, Life Skills, Leash Skills, Crate Training, Tricks & Obedience

BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION:

Fears, Phobias, General Anxiety, Separation Anxiety, Cat & Dog harmony, Intra-Household Aggression, Leash Reactivity, Dog Aggression, Human Aggression, Baby Intro & integration, Guarding/ingesting issues

GROUP CLASSES I'VE TAUGHT:

agility, scent work, recall, tricks, grooming seminars, puppy basics, puppy socials, pack walks,

OTHER:

deaf dogs, blind dogs, tripod dogs, dog packs, group play

Mini CV

1993 - 2003: Dog Groomer at All God's Creatures & Digger Dog's Pet Grooming | Independent Dog Sitter & Training (basic skills)

2003 - 2008: Supervisor / Production Coordinator at Disc Makers | Part-time Independent Dog Groomer + Trainer

2008 - 2011 Operations Manager at Finch Brands | Independent Dog Groomer | Shadow dog trainer at Opportunity Barks (1yr) | Volunteer work at local shelters | Volunteer Trainer for dog meet-up groups

2011 - 2020 Dog Trainer at Opportunity Barks | Senior Dog Groomer & Operations Manager at Digger Dog's Pet Grooming

2020 - 2024 Senior Dog Trainer and Program Manager at Opportunity Barks. Mentored, and trained new team members + designed / helped create curriculums and programs.

2024 - Grey Dog Alliance

EARLY YEARS

I grew up in a household with dogs, and my parents' Irish Setter was like a nanny to me. When I was 6 years old, I was given the responsibility of taking care of my first dog, a red-bone-coon hound. Even at a young age, I was fascinated by the idea of forming a connection and bond with a completely different species. It was then that I knew I wanted to grow up and work with dogs.

When I was 19, I was introduced to the dog grooming industry, and caring for someone else’s dog was a whole new level. Digger Dogs Pet Grooming was one of the first East Coast dog grooming shops to allow our dogs to roam free. We found that dogs were less stressed, happier to be there, and much better behaved on the grooming table. Clients would come in astounded that their dog was calm and relaxed with other dogs around. I spent decades watching dog body language firsthand. Not to mention the skills a groomer has to acquire: to quickly convince a dog they were safe on our tables, and gain their trust, is no small feat.

INDIANA JONES YEARS

Those early six years were spent attending educational events, conferences, & seminars, offering dog-sitting and training services to clients, and I considered starting a business with a colleague. However, I went to college, where I took a horsemanship course, minored in theater, and graduated with a 4.0 GPA in Business Administration. I also had the chance to do trick training with ducks, but that's a story for another time. Despite my experience and knowledge, I felt unprepared when my first pit bull, Indiana Jones, came into my life. I realized little information geared towards dog groomers and pet owners dealt with behavior. Indiana, an unwanted pit bull, came to me at a time when they were widely misunderstood. I knew if I couldn't help her, she would be euthanized. She is the reason I became a dog trainer. I spent the next decade learning and studying dog behavior. Indiana lived for almost 11 years and inspired many others to adopt pit bulls. Dealing with her death was an extremely challenging process, and one thing that kept me moving forward was delving even deeper into the dog training world and helping other dogs have success stories.

SCARLETT GREY YEARS

In 2010, I began shadowing at Opportunity Barks, but adopting my second pit bull, Scarlett Grey, slowed me down. She was an extremely difficult dog, and I focused all my attention on her needs and training. However, by 2012, my shadowing was over, Scarlett was in a better place, and I was working with them part-time.

I’ve held positions in other industries along the way but never stopped working with dogs. In 2020, I left dog grooming and became a full-time dog trainer. As a senior trainer & Program Manager, I mentored and trained multiple trainers in my quest to build a strong support system for dog owners that helps simplify yet clarify the world of dog training.

ALICE MAI

Now, in 2024, I have a new dog and a new company. Grey Dog Alliance was launched to instill hope in struggling dog owners, bring peace back into troubled dog households, and build a community of like-minded people who prioritize dog wellness and see the magic in forming a bond with a completely different species.

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Brenda Aloff

Blake Rodriguez / Tyler Muto

Heather Beck

Forrest Micke

sample of completed courses/clinics: