Get To Know Us

Rewarding and relationship-centered training for dedicated caregivers who strive for canine connection that lasts!

Dog Training and Behavior Support,

serving Scotts Valley, Felton, Ben Lomond and midtown Santa Cruz.

Meet Your Dog Trainer

Hi, I'm Simone!

Dog Training for the long run starts with mutual trust and connection and I'm dedicated to support you and your dog on this journey! Wether you are welcoming a new canine friend of any age into your life, or seek behavior support with your current canine companion. Understanding why things can get a bit rocky sometimes is the first step to make change possible.

No matter if we train meaningful life skills or deep dive into behavior when your "dog-life" feels a bit ruff, investing in a relationship-centered training approach is the foundation that will serve both of you for a lifetime together.

We don't "fix" or "correct", we transform and connect! All behavior is communication. If we can become curious and start to understand our amazing canine companions, we can create long lasting change for the both of you.

And just in case you worry about the (very) technical side of dog training, I promise, when we work together you don't have to become a dog trainer yourself.

I'm here to help you connect the dots while aiming for a human-canine bond that's rooted in cooperation. A bond where healthy boundaries and needs are met - for both ends of the lead.

When you choose to work with us I also promise:

  • I’ll only use humane and ethical training methods to help your canine companion grow to their full potential

  • I’ll be there to support you and your canine friend along you training journey in collaboration and as a team

  • I’ll approach your dog as an individual, will not measure their progress by the progress of others and will appreciate them for the unique dog-selves they are

  • I’m committed to continuing my education so I’m always using the most up-to-date, evidence based approach to dog training

Simone's Certifications

Why they matter

When it comes to training your canine companion, it's important to work with a professional, certified positive reinforcement dog trainer. A qualified trainer who is committed to continuing education and growth is one of the most important ingredients when it comes to successfully working with dogs and their humans, kind and ethically.

We are always learning and are committed to staying up-to-date on the most recent scientific findings concerning dog behavior, welfare and wellbeing.

Certifications & Memberships

  • Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)

  • Certified Family Dog Mediator (FDM)

  • Currently in the process of obtaining my ACE Trainer Certification

  • Successful Graduate of Dog Training Apprenticeship - Good Dog Santa Cruz

  • Diamond Member of Grisha Stewart Academy of Empowered Animals

  • Member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG)

  • THRIVE! Member

  • Professional certified Dog Walker - DWA through DogBIZ

Certified Professional DogTrainer Logo

Now that you know us, we'd love to get to know you too!

Choose the path that's right for you

WHAT IS A FAMILY DOG MEDIATOR?

When you work with a family dog mediator, you can feel confident that they are taking into consideration multiple different facets to see the whole picture - so in addition to training, we are looking through the lense of a dog’s L.E.G.S. when it comes to their behavior in our modern, two legged world:

  • Learning - what experiences your dog has had in the past

  • Environment - what external conditions your dog currently lives in or has lived in before

  • Genetics - what does your dog’s literal DNA program them to do

  • Self - every dog is an individual and their health, age, and personality play a part

It's all about the LEGS!

Kind and rewarding dog training & behavior support. Serving Scotts Valley, Felton, Ben Lomond and Santa Cruz midtown

Copyright use: © Copyright 2023. Spotlight Puppy Academy. All rights reserved.