Meet the Team
Each of our trainers are experts in the field. They hold multiple dog training and behavior certifications from world renowned trainers, behavior consultants, and certified behaviorists.
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(CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, PMCT-1, VSA-CDT, FFCP (Trainer))
Joe specializes in behavior modification with a focus on reactive and aggressive behaviors. He’s studied under Pat Miller at Peaceable Paws, Victoria Stilwell, and world-renowned aggression expert Michael Shikashio, and The College of Scent Dogs.
His knowledge of canine behavior, mixed with his force- and fear-free training philosophies, puts him among the most sought-after trainers in the region. He’s placed on Sniffspot’s Best R+ Trainers in DC list in both 2022 and 2023.
Joseph has great working relationships with many of the region’s veterinary behaviorists and regularly integrates their training plans with his own, ensuring seamless care for his clients.
A Maryland native, he studied environmental sciences at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. While he didn’t set out to become a dog trainer, he discovered the profession after starting out as a dog walker with Patrick’s Pet Care.
He calls training “the perfect fit” because it lets him help people learn about their dogs as individuals and give them the best quality of life. Joseph’s goal is to help people become the guardians and advocates that their dogs need.
Joseph lives with his own two dogs — Sevro, a 7-year-old Tamaskan, and Impa, an 8-year-old mix — in Silver Spring. When he’s not working, he’s out somewhere on our region’s roads, relaxing on his motorcycle.
Favorite dog toy or game: Scent detection games!
Recommended reading: Meet Your Dog (Kim Brophey), Canine Enrichment for the Real World (Allie Bender, CDBC & Emily Strong, CDBC)
One thing Joseph wants all dog people to know: Your dog didn’t choose you; you chose your dog. It's your responsibility to give them the best life possible.
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(CPDT-KA, PMCT-1, FFCP (Trainer), AKC CGC Evaluator)
Ian has been training dogs professionally since 2019, but his fascination with them started in childhood. He has studied under Pat Miller at Peaceable Paws, most recently attending the Behavior Modification and Canine Cognition academies. He specializes in on-leash reactivity and life skills.
Ian got his start in the pet industry 14 years ago at a local dog daycare, and he's had multiple roles and experiences in the profession since then. In addition to being a certified trainer, he’s also an AKC-certified Canine Good Citizen evaluator and offers CGC testing and preparation classes.
As a trainer, Ian’s goal is to help dogs live more fulfilled, happy, and enriched lives by giving their people the tools to better understand, communicate and bond with them. Besides helping others learn about their dogs, Ian says that the way dog training requires continual learning on his part makes it a rewarding profession.
A lifelong Marylander, Ian lives with Logan, a 3-year-old pit/shepherd/lab mix who loves scent work, training, and romping on a long line. Together, they hike around the region and go on adventures. In his downtime, Ian also plays the guitar and listens to music.
Favorite dog toy or game: The Orbee-Tuff Snoop is a fun intro to puzzle feeders
Recommended reading: The Power of Positive Dog Training (Pat Miller), The Genius of Dogs (Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods)
One thing Ian wants all dog people to know: Fun is powerful! Keep things simple. Making training fun will have both of you excited to learn and practice.
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(CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, VSA-CDT)
Nikita’s passion is helping puppies get the best start in life, as well as deepening the bonds between dogs of all ages and their humans. She offers private lessons that cover puppy socialization, basic manners, leash reactivity, family bonding, and strategies for having fun with your dog. A certified trainer since 2019, she’s studied under Pat Miller, Karen Pryor, and Victoria Stilwell.
Originally from South Africa, Nikita came to dog training as a career after moving to Washington, DC. She had been fascinated by animal behavior for years and began thinking critically about how people and dogs interact. She says she finds the profession satisfying because she’s able to influence how people think about their pets, helping them understand a dog’s natural behaviors and how to work with, not against, those behaviors. This realization leads to a deeper connection between human and dog, so everyone wins.
Currently, Nikita lives in Northwest DC with her pet Guinea pig, Sapphire— a rodent who keeps to herself but really loves a good snack (grapes, crackers, bread, and the occasional bite of cake are favorites). She’s a huge fan of anime, Nintendo, crime and animal documentaries, and reading.
Favorite dog toy or game: The Gorilla Chew! Most dogs love to chew sticks, and this is a safe, non-splintering piece of coffee tree wood that’s great for them. I also love playing Ping Pong Puppy to reinforce recall and tire a dog out.
Recommended reading: Are We Smart Enough To Know How Smart Animals Are? (Frans De Waal)
One thing Nikita wants all dog people to know: That taking the time to train your dog is far better than a quick fix with punishment. Both forms work, but punishment has consequences that are detrimental to both you and your dog.