ABOUT TARA
Tara is a multi-certified dog trainer and behavior consultant with over 10 years of experience working with dogs of all ages, sizes, breeds, and behavioral needs.
She is a Certified Behavior Consultant Canine—Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA) and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer—Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. She is also a Fear Free Certified Animal Trainer and an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator.
Tara has extensive experience working in shelters and rescues, including leading and working in behavior departments in the DMV area and across the country. This work has provided her with hands-on experience supporting dogs with a wide range of behavior challenges, from foundational skills to more complex cases involving fear, anxiety, and reactivity.
Her passion for this work started early. Tara has loved animals from a young age, and that connection continues to shape how she approaches training today.
TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
Tara’s work is rooted in science-based, force-free training methods that prioritize both effectiveness and welfare. Her approach focuses on understanding behavior at its root, rather than simply managing surface-level symptoms.
She believes that meaningful behavior change comes from the following:
Building trust and a sense of safety
Reducing stress and helping your dog feel more at ease
Teaching clear, functional skills that translate to real life
Training is not just about changing behavior—it’s about improving quality of life and strengthening the relationship between dogs and their people.
Tara is especially known for her work with dogs who may be described as “sensitive,” “challenging,” or “a lot,” and for helping their owners feel more confident and supported in the process.
BEYOND TRAINING
Tara is a co-author of the internationally published book Dog Parenting and continues to stay engaged in ongoing education within the field of behavior and training.
When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and her three rescue pitbulls—Junebug, Boo, and Squeak.