Hi there! My name is Aspen (like the tree!) and I’ve been working with animals professionally for over a decade. I started out in the veterinary industry, then ran a dog walking business, before pivoting to training and making that my career. My experience includes teaching group training classes at multiple facilities around Portland, running puppy socials and day training, and working with clients one on one in their homes or neighborhoods. Some areas of special interest include puppy and adolescent dog development, confidence building for shy and under-socialized dogs, herding breeds, creative enrichment, and helping rescue dogs thrive in new environments. I am proud to utilize scientifically based, positive reinforcement methods.

Shade is my personal pup who I adopted five years ago as an adolescent. A three legged mix of herding breeds (Cattle dog! Border Collie! Catahoula! Kelpie!) from California, acclimating him to my home and urban neighborhood while making sure his needs were met was an ongoing learning experience that still continues today. We’ve done a lot of trick training, dabbled in nose work, and have even tried out some low impact agility!

My overall passion is helping dogs and their humans understand each other, live in harmony and thrive to the best of their ability. Dog training is an extremely individual experience, and one of my favorite things is problem solving and adjusting for each specific case that gets handed to me - what works for one family may not work for another! Are you struggling with certain aspects of your dog’s behavior? Have you brought home a new puppy and are overwhelmed with what to do next? Just want a quick tune up or a sympathetic ear? Let’s get in touch!