What kinds of training does Affinity Canine Coaching offer?

Affinity Canine Coaching helps owners address common challenges and build practical skills that make life together easier. Whether you're raising a puppy, navigating canine adolescence, or helping an adult dog refine their manners, your plan is unique to your dog, your household, and your goals. Cases involving serious aggression, significant bite histories, severe fear, separation-related distress, or possible medical concerns may be referred to an appropriately qualified behaviorist or veterinary professional.

Will you train my dog for me?

Affinity is a coaching-based service. I work with you and your dog, together. Your plan will help you understand what to do, why it matters, and how to continue making progress between sessions.

Do you offer virtual consultations?
Yes. Affinity Virtual Coaching Consultations are available for owners outside the in-home service area and for training needs that can be effectively addressed remotely.

Some concerns are better assessed in person. If I believe in-person coaching or another type of professional support would be more appropriate, I’ll let you know.

Where are services offered?

In-home coaching is available in Upper Northwest Washington, DC and select nearby communities in Bethesda, Chevy Chase, and Silver Spring, Maryland.

Follow-up coaching may also take place at agreed-upon real-world training locations based on your dog’s goals. Other in-home locations may be considered based on travel time and availability.

Virtual coaching is available regardless of location.

What happens after I submit an inquiry?

You'll get an email with an intake form so you can share details about your dog and your goals. Then, I review each inquiry to ensure that Affinity is the right fit. If I feel like I can help you and your dog, you'll be contacted for next steps and to schedule your session. 

What training methods do you use?

We always begin with the most humane approach likely to be effective and consider the needs of the dog, the owner, and the situation. My focus is on solutions that fit real life and the dog you have in front of you.
 

Can you guarantee results?

No ethical trainer can guarantee a specific result. Progress depends on lots of factors (dog’s age, health, temperament, history, environment, and the consistency with which the training and management recommendations are applied). While Affinity provides individualized guidance and support to help you make meaningful progress, results will ultimately depend on the dog and the consistency of training application. 

Why is the name Affinity Canine Coaching?

“Affinity” reflects the connection, understanding, and trust that can grow between dogs and their people when time is taken to build a relationship. I chose “Coaching” because I do more than teach commands or behaviors. I help my clients build their dog training knowledge and handling skills to become more confident and effective. The Affinity Canine Coaching name reflects dog training that is delivered through tailored coaching designed to strengthen the skills at both ends of the leash.