Board and Train programs range from one to six weeks and are designed to provide focused, structured training in a real-life environment. Dogs work on foundational obedience, leash skills, and appropriate behavior while also learning how to settle, think, and respond in everyday situations. Each program includes owner education to ensure skills transfer successfully back home and continue after the program ends.
Board and Train programs are ideal for dogs needing focused structure and skill-building; dogs with a history of human-directed aggression require a different training approach and are not accepted into this program.
Anxiety often looks like avoidance, freezing, overreacting, or difficulty settling once the dog is worked up. We build confidence through structure, steady exposure, and skill-building that teaches your dog how to recover, adapt, and feel secure in new situations.
Real-life training means your dog can stay responsive even when the environment changes. We build focus, neutrality, and follow-through around common distractions like people, dogs, vehicles, and busy spaces so your dog can function anywhere—not just in your living room.
Walking shouldn’t feel like a constant negotiation. We teach leash communication, pacing, and position so your dog learns to move with you—not drag you—and you can handle real-life situations with confidence.
Impulse control is your dog’s ability to pause and make a good decision instead of acting on instinct. We teach dogs how to handle everyday temptations—doors, food, visitors, other dogs, and exciting environments—without losing their manners.
This work focuses on helping dogs who struggle with anxiety, reactivity, impulsivity, or big emotional responses to the world around them. Training emphasizes clear communication, appropriate structure, and confidence building through real life exposure, while teaching owners how to support their dog’s progress with consistent, practical handling at home
Private lessons are customized to the individual dog and household, focusing on foundational obedience, leash skills, and everyday manners that matter in real life. Training is tailored to your goals and your dog’s needs, whether that means building reliable cues, improving leash behavior, addressing household challenges, or creating a structured plan that owners can confidently follow.
Puppy training focuses on building strong foundations through age-appropriate structure, clear communication, and thoughtful exposure to the world. Rather than overwhelming puppies with uncontrolled interactions, training emphasizes confidence-building, basic obedience skills, handling, leash introduction, and learning how to settle and engage appropriately in everyday environments.
Board and Train programs are ideal for dogs needing focused structure and skill-building; dogs with a history of human-directed aggression require a different training approach and are not accepted into this program.
Sessions may be in-home or at a location chosen to support the training plan (and logistics).
Same foundations, different intensity. Puppy II adds daily immersion and repetition, which builds faster consistency and more muscle memory.
Yes. Puppy programs include the most common puppy challenges: biting/mouthing, jumping, crate routines, thresholds, and potty training structure - plus obedience foundations.
Puppies must be at least 10 weeks (or 3 months) old to start. This is the ideal window to build foundations before habits harden.
Yes—many clients are in and around Sussex County. Reach out and I’ll tell you what options fit your location.
Training works best when the structure continues at home. Puppies test boundaries as they grow - this is normal. Your long-term success depends on consistency, accountability, and follow-through after sessions or after go-home.
Want the strongest start possible?
Included in the Program
What Puppy II focuses on (custom to your puppy)
Who this is for
This is everything in Puppy Foundations - installed through daily, all-day repetition. Most owners don’t have the opportunity to work a puppy consistently throughout the day. This is what I do: structure, reps, and controlled exposure work - so the puppy’s foundation becomes more automatic.
Puppy II is for owners who want to skip the “we try when we have time” phase.
Ready for a puppy plan that actually works at home?
WHO THIS IS FOR
This is not a “sit/down” class. Puppy Foundations is a premium, outcome-based program that builds household structure, calm behavior, and obedience foundations—while addressing the most common puppy struggles that make owners feel like they’re failing.
If you’re overwhelmed by biting, jumping, chaos, potty accidents, crate battles, or “selective hearing,” you’re in the right place. These programs build structure early - before bad habits become your puppy’s personality.
Your puppy is learning 24/7—whether you’re training on purpose or not. The goal isn’t a puppy who can do a cue in the living room. It’s a puppy who can settle, listen, and make better choices in real life - at home, in the yard, and out in the world.
Best for families who want maximum repetition and full-immersion structure without the personal time commitment.
Best for families who want hands-on coaching, a clear plan, and accountability—with the puppy staying at home.
Many dogs who bark during walks, become overstimulated outdoors, or struggle to disengage from distractions benefit from this structured training approach.
This program focuses on helping dogs behave appropriately during walks and everyday outings. Dogs learn to stay engaged with their handler while navigating moderate distractions such as people, other dogs, and environmental movement.
Out & About Adventurer bridges the gap between basic obedience and real-life environments outside the home.
Who This is for
Household Family Member focuses on creating clear structure, calm household behavior, and dependable listening inside the home.
This program is designed for dogs five months of age and older who primarily live at home or spend most of their time in the yard rather than regularly visiting busy public environments.
Owners wanting the highest level of reliability
Complete lifestyle training
Elite Training Experience
Owners wanting enjoyable walks & outings
Public manners & walk behavior
Out & About Adventurer
Families wanting better structure at home
Calm household behavior
Household Family Member
The programs below are designed to support those different goals. Most clients find that one program naturally stands out once they read through the descriptions.
And some owners want the full experience: a dog that can confidently share everyday life with them wherever they go.
Others want a dog they can comfortably include in walks, parks, beaches, and everyday outings.
Some owners simply want a calmer dog at home.
Training focuses on helping dogs develop impulse control, emotional regulation, engagement with their handler, and the ability to stay calm and responsive across different environments.
In many cases these behaviors are not the result of a “bad dog,” but simply a dog that has not yet learned how to regulate their behavior or understand clear expectations.
Many dog owners reach out because daily life with their dog has become difficult. Common challenges include barking in the home, pulling during walks, overstimulation around other dogs or people, difficulty settling, or a dog that struggles when left alone.
All tracks may include Board & Train options to reinforce training in an environment that supports structure, repetition, and consistency. Board & Train is used strategically to build momentum, strengthen reliability, and support owners who want more hands-on trainer involvement.
For dogs working toward therapy work or service dog foundations, focusing on stability, neutrality in public environments, and strong obedience foundations.
For more serious behavioral concerns involving aggression or safety risks requiring structured coaching and careful implementation.
For dogs experiencing ongoing challenges such as barking, reactivity toward dogs or people, difficulty settling, or environmental stress responses. Training focuses on emotional regulation and calmer responses to triggers.
For owners who want a highly reliable companion capable of navigating many environments with confidence and good manners. Training strengthens obedience under distraction and builds calm, responsive behavior in real‑world locations.
Designed for owners who want an exceptionally well‑mannered dog capable of accompanying them through many aspects of daily life. Training focuses on advanced reliability, calm behavior in stimulating environments, and developing a dog that can confidently participate in travel, outdoor activities, and community settings.
During your consultation, I will help you determine which training focus is most appropriate for your dog and design the program accordingly. The program may focus on one or more of the following areas:
Some dogs may benefit from incorporating a Board & Train component to accelerate progress or establish a stronger training foundation before transitioning into owner coaching. When behavior concerns are significant, a minimum 3‑week Board & Train is typically recommended.
Because this program is customized, training plans are built around the dog in front of me, the owner’s goals, and the level of support needed to create meaningful and lasting results.
Elite training helps develop a dog that can accompany their owner through everyday life — from busy environments and travel to outdoor adventures — while remaining responsive, emotionally balanced, and easy to live with.
The Elite Program is designed for dogs and owners who want a higher level of reliability, deeper communication, and the ability to successfully handle complex real‑world situations. Training may focus on lifestyle integration, advanced reliability in distracting environments, or addressing persistent behavioral challenges that require a more strategic training approach.
I'm a flexible trainer who can meet you wherever works best for you. If the weather is bad, don't worry - we can head to Lowes (one of several locations) to train. If not, we can agree on a park or another spot that suits everyone. I'm also happy to come to your home for some lessons!
We start with a consultation phone call to assess compatibility before scheduling any work. These calls typically last between 30 to 60 minutes and provide an opportunity to review your needs. To schedule a call, please fill out our contact form or reach out via text. We look forward to connecting with you!
Karen's detailed training plans and wealth of information provided us with invaluable insights. Leaving Duke with her felt like leaving him with a trusted family member. The change in Duke after his training was remarkable. He now responds to commands like "come," "sit," and "lay down," and the nipping that worried us is almost completely gone. Karen's guidance has empowered us to understand Duke's behavior and create a harmonious environment for him and our 4 young children. The peace of mind we gained is immeasurable. Knowing Duke was in such capable hands during his stay was a tremendous relief. Karen's continued support & genuine affection for Duke solidify our confidence in her. We are thrilled to have her as our trusted trainer and look forward to continuing our journey with her!
Her attention to detail, consistency with communication with us as she was training our Chihuahua and the end result when she returned her home was an undeniable difference! Annabel is so confident, socializes with other dogs and people now without fear, listens to and obeys commands and is like a new dog! We are so grateful and thankful for Karen! If you need training for your fur baby, Karen will not disappoint and she is absolutely fantastic with the animals!
He was scared of everything, and Karen was confident that we could remedy this for him. I was able to contact Karen at any time, schedule flexible session times, and meet at convenient locations. We the 6 week “Out and About Adventurer” program. From our first session, I could tell that Karen loves her job! I was eager to watch, learn and try for myself whatever the lesson was that day. We made progress at each session (and in between sessions). With consistency, technique, training tools, and the rule of holding my dog accountable, our dog is med free and actually enjoying his car rides, walks, and can tolerate a nail trim alongside an experienced groomer. We are so grateful for your direction and continued support!
Karen identified his problem as an impulse control issue and knew he needed confidence building. She gave us techniques for structure and showed us how to provide him with a sense of protection, which alleviated his anxiety and decreased the barking. We had met with other dog trainers, but Karen was the first who understood our specific issues and developed appropriate solutions. She is both patient and firm with our dog (and with us) and was very focused . From day one we had great confidence in her approach and capabilities. She took great pains to understand our situation before proposing a solution.
He was a fearful rescue that wouldn’t stop barking at everything , especially family members!!! We started with basic obedience and the dogs confidence soared . She helped us immeasurably. I would highly recommend Karen for obedience training and for any behavioral problems . Her gentle but firm manner sets owners and pets up for success .
Was challenging to break old habits that were not taught originally. From the first lesson where my dog refused to even go near Karen without being pulled to her last lesson where she went right up to her, I have seen the drastic difference in my dog. Being a shy, timid, anxious soul like her Mom - my dog had to really be coaxed into each new thing we were taught. Learning the amount of patience & consistency needed to fully train your dog was key for my experience. Karen was super helpful with ways to get my anxious dog interested in learning new things and habits.
Karen has been an incredible resource to us! She has been completely patient with him - and us- as we work to build a solid foundation for him. We’ve completed the basic 8 week course which immediately improved his confidence and ours as he learned to follow basic commands. Maverick still has a long way to go but we are excited to continue to work with Karen to help him overcome his fear of strangers and new dogs.
We saw the immediate changes in Ollie after his very first lesson, and after completing his training he’s a confident, well behaved, happy dog that we feel great about bringing everywhere. Everyone Ollie meets can’t believe he is a puppy with his great manors and I couldn’t recommend Karen more every time someone mentions it. We had a great time throughout our lessons and I truly loved our time together! Ollie says a big thanks too!
It has made having the puppy so much more enjoyable. Karen was also SO flexible with our schedules and gave us time to apply her trainings. Her program is not overly complicated in fact the opposite and gets to the point in an attainable way for anybody to train their dogs. We’ve even used these techniques on our older dog and it’s working. Absolutely wonderful experience. Karen is always available for any questions during and after the training program. Ten out of ten! Karen is a true professional. Thank you so much!
We completed the first 4 training sessions offered in her package, and we feel that our dog has definitely improved. She still has a lot to learn since she’s a puppy, but Karen has given us tools to use in the future.
It took a little thinking and trial and error but Karen figured out how Belle reacts and got positive results which made for us a better way to work with Belle at home. I was so proud of Belle at our last class she did amazing and I know Karen was happy too. All you have to do is listen to Karen and your dog and you will have a best friend for their life. I cannot give Karen enough praise for her work with both us and Belle, thank you so much. And I am continuing the training with Belle to make us better together.
It took about a year for us to settle on the right trainer. After an initial discussion on the phone, I knew how well versed she was in all matters "dog" and because I did so much research on my own on various methods of training, various trainers, I knew I finally found the perfect person. I would not hesitate one bit with Karen. We did 8 weekly lessons and it was well worth it. She trained us humans mostly because we need to know what we are doing right or wrong in order for us to help our dog understand what we want from them.
Karen is knowledgeable, compassionate, and has this amazing bond with every dog she comes in contact with. We were fortunate enough to find Karen two years ago for our dog Zoey who went through a two week board and train . We now board Zoey with Karen when we go on vacation. We don’t know what we would do without her! It is apparent from the moment you see her interact with Zoey that it is not just a business to her, it is her love. The peace of mind in knowing Zoey is well cared for is priceless. We HIGHLY recommend Karen!
My dog had a very personal, loving experience the whole time as opposed to being in a crate alongside a ton of other dogs all day. I got daily pictures and updates and had 100% confidence she was in great hands and having a great time.
On top of being a great choice for boarding, Karen is a very knowledgeable trainer. Her methodology is very balanced and personalized for the dog in front of her. She keeps it real and honest even when it's tough to hear. She has you and your dog's best interest at heart at all times. Trust me, it's worth every penny!
All of that led to Tilly being very reactive. After graduating, and Tilly is a brand new dog. Things that would trigger her (cars, people, loud noises) she now ignores. She never leaves my side on walks unless I tell her it’s okay, and MOST amazing, Tilly held her position in place for 15 minutes to be released. Working with Karen has not only changed Tilly’s confidence and approach to life, but has also made me a better, more responsible and accountable dog owner. You cannot go wrong with choosing Karen to help you overcome any obstacles you are having with your pup. We are forever grateful for you Karen!!
Please indicate the program name and your main concern, or let us know if you need help choosing if you’re not sure yet!
(Main concerns, current issues, what you hope to get from working with me)