Expert virtual behavior consulting for reactivity, anxiety, overexcitement, impulse control, and the unique challenges of living with high-drive herding dogs.

Choosing the right support for your dog matters. Let’s start with a conversation about what’s going on, what you’d like to change, and what your goals are. From there, we’ll see if working together feels like the right fit for both of us.
My goal isn’t to quickly “fix” your dog. It’s to help you understand what’s behind the behavior, learn how your dog communicates, strengthen your relationship, and create meaningful, lasting change together.

Yes. Virtual dog training is highly effective for most behavior concerns because we can work with your dog in the environment where the behavior actually happens—your home and daily routine.

During our sessions, I'll observe your dog's behavior, explain what's contributing to it, and guide you through practical training and management strategies you can implement right away. Rather than simply fixing one problem, my goal is to help you understand your dog, build confidence, and develop the skills to navigate future challenges on your own (because no trainer can live with you forever!).

Whether you're in the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe, or elsewhere in the world, we can work together from wherever you are. Sessions are held in German or English.

You will receive calendar invites with the meeting link and an email with more information. Every dog and family is different, so we'll start by getting a clear understanding of what's going on (Intake Form), what's contributing to your dog's behavior, and what your goals are.

You'll leave each session with practical, personalized strategies that fit your lifestyle, not a one-size-fits-all training plan. Detailed written notes and meeting recordings will be uploaded in a shared folder where you can access them at any time. Between sessions, you'll have time to practice, observe your dog's progress, and ask questions, allowing us to adjust the plan as needed.

Yes! Yes. I use evidence-based, reward-based training that focuses on teaching your dog the behaviors you want while addressing the underlying reasons behind unwanted behavior.
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However, my approach goes beyond only using treats (some dogs even prefer other reinforcers and not treats). I look at the whole picture, including your dog's genetics, emotions, stress levels, environment, and unmet needs—to create a training plan that supports lasting behavior change. Rather than relying on fear, pain, or intimidation, I help dogs build confidence, learn new skills, and feel safe enough to make better choices.
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I do not use or recommend aversive training methods such as shock collars (e-collars), prong collars, choke chains, or leash corrections.

I've been working with dogs for over 15 years. In 2012, I became a certified professional dog trainer in Germany, worked under another trainer, and later started my own businesses in Germany and on Oahu, Hawaii. Today, I work with dogs and their people full-time through my practice, Dogfulness Holistic Dog Training.
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Since then, I've continued to invest in ongoing education and am also a Licensed Family Paws Parent Educator and a member of the IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants). I also provide education for veterinary professionals, mentor other trainers, and speak on topics related to dog behavior and the human-dog relationship.
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Over the years, I've had the privilege of working hands-on with hundreds of dogs of different breeds, ages, personalities, and behavior challenges—including service dogs, guide dogs, and working cattle dogs. As the owner of two Australian Shepherds, I also understand firsthand the joys and challenges of living with a high-drive herding breed.
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In addition to dog training, I'm a certified yoga teacher and life coach. These experiences have shaped the way I support people—helping you not only train your dog but also better understand your dog's behavior, communication, emotions, and the role stress and regulation play in learning and relationships. I now work with clients across the U.S. and around the world.

Every dog is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all timeline for behavior change. The length of training depends on factors like your dog's history, age, genetics, the behavior you're working on, your experience level, and how consistently the plan can be implemented in daily life.
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Some families notice meaningful changes within the first week, while more complex challenges—such as reactivity, anxiety, or long-standing behavior patterns—often require more time and support.

My goal isn't to create a quick fix but to help you build lasting skills and a better understanding of your dog.

Australian Shepherds weren't bred simply to have lots of energy—they were bred to make decisions, solve problems, and work closely with people for hours at a time. What often looks like "hyperactivity" is actually a combination of unmet needs, chronic stress, overarousal, or difficulty relaxing. The goal isn't to tire your dog out every day (it´s very hard to actually get there with an Aussie), but to create a balanced routine that includes physical exercise, mental enrichment, rest, and opportunities to decompress.

Reactivity isn't a breed trait, it's a behavior with many possible causes. Herding breeds like Border Collies, Cattle Dogs, or Aussies are incredibly observant and sensitive, which means they can become overwhelmed by movement, sound, frustration, or uncertainty. Through behavior coaching, we identify what's driving the reactions and build new emotional and behavioral skills instead of simply trying to suppress the barking or lunging.

Yes and no.
Many herding dogs become calmer as they mature but only when they learn how to regulate themselves, have predictable routines, and have their physical and emotional needs met. Emotional regulation is one of the most important skills to teach your dog early on. Age helps, but appropriate training and lifestyle changes often make the biggest difference.

Absolutely. There is a common misconception that working breeds need a “firm hand” or harsher training methods to be successful. What they truly need is clarity, structure, consistency, and an understanding of how they learn.
Positive reinforcement works with every breed—including high-drive working dogs like Australian Shepherds—when it is applied thoughtfully and correctly. These intelligent dogs thrive when learning feels safe, engaging, and rewarding.
Positive reinforcement does not mean allowing unwanted behavior or being permissive. It means teaching the skills you want, setting your dog up for success, and addressing the underlying reasons behind the behavior so your dog can make better choices.

I primarily work with Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs (Heelers), Mini American Shepherds, and other high-drive working breeds. I also help families prepare dogs for life with a new baby and support behavior challenges such as reactivity, anxiety, resource guarding, and overarousal through virtual dog training worldwide.

Many people assume anxiety comes from not getting enough exercise, but that's only one piece of the puzzle. Dogs can become anxious because of genetics, chronic stress, lack of predictability, difficulty regulating emotions, pain, or simply feeling overwhelmed by their environment. Exercise helps and is important, but it isn't a cure for anxiety! Understanding why your dog is struggling allows us to create a plan that supports both their emotional well-being and behavior. Not understanding the root cause of your dog's behavior can make behavior modification a lot harder than it needs to be.

The best time to prepare your dog for a baby is before your little one arrives—but it’s never too late to start.
The goal isn’t to make your dog “perfect.” It’s to help them feel confident and comfortable with all the changes that come with a new baby: different routines, new sounds, new smells, less predictable schedules, and a whole new family dynamic.
Preparation can include teaching skills like settling calmly, relaxing independently, adjusting to changes in routine, and building positive associations with baby-related things.
Especially with high-drive breeds like Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, and Heelers, we want to focus on more than obedience. We want to help your dog learn how to regulate their emotions, make good choices, and feel successful in their new role as part of the family.

If you have an Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, or Heeler, you may notice behaviors like chasing, circling, staring, barking, or even nipping when your child runs around.
The good news is this doesn’t mean your dog is being “bad.” These behaviors often come from the instincts these breeds were developed for—they were bred to notice movement and help control the movement of livestock.
The not-so-good news: herding behaviors and especially nipping can be incredibly dangerous for fragile toddler skin.
It’s important to teach your dog appropriate ways to interact with your child while also managing situations where their instincts may take over.
We focus on helping your dog learn what to do, not just telling them what not to do.

Many dogs and children grow up to have amazing relationships, but safety always comes first.
The key is learning to understand your individual dog, recognizing their body language, and creating an environment where both your dog and child can succeed.
Dogs communicate with us all the time. Things like walking away, avoiding interaction, lip licking, stiffness, or growling are ways your dog tells you they need support or space.
Understanding these signals doesn’t mean your dog is dangerous, it means you’re listening. And that’s one of the most important parts of building a safe, trusting relationship between dogs and children.