Smiling woman in a knitted top sits with a brown and white dog resting its paw on her shoulder.

Online Dog Training for Herding Breeds

Helping herding dog owners build calm, confidence and connection through virtual training and behavior consulting

Specialized support for high-drive dogs

Virtual dog training for Australian Shepherds, Border Collies and other working breeds

High-drive breeds are brilliant, sensitive, and intensely tuned into the world around them.That same drive can also show up as:

  • reactivity
  • barking and hypervigilance
  • nipping or chasing
  • inability to settle
  • frustration and impulsivity
  • fixation and obsessive behaviors
  • sensitivity to movement, sound, visitors or chaos

These dogs often don’t need “more obedience.”

They need support that takes their instincts, emotional state, nervous system, and environment into account.

This is where I come in.

Smiling woman holding a basket and leash, standing next to a sitting brown and white dog.
Services

Ways I support high-drive dogs and their humans

Specialized support for high-drive dogs that goes beyond obedience—integrating behavior science, nervous system awareness, and human-centered coaching for long-term change.

Person standing holding basket in one hand and dog leash in the other with a dog sitting and looking up.

Adolescent Dog Behavior Support
(6–18 months)

For impulsivity, overstimulation, reactivity, frustration, and “teenage dog” struggles

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Life Transitions & Change

Support during moves, routine changes, new schedules, and multi-dog households

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Dog & Baby / Growing Families

Helping high-drive dogs adjust safely and calmly to life with babies and toddlers

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Webinars, Workshops & Education

Helping people and dogs thrive together through understanding, education, and connection.

Topics & formats

Available for speaking engagements, professional trainings, and podcast appearances. Topics include nervous system regulation, emotional regulation, high-drive breeds, and modern, Dog & Baby, science-based behavior modification approaches.

Check out recent interviews with Co-Regulated K-9s and Ruffly Speaking

"Bianca truly gets to the root of the problem."

"Hands down, Bianca is the best and most experienced dog trainer on so many levels--she's more than a trainer--she truly gets to the root of the problem. We've worked with several trainers over the years, and we've never had one with such an incredible disposition and strong animal behavior acumen. Her feedback, tips and overall approach made everything feel achievable. The analogies Bianca uses truly help things click—we finally understood the why behind the training. We've always felt overwhelmed by dog training in the past, but this was easy to grasp, practical, and made complete sense. She's made our home of four dogs much more pleasant and calm!"

Tara Burke with Penny, Malinois Mix, and 3 Boston Terriers (Behavior Mod.)

"She transformed our dog—and gave us back hope."

Bianca took on a very big job of training our two mini Aussies, one of whom had severe activity, fear, and anxiety issues. We have worked with other trainers and were near hopeless at times. Her work with us transformed our dog, teaching her to manage her big emotions and regulate her nervous system. She was patient and professional, very easy to talk to, and our dog loved her (and she’s picky!). She even spent time working with us on preparing our dogs for our soon-to-be newborn, helping us manage our environment for a successful dog & baby interaction. I cannot recommend Bianca enough for your training needs. She has an intuition for dog behavior unlike anyone we've worked with, which was the key to our success.

Alisa Rybkin (Mini Australian Shepherds Scout & Kona)

"The trainer other trainers trust."

As a fellow professional trainer and behavior consultant myself, Bianca is my go-to resource and trainer for high-drive breeds, mindfulness, and anxiety. She’s incredibly thoughtful and well educated and holds herself to a high ethical standard in her training and in the way she conducts business. She has such a refreshing perspective on training that’s hard to come by and is warm and supportive to hold space for the "messy." I’d trust Bianca with my own dog (and that’s not something I say lightly!).

Ashley Cipoletti, CPDT-KA, Founder and Head Trainer at Co-Regulated K9s, San Diego, CA

"She gets to the root of the problem—and finally makes it all make sense."

Hands down, Bianca is the best and most experienced dog trainer on so many levels—she's more than a trainer—she truly gets to the root of the problem. We've worked with several trainers over the years, and we've never had one with such an incredible disposition and strong animal behavior acumen. Her approach made everything feel achievable, and we finally understood the "why" behind the training. We've always felt overwhelmed by dog training in the past, but this was easy to grasp, practical, and made complete sense. She's made our home of four dogs much more pleasant and calm!

Tara Burke (multi-dog household with one Malinois Mix and three Boston Terriers)
The Dogfulness Approach

How I train differently

Guided by understanding & designed for real life.

Calm nervous systems

Calm creates change

When dogs feel more regulated, they can learn and respond differently. And when you understand how to support that process, behavior change becomes more realistic, sustainable, and easier to carry into everyday life.

Built on trust, not force

Dogs learn best when they feel safe and supported. That’s why my work uses positive, science-based methods that create real behavior change without fear or force.

Clear guidance for you

Think of it as personalized coaching for life with your dog. You’ll learn how to better understand your dog’s behavior, make sense of challenges as they come up, and build skills you can use long after our work together.

Support tailored to your dog

Support is tailored to each dog, because every dog is different. I take into account breed, history, temperament, lifestyle, health, and environment to design a plan that supports sustainable, long-term behavior change.

For intense dogs & full lives

Every program starts with a thorough behavior assessment so I can understand what’s really going on. From there, you get a personalized plan with simple, practical support that fits into everyday life.

Virtual support, real-life results

I currently support clients in the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia

Map showing labeled locations: Easton, Trumbull, Weston, Wilton, Westport, Fairfield, Southport in Connecticut.

Virtual herding-breed dog training available worldwide.Specialized online coaching for herding breeds — Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Cattle Dogs and more — wherever you're located.

Licensed & insured:
Getting started

How this works

1

Book a free 20-minute consultation

Get to know your dog's needs

We talk through your herding breed's behavior, energy, and instincts to see what kind of support fits best for you and your dog.

2

Fill out an intake questionnaire

Tell me about your dog's history, daily routine, and the herding behaviors you're seeing — nipping, chasing, circling, barking — so I can prepare a plan tailored to your breed.

3

Decide on a program and schedule your sessions

Choose your path

Based on your consultation and questionnaire, we recommend a program and set up a schedule of virtual sessions that works for you.

4

Upload videos of the behavior to the client folder (optional)

Share short clips of your dog in action — at home, on walks, or during triggering moments. This helps us pinpoint exactly what's driving the herding instinct.

5

Work together through virtual sessions and feedback

Ongoing virtual coaching

We work with you live over video, refining techniques session by session, with feedback and support between calls to keep you on track.

Understanding your dog
changes everything.

Let’s explore what your dog truly needs.

The more you know …

Common questions to help you feel confident about the next step.

Is this is the right fit for us?
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Choosing the right support for your dog matters. Let’s start with a conversation about what’s going on, what you’re hoping to change, and what your goals are — then we’ll see if my approach feels like the right fit for you. My goal isn’t to quickly “fix” your dog. It’s to help you understand what’s behind the behavior, strengthen your bond, and create lasting change together.

Is my dog too reactive, too old, or too far gone?

The good news: dogs don’t come with an expiration date on learning :). Meaningful change is possible at any stage of life when we focus on understanding, consistency, and support that fits your dog’s needs.

What if I don’t have time to train perfectly?

Yes, change takes time and effort — but it’s often not as much as you think. Many clients are surprised that progress isn’t about spending hours training their dog every day. It’s about how we use that time: understanding your dog, creating the right habits, and making small changes consistently. I help you create a  plan that fits your lifestyle and schedule.

How soon will we see progress?

Most clients see shifts within the first 2 sessions, with others it takes longer. It depends on several factors, such as the dogs age and history, your consistency, and the environment.

How long does training take?

My personalized in-person training programs range from one to three months in duration, some longer.

The first session of each program lasts approximately 90 minutes and includes a detailed behavior analysis and consultation to identify your unique challenges and goals with first recommendations. Subsequent sessions typically run about 60 minutes (+/- 10 minutes, depending on your dog’s focus, your questions, and other factors). Training sessions are typically 1-2 per week, depending on your schedule and goals.

Most of my virtual programs are between 1-2 months with one weekly session.

What makes your puppy different from puppy classes?

We go beyond basic commands. Our focus is on nurturing your puppy’s confidence, emotional balance, and trust while guiding you to feel confident and supported as a pet parent. We build strong real-life skills that benefit you and your dog for a lifetime. Puppies get personalized attention, and every plan is designed around your home, your schedule, and your goals—so you always know the next right step.

Does virtual training & behavior consulting even work?

Yes! Virtual consulting lets us look at your dog’s behavior where it actually happens — in your home and everyday life — so we can create practical solutions that work for you. Whether you’re in the US, Australia, Europe, or anywhere else, we can work together.

The best part? You become the person who understands your dog best. I’ll teach you the skills and strategies to support your dog beyond our sessions, so the changes carry into real life.

Can the whole family be involved?

Yes. Consistency across the household helps dogs feel secure and understand expectations. I can include partners, children, or caregivers as needed.

Can we ask questions in between sessions?

Absolutely—yes, please! All one-on-one training programs include text and email support throughout the week between sessions. Your clarity and success are my top priorities. You’ll also receive a personalized training plan to guide your progress.

I’ve worked with other trainers before and didn’t see the change I wanted. Is Dogfulness different?

That’s a great question. Every trainer works differently. Some focus mainly on obedience and compliance, while others use correction-based methods.

Dogfulness takes a different approach — one centered on understanding your dog, supporting emotional regulation, and coaching you just as much as your dog.
I don’t use fear, intimidation, or aversive tools. Lasting change comes through trust, clarity, and consistency.

My goal isn’t just better behavior — it’s helping you build a safer, more connected life with your dog. We’ll explore during our introduction call whether we’re the right fit. If not, I’m happy to point you toward trusted professionals who may be a better match.

Do you use prong collars or e-collars in certain cases?

Nope. I believe every behavior has a reason—dogs aren’t “misbehaving” on purpose; they’re trying to communicate that something is off. My focus is on understanding their needs, teaching new coping and communication skills, and strengthening the bond between you and your dog. I use evidence-based, positive reinforcement behavior modification to help dogs feel safe, supported, and confident. I do not use aversive tools like prong collars, shock collars, or choke chains. These methods are increasingly discouraged by veterinary behavior and training organizations because of concerns around stress, welfare, and potential fallout.

How is your approach different from traditional training?

Rather than focusing only on obedience, I look at the whole picture — behavior, emotional regulation, environment, and family dynamics. The goal is lasting change, not quick fixes.

What is your professional background?

Your dog’s future matters. I bring over 13 years of experience, a professional dog training education from Germany, and a deep understanding of canine behavior, and science-based training.

I’m also a Licensed Family Paws Parent Educator and a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).
I believe learning never stops. I continue to stay current with research and education so I can provide thoughtful, personalized support — and collaborate with veterinary behavior professionals when more complex cases need a team approach.

A different kind of training.
Let’s talk.

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Woman in casual outfit bending to shake paw with a brown and white dog indoors.
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