Welcome to a happy, confident, well-trained dog
and a healthy dose of peace of mind while you’re away.
Welcome to a
happy, confident, well-trained dog
and a healthy dose of peace of mind
while you’re away.
Hi! I’m Traci.
Herding, hunting, and bully breeds,… throughout my life, each have been my companion at some point along the way.
At 8 years old, I printed out a dog encyclopedia (goodbye, ink cartridge!) and by 10, I wasn’t just training our family dogs to sit and stay reliably but to jump through hula hoops, spin in circles, and differentiate between a ‘high five’ and ‘shake’.
As an adult, I worked in a dog yard caring for over 70 sled dogs of many personalities. Year-round, rain or shine, these dogs could rely on me.
My expertise includes training puppies, managing reactive dogs, and providing specialized care for senior pets.
When your furry friend needs a little extra, reach out, and we’ll hang out. I’ll make sure they are safe, happy, and healthy to the best of my ability. Every time.
Hi! I’m Traci.
Herding, hunting, and bully breeds,… throughout my life, each have been my companion at some point along the way.
At 8 years old, I printed out a dog encyclopedia (goodbye, ink cartridge!) and by 10, I wasn’t just training our family dogs to sit and stay reliably but to jump through hula hoops, spin in circles, and differentiate between a ‘high five’ and ‘shake’.
As an adult, I worked in a dog yard caring for over 70 sled dogs of many personalities. Year-round, rain or shine, these dogs could rely on me.
*I’m an insured and bonded professional. I value the safety of your dog and your home.
How I Train: A Unique Approach to Dog Care and Training
I believe that every interaction with a dog is an opportunity for learning and growth. Whether I’m walking, sitting, or simply spending time with your dog while you’re away, I use those moments to infuse positive, science-based training methods that enrich your dog’s life. My approach focuses on making training fun, effective, and stress-free, integrating short, engaging training spurts into our daily routines to reinforce good behavior and boost your dog’s confidence and happiness.Short, Focused Training Sessions
Research shows that dogs, like humans, learn best through short, focused sessions. While caring for your dog, I incorporate multiple brief training spurts—each lasting around 5-10 minutes. These short bursts keep your dog engaged and excited, preventing them from becoming overwhelmed or bored. Whether we’re practicing sit and stay during a walk or reinforcing calm behavior when a visitor arrives at your home, I aim to seamlessly blend training into your dog’s day.Positive Reinforcement in Every Interaction
I use only positive reinforcement training methods, meaning I reward your dog with treats, praise, or their favorite toys when they exhibit desired behaviors. This method is scientifically proven to be the most effective and humane way to train dogs. Positive reinforcement strengthens the bond between dog and trainer, building trust and motivation. Your dog will associate learning with positive experiences, making training feel like a game rather than a chore.Training with Daily Structure
During walks or house sitting, I ensure your dog’s training is consistent with their daily routine. Training in familiar environments, such as your home or neighborhood, helps reinforce good behavior in real-world situations. From reinforcing leash manners on walks to practicing commands at home, I take advantage of natural moments to train, ensuring that training is practical and relevant to your dog’s everyday life.Custom Training for Each Dog
I recognize that every dog is unique, with its own personality, temperament, and learning style. Whether your dog is an energetic puppy needing basic training or an older dog who needs help brushing up on manners, I tailor my approach to meet their individual needs. By paying close attention to your dog’s behavior, I adjust my techniques to ensure they are learning at their own pace. This personalized approach ensures that training is both effective and enjoyable for every dog.Consistency and Communication
One of the keys to successful training is consistency. I maintain clear and consistent cues and signals during our sessions to help your dog learn quickly and efficiently. Additionally, I work closely with you to understand any specific training goals or behaviors you’d like reinforced. Whether you’re focusing on improving leash behavior, reinforcing commands, or addressing specific challenges, I ensure that my training aligns with your priorities and complements any training you’re doing at home.Learning through Positive Experiences
Whether your dog is out for a walk, playing in the yard, or relaxing at home, every activity presents an opportunity for learning. I incorporate training seamlessly into your dog’s natural routine, ensuring that they are learning through positive, low-stress experiences. From sit and stay exercises while waiting at a crosswalk to practicing recall during off-leash play, these training moments are woven into your dog’s time with me.A Commitment to Humane and Effective Training
At Sit Stay Play Play Play, my commitment to humane, science-based training ensures that your dog is not only well cared for but also benefiting from positive learning experiences. I stay up to date on the latest research and techniques from leading animal behaviorists, ensuring that the training I provide is grounded in proven methods. My goal is to enhance your dog’s well-being while ensuring they have fun and stay engaged, even while you’re away.By combining my knowledge of animal behavior with compassionate care, I provide your dog with more than just exercise and companionship—I give them the tools to learn and thrive. Whether it’s reinforcing basic commands or teaching new tricks, I ensure that your dog enjoys every moment, learning and growing along the way.