Hi, I am Valentina. I started working with dogs of all breeds and different backgrounds at 18 years old, in a rescue setting back in my beautiful home Country of Italy.  I moved to the States in 2001 and continued being involved with rescue dogs, as a foster home. Wanting more than just “hands-on” experience, I began seeking farther education  to fully understand the principles of learning and behavior in canines, going to workshops, and seminars held by world-renowned behavior consultants and trainers. I  earned a diploma from the Companion Animal Science Institute (Dip. ADT, graduated with distinction, now replaced with the Diploma of Canine Behavior Science and Technology), which consisted of an academically advanced and comprehensive science-based curriculum.

My experience and passion also involve canine detection training.  I started in sport scent detection with the founders of the National Association on K9 Nose Work back in 2009, in California. Since then, I have been fortunate enough to be exposed to the world of scent detection with military and police working dogs.  In 2015, I went through one of Randy Hare’s  Detection Trainer Schools and completed the Detection Trainer Course. In the same year, I assisted with a law enforcement only detection class in Virginia, conducted by Mr. Hare. I went back to his detection school in January 2017 with one of my rescue dogs and completed his Detection Dog Instructors Schools. Went to the three weeks course in Summit County (Utah) at the end of 2017/beginning of 2018.

My training methods are committed to helping companion animals and their owners to  live together in a trusting relationship, through empowerment, rather than using outdated methods that can damage the relationship and hinder the well being of individual animals. I also understands that training tools have a place and they can be used fairly after a strong foundation based on positive reinforcement has taken place. The reality is that there are plenty of competing reinforcers in the real world. My goal is to help regular dog owners to inprove relations with their dogs

I also LOVE bully breeds and high drive dogs in general. I am happy to step in where other trainers might have not offered a fair behavior assessment.