LIX & FIR

​At Lix & Fir everything I do is guided by my motto: “Rooted in connection, guided by instinct”

My philosophy is all about balance and communication. I don’t believe there’s a single “right” way to train every dog — because every dog (and every owner) is different. I use positive, reward-based methods as much as possible, while also tailoring the approach to what each dog responds to best.

Just as importantly, I always take into account the owner’s comfort level and their goals. Training should feel good for both ends of the leash — not overwhelming or stressful.

I also choose not to offer group classes in a facility. While group training works for some, I find it can be really difficult for many dogs to learn in that kind of setting. The environment is often overstimulating, the learning curve is harder, and owners can sometimes get lost in the mix. At home, dogs are their truest selves. That’s where I can see the full picture — their routines, their behaviors, and how they naturally interact with their people. From there, I can figure out the best way to communicate and create a training plan that truly fits.

At its heart, training is about understanding each other. My goal is to help you and your dog work as a team, figuring out what motivates them, what makes them happy, and how to build a relationship that’s both respectful and fun.