Where compassion meets behavior science.
At the Doggy Dojo, we believe your dog isn’t being stubborn—they’re trying to communicate. Most traditional training methods ignore the why behind a dog’s behavior and rely on outdated techniques that can damage trust. That’s why we do things differently.
I’m Leila, founder of the Doggy Dojo, and I learned the hard way that love alone isn’t always enough—but punishment doesn’t heal, either. In 2020, I adopted my dog Boo, a sweet, confident Maltipoo who became fearful and withdrawn after a traumatic accident left him partially blind. The standard advice didn’t work. I had to dig deeper.
What I found changed everything.
Through positive reinforcement, enrichment, and an understanding of the emotional why behind behavior, I helped Boo rebuild his confidence. And in doing so, I found my calling.
Now, I help dogs and their people do the same—without harsh corrections, guilt, or confusion. My approach is humane, evidence-based, and individualized. I’m certified in Fear Free practices, enrolled in ongoing coursework through Animal Behavior College, and committed to making training feel good—for both ends of the leash.
If you’ve ever felt like your dog is "too much”, "too sensitive”, or just “not listening”, I see you.
Let’s build trust, communication, and confidence—together.
Why We Train Differently
At The Doggy Dojo, we don’t just train dogs—we teach relationships. Traditional training often focuses on control and compliance. But we believe the real magic happens when you understand your dog’s emotional world and learn to communicate from a place of respect.
We use a humane, science-based approach rooted in the LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) framework and the Humane Hierarchy. That means we meet each dog where they are—and build from there.
Our method is different because your dog is different.
Respect First
Every dog comes with their own story. We tailor training to fit their background, needs, and personality—because one-size-fits-all doesn’t work when it comes to real relationships.
Reinforce What's Right
We use positive reinforcement to encourage behaviors we want to see, building trust and motivation without fear or force.
Teach The Human
Training only works if the human understands it too. We empower you with tools, context, and support—so you and your dog succeed together.
Growth Commitment
We stay sharp by keeping up with the latest research and behavioral science. Dogs are always evolving, and so are we.
Community and
Support
You’re not doing this alone. We’re creating a community of kind, curious, and supportive dog owners who lift each other up.
