Meet The Trainer
Hi! I'm Violet! Dogs have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and for the past six years I have been working with them professionally. I am a certified AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator through the American Kennel Club and have helped guide handlers and their dogs through the CGC program.
As a balanced trainer, I focus on clear communication, positivity, structure, and building a strong relationship between dogs and their owners. I am knowledgeable in working with dogs of all ages, breeds, and temperaments.. from foundational obedience to behavioral cases. My background includes accreditation in animal behavioral sciences, therapy work, general obedience, and trick/agility training.
At home, I share my life with my Bernese Mountain Dog, who serves as my demo dog and training partner. Together, we showcase what patience, consistency, and proper guidance can achieve. My goal is to help owners build up confidence, clarity, and a long-lasting bond with their dogs.
Services
What We Offer
Every dog is different, which is why training should never be one-size fits all. We provide customized training programs which are designed to build clarity, confidence, and real-world reliability for both you and your dog. If there is a path you are wanting to take that is not on this list please inquire by contacting us below.
Obedience / In-Home Private Instruction
Structure, Clarity, Real-World Reliability.
Build a strong foundation with clear communication and structure. These sessions focus on basic/advanced obedience, household boundaries, leash manners, and reliable behavior in everyday life. Sessions are available in the comfort of your own home, as well as in parks or other public settings to ensure your dog can preform confidently in real-world environments.
Reactivity / Behavioral
Calm Minds, Safer Outcomes.
For dogs struggling with reactivity, fearfulness, anxiety, or aggression towards certain triggers, we provide structured training plans designed to address the root of the behavior. We focus on improving impulse control, confidence, and handler leadership to create safer, more manageable outcomes for both you and your dog.
Therapy Dog Preparation
Calm, Confident, Community-Ready.
If you are interested in working toward therapy work with your dog, we offer structured preparation that focuses on neutrality, obedience under distraction, and calm public manners. We build the foundational skills and temperament needed to succeed in a therapy setting. An evaluation or pre-requisite (AKC - CGC or an Intermediate/Advanced Education certificate) is required to be considered for therapy preparation. Please note: We do not certify therapy dogs or run a program for therapy dog visits. We prepare teams to test and certify through a separate therapy organization of their choosing.
Trick Dog / Agility
Engagement, Confidence, Performance.
Looking to have fun while strengthening your bond with your dog? Trick training and agility build engagement, focus, drive, and confidence while giving your dog a productive outlet. We cover beginner tricks to advanced skills and the foundations of agility. These sessions are designed to challenge your dog mentally and physically in a positive, structured way.
Training programs
Not sure where to start your training journey?
Every great dog starts with a strong foundation, whether you have a new puppy or an experienced dog, there's a training plan for every stage!
Puppy Foundations (8 Weeks – 4 Months)
Give your puppy the best possible start through confidence building, proper socialization, and structured training.
• Potty training
• Crate training and settling skills
• Marker and reward introduction
• Environmental socialization
• Confidence-building
• Name recognition and engagement
• Introduction to leash walking
• Basic obedience foundations
• Impulse control
Beginner Obedience (4 Months & Up)
Build a strong foundation of communication and reliability in everyday situations.
• Basic obedience foundations
• Sit-stay and down-stay
• Come when called (recall)
• Loose leash walking skills
• Heel position with automatic sit
• Doorway manners and impulse control
• Polite greetings around people
• Focus and engagement around distractions
• Basic handling and grooming manners
• Building consistency at home and in public settings
Advanced Obedience
Take your dog's training beyond the basics and improve reliability in real-world settings.
• Advanced heel work
• Commands in motion (sit, down, stand)
• Extended duration stays
• Place command and boundary training
• Distance handling foundations
• Reliable recall around distractions
• Public access manners
• Advanced impulse control
• AKC Canine Good Citizen preparation
• Working confidently in new environments
Environmental Confidence Training
Designed for fearful, anxious, reactive, or environmentally sensitive dogs who need help navigating the world confidently.
• Building confidence in new environments
• Exposure to indoor and outdoor settings
• Working around people and other animals
• Neutrality around moving vehicles and traffic
• Handling busy public spaces
• Desensitization to loud and sudden noises
• Navigating surprising situations calmly
• Exposure to different surfaces and obstacles
• Confidence around unfamiliar smells and sights
• Developing calm, thoughtful responses instead of reactive behaviors
Gallery
Testimonials
Client Reviews
Nothing speaks louder than the success of our clients! Discover what owners have to say about their training journey with House of The Hound and the progress they've achieved with their canine companions.
Laura & Halo
"Violet is an exceptional trainer. She has worked with my dog, Halo, for the past several years, and the transformation has been remarkable.
When we first started training, Halo was a two-year-old Labrador with endless energy. He jumped on people, pulled on walks, and barked at other dogs because he was so eager to play. Violet was patient, knowledgeable, and always knew exactly how to work through each challenge.
Today, Halo is calm, obedient, and a certified therapy dog who brings comfort and joy to others. The difference in his behavior is truly incredible, and I credit Violet’s training and guidance for helping him become the wonderful dog he is today.
If you’re looking for a trainer who genuinely cares about both dogs and their owners and who gets real results, I cannot recommend Violet highly enough."
Rae & Lila
"Violet singlehandedly changed my dogs life, Lila, a doberman pinscher terrier mix.
She had problems with food aggression and manners, such as jumping on new people, leash pulling, trash raiding, and begging for food. Not only did she take the time to assist my dog but she additionally explained everything in great detail so that I could follow through with her training.
Thankfully, I'm now able to walk her more frequently and in public, feed her around my other dogs, and my floors are also happy to be free from her trash lunches. She's the best dog I could have asked for and training with Violet truly strengthened our bond. I highly recommend working with her- amazing dog trainer!"
Cathy & Roscoe
"Violet helped train my Doberman puppy on his walking skills.
She is patient and very knowledgeable on breed specific behaviors.
I now can walk Roscoe in a variety of settings and he is well behaved!"
Contact
Ready to start your training journey? Reach out today to schedule a consultation where we’ll meet, evaluate your dog’s needs, discuss your goals, and create a personalized training plan designed for long-term success which will help you build a stronger bond and lasting relationship with your dog!
Get In Touch!