Frequently Asked Questions
“The answers you seek begin when you start asking the right questions.”
Your Questions Answered
1. General Philosophy and Approach
I don’t train dogs—I train people how to think like dogs, so they can communicate and live with them in a way their dogs truly understand. That’s how real change happens: by meeting and communicating with dogs at their level and recognizing the role we play in their behavior. I never tell dogs to sit, down, heel, or place, and I don’t believe in trying to burn off their energy or do positive reinforcement in the way people are taught. This is just a glimpse at what makes me different.
Yes. Most of the dogs I work with come from exactly these kinds of situations.
Yes. Dogs only communicate what they don’t like, and part of how they do that is through discipline — think of the bite. Discipline is simply part of how dogs communicate and set boundaries with one another. I do the same, and I teach people how to properly discipline their dogs when needed.
Yes. I study and understand dogs for who they really are—how they think, feel, communicate, and live with one another. My approach is based on nature, not obedience commands like sit, down, heel, or place, and not on toys, games, or bribes that create frustration and neurotic behavior. Working with dogs at their level is far more humane than forcing ‘dog training’ onto them. That said, I work with aggression and put dogs into real life. Life has risk. It’s part of the journey, and the goal is to teach dogs and people how to navigate those dangers.
2. Initial Consultation Details
The initial consultation is about getting familiar with each other and diving deeper into your specific situation and your dog’s history. I observe how you and your dog interact and gather the understanding I need. From there, we look at what makes sense moving forward.
Most consultations happen at my location in Bend, Oregon. In some cases, we may decide it’s better to do it at your home, over video call, or arrange for travel if you’re outside the area. That decision is based on what’s best for you and your dog(s), and we’ll determine that after reviewing your intake form.
If I’m traveling to you, there will be an additional cost to cover travel expenses.
Yes. Dogs live in a shared social dynamic. They influence each other constantly — in ways most people don’t see. That’s why I need to see how your entire pack interacts: how they move together, how they respond to each other, to you, and to the world around them.
Sometimes the dog showing the problem behavior isn’t the source of it. Sometimes what looks like a minor role in one dog ends up being a major piece of the puzzle.
If any part of the pack is missing, I’m not seeing the full picture — and I can’t give you the kind of help you’re here for.
1. All dogs currently living in your household
2. Any equipment you normally use — leashes, collars, harnesses, toys, treats
3. Comfortable clothing and shoes suited for movement and weather
4. Notebook or journal (optional)
5. Video of your dog(s) showing the behavioral issue(s)
6. Yourself — and anyone else living in the household
7. An open mindset — be ready to see your dog(s) in a new way
I review this on a case-by-case basis. You’ll share your dog’s medical history and any special needs in the intake form. Some conditions may influence how we proceed — but I won’t let those limitations become excuses that hold them back from progress if progress is possible.
Some clients get what they need from the consultation alone. Others want or need continued support. If that’s the case, I’ll put together some program options, and Thea will reach out to go over them by phone.
Payment is required to reserve your spot. All fees are non-refundable. Rescheduling may be offered in special cases at the discretion of Nature In Play, Inc.
3. Program and Service-Specific Questions
Yes, I do offer boarding for aggressive dogs. My boarding setup is a home environment, and dogs live as though they are one of my personal dogs during their stay.
No, I don’t offer traditional board-and-train programs because I don’t train dogs. But I do offer rehabilitation programs where dogs come and stay with me for a period of time while I guide them through a custom-tailored journey. It’s important to understand this is not a ‘drop off your dog and we fix them’ service. Your involvement is critical.
I teach you how to live and communicate with your dog so you can have success together.
Yes, I provide daycare where dogs have the freedom to make their own choices without being told commands like sit, down, or place. I oversee and mediate their interactions, letting them know what I do not like, what is inappropriate. I also allow them to communicate and set boundaries with each other, because ultimately, I want them to learn to judge their level of aggression. I focus on each dog as an individual and as part of the group.
Yes, I offer private one-on-one and in-home sessions if that’s what’s best for you and your dog’s specific needs.
We’ll decide the best approach after the initial consultation.
Yes. I offer pack socialization because dogs with aggression or reactivity need to learn how to be around other dogs and people. Clients join our pack member community, gaining hands-on experience to learn, grow, and navigate real situations with their dogs.
No, I don’t offer guarantees. There are too many factors involved—your ability and willingness to change, as well as your dog’s ability and willingness to change.
But I do offer follow-up support to help guide you along your journey.
4. Determining Fit
If you’ve tried traditional training, veterinary behaviorists, medication, or more exercise — and nothing has worked — my programs are what your dog needs. I specialize in helping dogs that are misunderstood, reactive, aggressive, or difficult to live with. You need to be ready to show up differently and grow alongside your dog.
Still have questions?
Reach out to us directly.