Meet the Team
We don't just train your dog. We change how you and your dog experience each other at home, on walks, in real life.
Meet the Team
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Meet the Team 🐾 Learn to Speak Dog 💬
Owner & Lead Canine Relationship CoachTerra Ruiz
(she/her)
Terra is a "problem solver for hard dogs." With over 13 years of experience, she specializes in in-home behavior work and relationship coaching. Her approach is deeply personal; having navigated PTSD and neurodivergence (AuDHD), she uses her lived experience with high-alert nervous systems to meet anxious, reactive, and fearful dogs exactly where they are.
Specialty: Complex behavior cases, reactivity, and anxiety-informed training.
Education & Credentials:
Licensed Family Dog Mediator (LFDM) – L.E.G.S. Applied Ethology
Graduate of Michael Ellis School of Dog Obedience Training
Separation Anxiety Specialist Training (Malena DeMartini)
Training Between The Ears (TBTE) Affiliate
Pet Food Nutrition Certification (Dogs Naturally University)
IACP Dog Trainer Foundation Certified
AKC CGC Certified Evaluator
Do More With Your Dog Certified Evaluator
The Personal Side: A proud and loud LGBTQIA+ ally and mother. When she isn’t training, she’s sewing custom leashes or tending to her two "Golden Retriever-like" chickens.
Her Philosophy: A "Wholistic" view of the dog—analyzing genetics, environment, and learning history to build a real relationship rather than just demanding obedience.
Canine Relationship CoachAlex Soliz
(she/her)
With 16 years of hands-on experience, Alex focuses on the "why" behind dog behavior. She moves past flashy tricks to focus on resilience and functional communication, helping dogs make confident decisions in the real world.
Specialty: High-level behavior modification, aggression, reactivity, and impulse control.
Experience:
16 years of hands-on behavioral experience.
Active competitor in IGP (Schutzhund) with her dog, Jekyll.
Specialist in intricate behavioral cases where anxiety and impulse control are factors.
The Personal Side: Alex is a results-driven trainer who lives and breathes dogs, spending her personal time training for high-level sport competition. She values real progress over "flashy" training.
Her Philosophy: Building functional lifestyles by teaching dogs how to recover from stress and navigate environmental sensitivities.
Scent Work & Positive Reinforcement SpecialistJade Spicher
(she/her)
Jade’s transition from a Master’s degree in Political Science to dog training was sparked by her own dog, Vienna. She is a dedicated student of canine cognition, focusing on how reward-based training can transform a dog’s outlook on the world.
Specialty: Scent work for anxious and reactive dogs—giving them a sense of control and "space to breathe."
Education & Credentials:
M.A. in Political Science (Virginia Tech).
AKC CGC CGCU & all others.
146+ hours of continuing education in canine behavior.
Specialist in Hound behavior
Scent Work AKC Trainer
The Personal Side: Jade maintains a meticulous "growth mindset," keeping notebooks on every client dog to constantly refine her methods. She is particularly passionate about helping owners who want to dive deep into the "why" of dog behavior.
Her Philosophy: Rooted in positive reinforcement & boundaries. She believes in rewarding what works rather than punishing what doesn’t, ensuring no dog works out of fear.
Foundations & Socialization SpecialistMitch Brooks
(they/them)
Mitch’s journey is rooted in a lifelong bond with dogs and a deep commitment to family safety. Having worked in the animal world since 2017, they specialize in setting the right foundation through clear communication and positive reinforcement in low stress environments.
Specialty: Foundational obedience, puppy rearing, and structured socialization.
Education & Experience:
10+ years of animal handling
3 years as a Veterinary Aid
3+ years in teaching children with disabilities
5+ Years as a Dog Trainer
Training Between The Ears Affiliate
L. E. G. S. applied Ethology Coursework
The Personal Side: A proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, artist, and D&D player. Mitch focuses on creating a safe, inclusive space for all families to learn and grow with their dogs.
Their Philosophy: Success starts with the basics. Mitch focuses on helping families build a strong foundation, ensuring they understand not just how to train, but the why behind the behavior.