My Goal

My goal in training your dog (and training you) is to help you effectively communicate and cohabitate with the animal living in your home.

I aim to help you understand your dog’s needs and be able to provide fully for them. Together, we will realize your dog’s potential and work to have them reach that potential.

We will create a roadmap for what you want your life and relationship with your dog to look like and train them to live up to your expectations and goals. 

For the Love of Dogs

Ten percent of all Loving Leader Dog Training business is donated to support dogs in need.

At this time, our chosen organization is the Humane Society of London and Middlesex, Second Chance Auction Animal Rescue, and Animalalert Pet Adoptions.

Amanda and the White Dog

I got my dog, Whistler (also commonly referred to as The White Dog, Cloud Boi, or Floof!) when he was 9 weeks old. Prior to picking him up, I read many, many dog training books, I did my research and I believed that I knew what I needed to properly lead him and train him. We had asked for a submissive male dog but little did we know – Whistler was not submissive.

A few weeks into having him, I believed he was “trained”. He could sit, lay down, and shake a paw. These are commands that are important to teach your dog, but there was so much more that Whistler needed from me.

He would pull on the leash like a sled dog every time I walked him, he would get overly excited every time we saw strangers thinking that he was allowed to meet every person and dog we cross paths with. He also had extreme separation anxiety.

Lucky shortly after these problems arose, I started working at a stable, and the operator of the stable happened to be a dog trainer. I began talking to her about my dog and she immediately realized the predicament I was in and suggested we start puppy training classes immediately.

Reading the class syllabus I thought we were more advanced than the class. Whistler already knew how to sit. But did he sit the first time I asked him to? Would he sit when there were distractions? Would he sit until I gave him his next command, or would he just sit and then do what he wanted to do. He knew what the word sit meant, but it was always on his terms.

We started on the journey of properly training and re-ranking Whistler. I came to realize how dominant and stubborn Whistler was! I now know that Whistler came into my life to show me what I needed to know about training a dog and to introduce this passion to me, but at the time it was incredibly challenging, and I cried a lot.

We went through puppy training once, intermediate twice (he passed both courses, but I knew he was not yet ready to move onto advanced) and we took the advanced course twice as well. Upon completing his formal training, continuing the practices, and expanding what I expect from him, I now have a dog who I have 100% faith in, off-leash, and even from horseback.

I am always working with Whistler to maintain his training and increase the Five D’s of dog training. Distance, duration, difficulty, distractions, and diversity. Every walk that we take is an opportunity to be creative and introduce him to new scenarios to strengthen his training and our bond.

Once Whistler completed his formal dog training, I realized how much I loved these classes. Everything made so much sense and I began to shadow my trainer and learn from her. She became a mentor to me, and after time, I started teaching the classes on my own. I worked with her for two years teaching the classes and in private lessons for dogs with behavioral problems.

I have since then continued my dog training education and have moved back home to London. It was being back in London, no longer working with dogs regularly that I realized how much I was missing this from my life. I tried to push it aside, but it was this burning passion in my mind and in my heart that I knew I had to pursue.

Working with dogs and helping their families provides me with the greatest satisfaction. I am so grateful for the opportunity to help people find stability and balance with their best friend.

My goal is to help you achieve the relationship with your dog that you are looking for. I aim to help you understand what your dog needs from you, how you can effectively communicate with your dog, and to help your dog understand what is expected of them.