IndependentPaws Dog Training · In-home
Training that fits into your
everyday life.
Obedience, advanced obedience, and behavioral work — built around the way you and your dog actually live.
— About
Hi, I'm the trainer behind IndependentPaws.
I currently specialize in obedience and advanced obedience, with goals to one day offer police, protection, sports, and service dog work — the whole world of working dogs. I've worked with everything from Chihuahuas to Mastiffs.
I got into dog training at 15, helping with my dad's service dog as a second handler. My second wind of inspiration came from my own dog, who struggled with fear aggression when I got him at seven months old. Since then, I've been determined to help every dog and owner pair that I can.
I started IndependentPaws to give people a real option to help their dog instead of rehoming them when things get hard.
— Services
Programs built around your dog and your life.
We offer obedience, advanced obedience, and behavioral work. All training happens in a real home-based environment so what your dog learns sticks.
Private Lessons
One-on-one coaching for you and your dog, focused on obedience and real-world manners.
$75 / 1 hr session
Lesson Packages
Multi-session packages designed to build lasting habits and consistent results.
From $250
Board & Train
Your dog stays with me for an immersive training experience built into daily life.
From $1,200
Day Training
Dog spends the day with me for focused training and comes home each evening.
$400 / week
Puppy Raising
A full-year program combining board & train, private lessons, and ongoing day training.
$6,000
Behavioral Work
Support for fear, reactivity, and confidence-building rooted in trust and structure.
Custom
"Your dog doesn't need a perfect trainer — they need a calm, consistent partner. That's the relationship we help you build, one everyday moment at a time."
— Methodology
Real homes. Real life. Real results.
Training shouldn't live only in a classroom. Your dog learns by being woven into everyday routines — so calm, focused behavior becomes second nature.
Step 01
Meet & assess
We start with you and your dog — goals, history, and the daily life we're training for.
Step 02
Home-based training
Your dog joins my day-to-day so skills are built into real routines, not a classroom.
Step 03
Behavior with patience
Fear and reactivity are handled with structure, empathy, and steady consistency.
Step 04
Transfer to you
We coach you through the same skills so calm, focused behavior carries home.
100%
In-home training
All breeds
Chihuahuas to Mastiffs
10+ yrs
Hands-on experience
— Testimonials
Real owners. Real change.
A few words from families who trusted IndependentPaws with their dogs.
"Our rescue went from pulling on every walk to calmly heeling at my side. The in-home approach made it stick."
Sarah & Cooper
Labrador mix · Norfolk
"We were ready to give up on our reactive shepherd. Now he greets guests without a single bark. Life-changing."
Marcus & Luna
German Shepherd · Virginia Beach
"The puppy raising program gave us back our weekends. Bella is confident, focused, and a joy at one year old."
The Patel Family
Golden Retriever · Chesapeake
"My pit bull mix was terrified of strangers. After the behavioral program, she actually wags her tail at the mailman now."
Jessica & Max
Pit Bull mix · Hampton Roads
"We did the 4-week board & train for our stubborn beagle. He now comes when called even when he smells a squirrel."
Tom & Buddy
Beagle · Suffolk
"The day training program was perfect for our busy schedule. Coming home to a tired, well-behaved dog is the best feeling."
Rachel & Charlie
Australian Shepherd · Portsmouth
— Pricing
Transparent pricing, no surprises.
Choose the program that fits your goals. Not sure which to pick? Reach out and we'll figure it out together.
Private Lessons
Coaching for you and your dog, one session at a time.
- $75
Single Lesson
1 hour
- $250
4-Lesson Package
Save $50
- $400
6-Lesson Package
Save $50
- $550
8-Lesson Package
Save $50
- $850
12-Lesson Package
Best value
Board & Train
Immersive in-home training, built into real daily life.
- $1,200
2 Weeks
Foundations
- $2,200
4 Weeks
Most popular
- $3,200
6 Weeks
Advanced
Specialty Programs
Long-form support for puppies and working programs.
- $400
Day Training
Per week
- $6,000
Puppy Raising
Until age 1
— Our work
A look at the dogs we've worked with.
Every dog is different. Here are a few we've trained — from puppy foundations to behavioral rehabilitation, all built around real daily life.
Cooper
Leash manners
Luna
Reactivity
Bella
Puppy raising
Rex
Advanced obedience
Daisy
Confidence building
Milo & Finn
Multi-dog household
Zoe
Recall & off-leash
Scout
Place & duration
Your dog could be next. Whether it's foundation obedience or serious behavioral work — let's talk about what they need.
Start your dog's story— FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
What kinds of dogs do you work with?+
All of them. I've worked with everything from Chihuahuas to Mastiffs, puppies to adults, and a wide range of temperaments and challenges.
What does in-home training look like?+
All of my training happens in a real home environment. Your dog is integrated into my day-to-day life so the skills they learn translate directly into yours.
Do you handle behavioral issues like fear or reactivity?+
Yes. My own dog came to me at seven months old with fear aggression, so behavioral work is close to my heart. I take a patient, structured approach.
How do I get started?+
Reach out by phone or email and we'll talk through your goals and your dog. From there we'll choose the program that fits you best.
— Take the next step
Your dog's calmer life starts here.
In-home training built around your real daily routines — no gimmicks, just clear, consistent guidance that actually sticks.
— Get in touch
Ready to start your dog's journey?
Tell me a little about your pup and what you're hoping to work on. I'll get back to you within 24 hours.
Let's talk
Reach out directly or send a message — whichever works best for you.
Phone
(757) 870-0851Service area
Hampton Roads, VA
Hours
Mon – Sat · 8am – 7pm
Currently accepting new clients