Puppy Program

Most families want a great dog, but they don’t always know how to raise one.

Puppyhood is short. And the challenges—like biting, barking, pulling on the leash, or feeling anxious when left alone—aren’t just phases your dog will grow out of. They’re signs your puppy needs more guidance. That’s where TOLO comes in. We help you raise the dog you pictured before those habits have a chance to take hold.

With over 10,000 hours of hands-on experience, I’ve helped dogs of all ages. But my passion is coaching families through a puppy’s first year—because that’s where great dogs begin.

It’s more than a dog trainer. I coach the humans raising the dog. That means teaching cues and routines. It means guiding you through each developmental stage so you know what your puppy needs—and how to respond with clarity and care.

TOLO is a coaching program that guides your family through your puppy’s first 12 months of life—from the moment they come home to their first birthday. The earlier we start, the more we can shape together. At TOLO (They Only Live Once), we don’t sell obedience packages. We offer a personalized, developmentally-timed plan that supports your dog’s growth and your family’s success.

  • Crate & leash basics
  • Gentle socialization
  • Confidence-building field trips

Success = A curious, calm puppy exploring a store with a wagging tail.

  • Cue reliability (Come, Drop, Leave It)
  • Safe off-leash practice
  • Structured play

Success = A playful pup that listens, even with freedom.

  • Boundary setting
  • Vet and groomer prep
  • Early independence

Success = A puppy that stays relaxed alone and handles new settings with ease.

  • Distraction proofing
  • Big-kid boundaries
  • Off-leash trust in wild places

Success = A respectful, off-leash dog that listens anywhere.

  • Science-based – Training matched to brain development
  • Personal coaching – You’re not alone—we walk every step with you
  • Real-life skills – Training that transfers beyond the classroom
  • Confidence for life – A calm, connected, capable dog

You’re not too late—and you don’t have to guess. TOLO breaks your puppy’s first year into four clear phases, each with a specific goal. We zoom in on structured days, build great weeks, and measure progress one milestone at a time. You’ll always know where you are, what to focus on, and when your puppy is ready to move forward. This is how great dogs are raised—step by step, together.

Most training programs focus on the dog. TOLO focuses on you—the one raising them. Yes, we’ll teach you commands and how to train your puppy. But more importantly, we’ll coach you to communicate, lead, and guide your dog through real-life decisions. A great dog isn’t just obedient—it’s emotionally balanced, responsive, and confident. That starts with you. And that’s where TOLO is different.

Most puppy parents start with love, not structure—and that’s when things start to unravel. Like kids, puppies push limits to understand the world. At TOLO, we teach you how to set loving, fair boundaries based on your puppy’s stage of development. We start small—giving just enough freedom to succeed—then gradually expand that freedom as they mature. The result? A calmer home, a more connected dog, and a confident leader in you.

You’re not alone. Most of the dogs I’ve trained as adults graduated puppy class—and still had behavior issues. Why? Because obedience alone isn’t enough. Puppy classes teach sit and stay, but they don’t teach life skills.

They give you a basic understanding of commands—but not how to raise a great dog. At TOLO, we coach you through decision-making, emotional regulation, and the real-life experiences that shape the dog your puppy becomes.

That fear is real—and it means you care. Most puppy parents wonder if they’re doing something wrong, but don’t know who to ask or when to ask it. With TOLO, you don’t have to guess. You’ll have a coach walking with you the entire year, helping you lead your puppy with clarity and confidence. Mistakes become lessons, and uncertainty turns into progress.

Most dogs only learn to listen at home—that’s obedience training. But great dogs need more. TOLO adds two more layers: socialization (so your puppy listens no matter what’s happening around them) and environmental training (so they listen no matter where you are). Whether it’s your living room, the park, or a busy sidewalk—your dog will know how to stay calm, focused, and connected to you.

Temperament is your puppy’s nature—like personality in people. But personality doesn’t limit potential. What matters is how you lead, teach, and communicate in a way that unlocks that potential. At TOLO, we help you understand your puppy’s temperament so you can become the leader they need. Every dog—regardless of breed, gender, or personality—has the potential to be great. The key is: great dogs need great leaders.

Yes—and it starts with connection. Being part of a family means love, trust, and respect for everyone in it—including your kids.  At TOLO, we show you how to involve the whole family in the training process from day one. Many hands make light work—and a dog that trains with your family becomes part of your family. That’s how you raise a companion, not a chore.