Austin, TX
Laura is a life-long dog lover, training recreationally since the age of thirteen. As an adult, she began to dive more deeply into training to address the reactive behavior that developed in her Australian Shepherd Scout, and started on the path to learning more about behavior, training, and helping other people train their dogs.
She apprenticed to a professional trainer 2003-2007, assisting in and leading pet dog training classes. She also developed an interest in dog agility and began training, competing, and then teaching dog agility classes, and serving as training director for her dog agility training club. She earned a CPDT-KA (certified professional dog trainer-knowledge assessed) in 2006.
After the birth of her son, Laura shifted focus, starting and running a successful pet sitting and dog walking business for seven years, until March 2020, when she suddenly found herself out of the pet-sitting business due to a global pandemic. Fortunately for Laura, just three months prior, she had adopted her dream dog, a border collie named Harper Lee. If Scout had been her pathfinder dog, Harper is Laura's renaissance dog.
In the quiet, isolated, first few months of 2020, Harper helped Laura rediscover the passion she had for dog training and the joy she found in it. As she emerged from her house more and more frequently to do things outside with Harper, she began to connect with people who needed help with their own dogs, and she began to reclaim her identity as a dog trainer. Laura started teaching dog training classes again in December 2020 and launched Fuzzy Matters Dog Training in February 2021. She also became an AKC-approved Canine Good Citizen Evaluator.
In 2023, she earned back her lapsed CPDT-KA and became an AKC Certified Fit Dog Instructor. Over the last two years, Laura has taught classes in CGC preparation, pet dog training, tricks, disc dog, and dog agility, as well as helped numerous clients in private training. Laura consults with the Texas State University Animal-Assisted Counseling Academy to provide support for their program participants in preparing for the CGC test and successfully completing the dog behavior aspect of the program. She also serves as training coordinator for her dog agility club.
Laura's approach to dog training is to lead with empathy and a science-, evidence-based framework to help people improve their relationships with their dogs. Laura helps clients develop realistic behavior expectations for their dogs and then realize those expectations. She likes to emphasize enrichment as the big picture and training within the context of that because a dog who has all its needs met is a better-balanced dog--emotionally, mentally, and behaviorally. By extension--their peoples' lives are also enriched. How beautiful is that? Fundamentally, Laura wants to make the world a kinder, happier, funner place through dog training.
Laura shares her life in South Austin, Texas with son Lincoln, husband JP, her three beloved dogs--Olive, Harper, and Moxzilla Cthulhu--and her two cat roommates--Astrid and Giles. Laura also still shares her heart with the dogs that shaped her: Goldie, Bear, NIkita, Caliban, Angus, Scout, Lola, and Zaphod.
We've got the answers for your questions
Seriously, if you have any questions about training your dog, we have the answers.
We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.
Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.
All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.
Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.
Yes, they are. Our trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.
Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.
Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.
All our trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.
Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.
Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.
