about me

I love dogs.

Pretty standard huh? I think what makes me different is that I love helping people who love their dogs work better together. Because that is what helps everyone.

For those that are local, I offer dog training in Woodbury, Minnesota. For those outside that area, I’m happy to work by video and email.

Fonzie is the black Labrador Retriever. He is a go getter, with a drive that doesn’t quit! All he wants to do is help. His favorite thing to do is play ball, swim, and bring me shoes. He is a Canine Good Citizen.

Yale is a yellow Labrador Retriever. He is very laid back, barely barks, and enjoys an afternoon at a good dog park. His favorite things to do are to nap by the fireplace, and cuddle up with a good movie. He is a Canine Good Citizen.

I’m Lisa Marie, a Canine Insights Coach, Dog Trainer, Dog Decoder – whatever title you like and I’ve spent years helping people understand their dogs in a way that feels natural and compassionate. I believe every dog is doing the best they can with the information they have — and when we learn to see things from their point of view, real change happens.

I have watched dog parents try their absolute best while feeling confused, frustrated, or like they were somehow failing. Not because they didn’t love their dogs but because most training approaches focus on techniques instead of understanding. They are cookie cutter approaches that leaves little room for all the other variables that impacts learning. They tell you what to do, but not why your dog is doing what they’re doing in response.

Once I started looking at behavior through the dog’s point of view, everything shifted. Challenges made more sense. Solutions became clearer. And the relationship between dog and human grew calmer, easier, and more connected. That’s why I do this work. To help you understand your dog in a way that feels compassionate, practical, and deeply humane.

What I Believe

I believe dogs learn best when they feel safe, supported, and understood. My work is rooted in positive reinforcement and the science of how dogs think, feel, and process the world around them. Solid frameworks matter — but they’re only the starting point. Every dog and every human brings their own history, personality, and needs to the table, and the best approach is one that honors that unique combination.

I believe in patience over pressure, clarity over quick fixes, and connection over control. Progress shouldn’t come at the cost of a dog’s emotional wellbeing, and I don’t believe in using fear or traumatic experiences to speed things up. When we slow down, listen, and work with our dogs instead of against them, real and lasting change becomes possible.

How Do I Know?

I’ve been training dogs and their people for more than 25 years. My path started with degrees in sociology and veterinary technology — a combination that taught me as much about human behavior as canine behavior, and how deeply the two are connected.

Over the years, I’ve trained in a wide range of environments, from big‑box pet stores to private homes to breed clubs, most through my own business. I’ve held professional certifications including CPDT and NADOI, and I’ve been endorsed by the American Kennel Club as a CGC and STAR Puppy Evaluator. Currently, I donate my skills to a local service dog organization where I foster and train dogs going through the nearly 3 year program. These experiences shaped my approach, but more importantly, they taught me how to meet each dog and each human exactly where they are.