Hi,
I'm Deanna!

Deanna is a seasoned dog trainer with 30 years of professional experience, specializing in positive reinforcement techniques. Her love for training began in childhood, teaching her family’s beagle mix a variety of tricks—long before treat-based training became widely recognized. This early passion led her to seek guidance from a positive reinforcement trainer for her first Border Collie, with whom she achieved the Companion Dog (CD) title before her dog reached 15 months of age. Soon after, Deanna was invited to assist in training sessions, eventually leading her own classes.
 

Drawing inspiration from experts like Dr. Ian Dunbar, Victoria Stilwell, and other leaders in positive reinforcement training, Deanna emphasizes the critical role of socialization with other dogs, children, and adults. Her training approach focuses on building well-mannered canine companions who are a joy to have at home.
 

Deanna’s philosophy:
"I believe in setting your dog up for success and rewarding them for getting it right! Positive training strengthens the bond between humans and their canine companions, making training enjoyable for both. When you give your dog love and respect, you’ll receive the same in return."
 

While pursuing her B.S. in Biology at George Mason University—where she focused her studies on animal behavior, anatomy, and physiology—Deanna gained hands-on experience working in a veterinary office. In 1993, Deanna welcomed her first Border Collie, followed by her second in 1995, who went on to win “Wackiest Pet Trick” at PetSmart and even appeared on PAX TV! Deanna is an active member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), now the Association of Professional Dog Training International, and has been a member of the Dulles Gateway Obedience Training Club (DGOTC) and the United States Border Collie Association (USBCA). She is certified as an A.K.C. Canine Good Citizen and Trick Dog Evaluator.
 

Committed to supporting her community, Deanna volunteers with 4-H, guiding young dog owners to build stronger bonds through trick and obedience training. She provides in-home consultations for her Puppy Jump-Start and Basic Behavior programs and has taught a range of classes, including Puppy, Basic, Advanced Basic, Sub-Novice, Novice, Fun and Tricks, and Canine Good Citizen.
 

When not training, Deanna enjoys traveling to Chincoteague Island to relax and experience the famous Pony Penning and Swim. An avid reader, she especially loves mysteries involving dogs, and she spends her free time teaching her dog Jake new tricks. Deanna resides in Northern Virginia and remains committed to ongoing education in science-based, positive reinforcement training methods.