FREQUENTLY ASKED Questions (FAQ)
What’s the difference between a dog trainer and a canine behaviorist?
A dog trainer focuses on teaching desirable behaviors, such as recall, loose-leash walking, and basic cues. A behaviorist works on understanding and resolving unwanted behaviors such as fear, aggression, anxiety, or destruction.
It’s kind of like the difference between a personal trainer and a therapist: the trainer shows you how to move effectively, while the therapist helps you understand why you haven’t managed to move at all in two years.
I combine both approaches to offer personalized support tailored to each dog-human team.
What training methods do you use?
I use only positive, force-free, science-based methods that prioritize animal well-being. The goal is to build mutual trust by reinforcing good behaviors through motivation, clear communication, and respect.
When should I start training my puppy?
As soon as they arrive home. Puppy training starts early—and gently. The sooner we lay a foundation (socialization, emotional regulation, daily life skills), the less likely behavioral issues will develop later in adulthood.
Is it too late to train an adult dog or a rescue?
Never. It’s never too late. Even dogs with a challenging past can change, grow, and find peace when provided with the proper support.
Do you offer an initial behavioral assessment?
Yes. Outside of basic obedience sessions (recall, leash manners, “stay,” etc.), every behavior-based collaboration begins with a behavioral assessment.
This first session enables us to analyze your situation, observe your dog in its environment, and develop a realistic, personalized action plan tailored to your goals. This service is available as part of a fully personalized plan. Quotes are tailored individually. Please use the contact form to request yours.
Do you offer adoption support?
Yes, I support families before and after adopting a puppy or adult dog. That includes choosing a dog suited to your lifestyle, preparing for their arrival, and getting off to a good start. This helps avoid common mistakes and makes for a smoother, more successful transition.
Is it common for a dog trainer and behaviorist to also be a dog walker?
I’m not sure how common it is, but I do know others who, like me, choose to combine both.
Working with dogs and even more so, with their humans, means diving deep into relationships. It’s about guiding people through their doubts, their hopes, their struggles, helping them build something meaningful with a companion who may well be the closest being in their life. And that’s both beautiful and emotionally demanding.
Solo walks with dogs, out in nature, offer me something different. They’re a moment of quiet connection with the animals, with the earth, with the present moment. They recharge me, ground me, and allow me to show up fully for the more complex work of guiding humans and their dogs together.
Why are group walks limited to 4 dogs?
1. I walk for the dogs—but also for myself.
Four is the number that lets me be fully present with each dog. It helps me manage interactions calmly, ensure safety, and offer a positive, enriching experience for everyone.
Also, this is how I enjoy my work. More than four dogs just doesn’t match my values or the way I want to practice. I’d rather walk fewer dogs, walk them well, and have them walk with me in return.
2. Less time in the van, more time on the trail.
When walking large groups, dogs can spend hours waiting in the car. By limiting the group size, I minimize downtime so each dog gets the most out of their outing.
Are the educational walks always 1.5 hours?
Yes, 1.5 hours is the standard. It’s the ideal length to balance physical exercise, mental stimulation, and learning opportunities.
That said, I work with living beings, not robots.
On some days, when the dogs are in sync, the weather is lovely, and everything just flows, we might go up to 2 hours.
At other times, if the group is tired, overstimulated, sensitive to the weather, or just not feeling it, the walk might be shorter. In that case, I always prioritize quality and the well-being of the group.
Important: Shorter walks are always balanced out by longer ones. On average, the commitment stays around 1.5 hours.
Do you work with rescue dogs or shelter adoptions?
Absolutely. It’s actually one of my core missions.
I offer tailored support for dogs with trauma, fear, or behavioral issues, focusing on creating a safe environment, meeting the dog’s actual needs, and rebuilding trust from the ground up.
What are your rates?
Pricing for adoption support, puppy socialization, and educational walks can be found on the Dog Walking Rates and Services Rates pages.
Behavior assessments and training sessions are part of a comprehensive, personalized support plan designed based on your goals and your dog’s needs.
To discuss your situation and receive a tailored proposal, please fill out the contact form. I will give call you to talk things through, lay the foundation for your plan, and provide a custom quote.
What areas do you cover?
I provide behavioral assessments in parts of the Île-de-France region, as indicated on the map on the Contact page. Depending on the distance, mileage fees may apply.
If you’re outside the zone, don’t hesitate to get in touch for a custom quote.
For educational walks, I currently serve Suresnes, Rueil-Malmaison, and Saint-Cloud. If you’re nearby, let’s chat to see what’s possible.
Doesn’t writing and illustrating take too much time away from your work as a dog trainer?
Yes, it takes time, but it’s time I need. I’ve been a creative for over twenty years (if you don’t count the stories I was already drawing, writing, and turning into songs as a kid). Creating isn’t just something I do, it’s how I breathe.
It’s how I share, how I connect, how I plant little seeds of kindness, understanding, and love, for those I meet in real life, and those I never will.
Whatever path I’ve followed, even when it wasn’t a “creative” one, I’ve always made room for creativity. Without it, I lose my balance. And without that balance, I couldn’t be fully present for the human-dog duos I work with.
