VOTED BEST CERTIFIED DOG TRAINER - NORTHERN VIRGINIA Magazine
Hey there, I'm Colleen —
Call Me What You Want—I'm Here to Help
Some people call me an Animal Wellness Coach. Others call me a Dog Trainer, Dog “Whisperer,” Animal Communicator, or Healer. I’ve even been referred to as an Animal Shaman and Medicine Woman.
Whatever you call me, my mission is the same:
💛 To help dogs and their humans create a life of trust, balance, and deep connection.
Dogs are more than just pets. They are teachers, mirrors, and guides. When they struggle—whether with anxiety, reactivity, chronic pain, or emotional imbalances—they’re telling us something. My work is about listening, understanding, and leading them toward healing.
But this journey isn’t just about dogs. It’s about you, too.
I believe in a whole-dog, whole-human approach—one that blends leadership, natural healing, and intuitive guidance to strengthen the bond between you and your dog. My goal is to empower you with the tools, wisdom, and confidence to lead your dog with clarity, support their well-being, and create lasting transformation.
So whether you see me as a coach, trainer, healer, or something else entirely, one thing is certain: you and your dog were meant to find this path.
I’ve always been drawn to animals. From childhood through today, I’ve cared for dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, birds, and reptiles. Animals have always been my safe place, my teachers, and my greatest source of connection.
But my journey into leadership wasn’t an easy one.
I grew up in an environment where fear was at the core of leadership—used to control, manipulate, or enforce obedience. As I grew older, I knew that I never wanted to lead that way.
Becoming a mom changed everything. It solidified my commitment to leading with compassion, understanding, and trust—not just for my children but for every animal in my care. And you know what? It works.
💛 I have an amazing relationship with both my children and my animals.
💛 I am no pushover—but I don’t need fear, pain, or intimidation to lead.
💛 True leadership is about learning what your child or animal needs and creating an environment where they can succeed.
Leadership isn’t about domination, bullying, or control.
It’s also not about bribing your dog or ignoring behaviors that are inappropriate or even dangerous.
It’s about clarity, balance, and trust.
Before becoming a dog trainer, I worked with young children, and despite being 4’11”, I’ve never needed to use force to gain respect. The same is true with dogs. You don’t need to overpower them to be their leader—you just need to understand how to communicate, set clear boundaries, and create a foundation of trust.
This is what I help pet parents do—step into their leadership role with confidence, compassion, and a deep understanding of their dog’s needs.
My journey with animals has always been deeply personal, but it’s also backed by years of professional experience and training.
For over 15 years, I’ve been a certified dog trainer, working with dogs of all backgrounds, temperaments, and challenges. For 8 years, I trained service dogs for veterans with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
This work wasn’t just about training—it was about helping both the veteran and the dog build trust, confidence, and connection. Watching the deep love and transformation that came from our work together was beyond priceless, reinforcing what I’ve always known:
💛 Dogs are healers, and the bond they share with their humans can change lives.
But my work extends beyond training. Dogs, like people, are more than their behaviors—they are emotional, energetic beings. That’s why I combine my expertise in science-based training with holistic healing practices to support dogs on every level.
🌿 Certified Animal Aromatherapist – Using essential oils to support anxiety, pain relief, allergies, and overall wellness.
🌀 Certified Reiki Practitioner (10+ years) – Restoring energetic balance and emotional well-being for dogs and their humans.
💬 Animal Communicator – A gift I’ve had since birth, allowing me to understand animals on a deeper, more intuitive level.
For a glimpse into the transformations I’ve helped create, check out my reviews on Yelp. My past clients—many of whom I’ve worked with for years—share their experiences of how my approach has helped them and their dogs build trust, balance, and a lifelong bond.
By combining leadership, science-based training, and holistic healing, I help pet parents and their dogs create clarity, connection, and lasting transformation.
👉 Are you ready to step into your leadership role and help your dog thrive?
Me and my first fir family- Rocky, Eva, Willow, & Sandy.
Tiny(cat) & Sandy
Ninja (cat) & Eva
My sweet Bee aka Bumble Bee
From one-on-one coaching to monthly gatherings and holistic care, Dog Tranquility is here to make life with your dog joyful and stress-free.
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