At Matilda’s Doggie Dreamland, we believe in helping dog guardians foster better relationships with their dogs through positive reinforcement, enrichment, and a deep understanding of canine body language. Our goal is to create a training experience that prioritizes your dog’s emotional well-being while achieving real, lasting behavior change.

About Me

I have always been passionate about working with dogs. Right after high school, I began volunteering at an animal hospital, which led to a five-year role as a veterinary assistant. While working, I attended college part-time and volunteered at Beardsley Zoo in Connecticut. Though my career initially took a different path —I never lost my dedication to animal welfare. I continued volunteering at shelters and fostering numerous dogs, and I currently serve as a behavior consultant for CARE and SAYv Animal Organization.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I started training dogs for friends and neighbors and quickly realized it was my true calling. My love for animals influences every aspect of my life, and I’ve been vegan for over nine years.

I’ve been happily married to my husband, Steve Davis, for 11 years, and together we share our home with three amazing rescue dogs who not only keep me on my toes but also serve as excellent demo dogs.

My professional credentials include certifications in:

• The Academy for Dog Trainers with Jean Donaldson—an intensive, two-year behavior and training program, often referred to as the “The Harvard School of Dog Training.”

• Aggressive Dog Master Course with world-renowned aggression expert Michael Shikashio

• Enrichment Framework for Behavior Modification Master Class with Emily Strong and Allie Bender

• Dog Trainer Foundations Immersion through the Karen Pryor Academy

• Pet CPR & First Aid certified through PetTech CPR, First Aid & Care for Your Pets

I am committed to using ethical, evidence-based training methods rooted in science and positive reinforcement. My approach prioritizes each dog’s emotional well-being while creating effective, individualized training plans. Every dog is unique, and my goal is to provide compassionate, results-driven solutions tailored to their needs.

I

A Constant Source of Support.

“Think of me as your dog relationship counselor—here to support your entire family through the training journey with positive reinforcement, patience, and heart. Together, we’ll build a stronger bond rooted in trust and understanding.”

WHAT YOU GET

  • One-on-one attention from your personal pet-certified dog trainer

  • Personalized, actionable training and enrichment plan

  • Supplemental resources to support your education

  • Support between sessions via text or WhatsApp

  • Short Videos of each exercise

  • Certified trainers who care about your dog’s well-being as you do.

  • Options for in-person, private dog training at home, or virtual pet training

CERTIFICATIONS & AFFILIATIONS

Graduate of The Academy For Dog Trainers by Jean Donaldson

Graduate of The Academy For Dog Trainers by Jean Donaldson

Aggression Master Course with Michael Shikashio

Aggression Master Course with Michael Shikashio

Karen Pryor Dog Trainer Foundation

Karen Pryor Dog Trainer Foundation

Certified Pet CPR & First Aid

Certified Pet CPR & First Aid

Enrichment Framework for Behavior Modification Master Class

Enrichment Framework for Behavior Modification Master Class

Member

Member

Member of IAABC

Member of IAABC

AKC Canine Good Citizen™ (CGC) program provides a perfect framework for training your dog to become a polite member of society.

AKC Canine Good Citizen™ (CGC) program provides a perfect framework for training your dog to become a polite member of society.

Fear Free Shelter Certification

Fear Free Shelter Certification

Meet My Furry Family

  • Matilda

    Matilda Is the inspiration for my training business. She taught me so much in her short life; I miss her daily. She was the best dog anyone could wish for, and I’m so lucky I was able to be her dog guardian.

  • Oban aka "the magical one"

    Oban is our perfect dog; we nicknamed him the “magical one” because he is well-behaved, a great teacher to our foster dogs, and a great big brother. Oban loves to talk and is very loyal to his family. He is ten years old.

  • Pink aka "Pinkazoid"

    Pink is one massive ball of energy. She is obsessed with the ball and loves to play. She is hilarious. She loves to snuggle and hide under our bed covers. We rescued her from ALIVE Rescue, and she is eight years old.

  • Cranker aka "wrecking ball or my big potato"

    Cranker is my foster fail. He came to us very thin, malnourished, with a bad case of mange. He was in rough shape but never dampened his sweet spirit. He is the one who has pushed me to specialize in reactivity and other specific behaviors, as he is leash-reactive and dog-aggressive. He suffers from bad allergies, and that makes him crabby. He is my heart dog. He is 5 years old.