Holistic Support for Dogs & Their Humans
Nervous system informed, individualized support for dogs and their humans, grounded in ethical, evidence-based practice
Informed by psychology, lived experience, and professional experience, this approach considers the whole picture for both dogs and humans, including communication, learning, relationships, environment, emotional wellbeing, and the unique needs and capacity of each household
Individualized, virtual-first support for dogs and their humans, combining consultation, education, written guidance, observation, and in-person support when appropriate, with ongoing adjustments as needs evolve
“Rossella supported my incredibly anxious and reactive dog with deep compassion and understanding. Hiring her felt like having a sitter, walker, and positive-reinforcement trainer in one. She never missed an opportunity to gently help my pup build confidence in a safe way. Professional, accommodating, and truly knowledgeable - I trust her completely.”
— Rachel H.
My Approach to Support
My approach to support has evolved through experience working with dogs and the humans who live alongside them. I’ve found that meaningful, sustainable change is about more than teaching a dog new skills. It involves understanding the whole picture, supporting the humans involved, and finding approaches that are realistic and sustainable within everyday life
Rather than following a fixed number of sessions or predetermined pathway, support is built around your dog, your household, your goals, and your lived experience. We continue learning as we go, adapting our approach based on what we observe and what you share, and focusing on what will be most helpful for both you and your dog
My role is not simply to come in and train your dog. I’m here to support you in understanding your dog, navigating challenges, building confidence, and developing tools that can continue to help beyond our time together
Consult + Initial Support Period
Investment Starting at $675
Your initial support period is about building a deeper understanding of your dog, your household, and the factors influencing your current situation. The assessment does not end with the initial consult. We continue learning through observation, information gathering, and ongoing conversation as we build a clearer picture of what may be most helpful
This initial period is completed virtually, allowing us to gather information and understand your dog's everyday experience before introducing my presence as another variable. In-person support can be considered separately once we have a better understanding of your dog and whether it would be helpful
A detailed intake is completed after booking and before the initial consult
This initial support period generally involves:
A guided consult about your dog's history, routines, environment, household, and current challenges
Exploring communication, stress signals, behaviour, and potential contributing factors, including health or pain concerns
Reviewing relevant veterinary information, previous assessments, and other information you have available
Guidance on what information, observations, or videos may be helpful to gather as we continue learning
Reviewing videos, observations, or other information you share
Virtual observation and information gathering to better understand your dog's everyday experience before introducing my presence as another variable
Understanding your goals, priorities, and what support may be most beneficial
A personalized client hub with notes, resources, and relevant information organized for you
Initial and ongoing communication, including brief day-to-day support as needed during the process
Summarizing what we are learning and identifying areas that may need further exploration
Beginning to develop an individualized direction for future support
My approach to support has evolved through experience working with dogs and the humans who live alongside them. I’ve found that meaningful, sustainable change is about more than teaching a dog new skills. It involves understanding the whole picture, supporting the humans involved, and finding approaches that are realistic and sustainable within everyday life
Rather than following a fixed number of sessions or predetermined pathway, support is built around your dog, your household, your goals, and your lived experience. We continue learning as we go, adapting our approach based on what we observe and what you share, and focusing on what will be most helpful for both you and your dog
My role is not simply to come in and train your dog. I’m here to support you in understanding your dog, navigating challenges, building confidence, and developing tools that can continue to help beyond our time together
Prefer to begin with a consult?
Investment: $250
You can also choose to begin with a consult on its own if you would first like to get a sense of whether we're a good fit. A consult-only appointment can help us discuss your dog's situation, your goals, and whether my approach may be appropriate for your needs
Because a consult is only one part of the assessment process, there will be limits to how specifically I can speak to what your individual support process may look like at that point. I can offer some initial observations and general direction, but more detailed recommendations and planning require further observation and information gathering
A detailed intake is completed after booking and before your consult
Health & Pain Considerations
Health and pain are generally considered early in the support process, particularly where they may be contributing to changes in behaviour or wellbeing. Veterinary assessment or recommendations may be requested before or alongside ongoing support when appropriate. I understand this may not always be accessible due to cost, availability, wait times, location, accessibility needs, or veterinary-related fear, stress, or reactivity. We can discuss realistic options and next steps together
How To Begin
New inquiries are welcome!
Start with the brief pre-intake so I can learn a little about you, your dog, and what you're looking for. If it seems like we may be a good fit, we can determine which starting option is most appropriate. A Consultation or Consultation + Initial Support Period are the standard ways to begin, with a more detailed intake completed before the consultation
Support Options
Depending on current capacity and availability, new clients may be placed on a waitlist before scheduling an initial consult
While response times may vary depending on my current capacity, I never want someone to feel like they cannot reach out or that they have nowhere to turn
My listed rates and availability reflect the options I currently offer, but they are not necessarily the only ways we may be able to explore support
If working together is not the right fit, my availability, rates, or other circumstances create a barrier, or additional support elsewhere would be beneficial, I will do my best to explore what may be possible and help identify a supportive next step, whether that is with me or in another direction
As we learn more, we can determine what areas may be most useful to focus on next. You do not need to have everything figured out at the beginning. The initial period gives us space to gather information before deciding what more focused support may look like
Who Training Supports
Humans feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or burnt out
Neurodivergent guardians seeking supportive, ND-friendly guidance
Guardians who want guidance managing stress or overwhelm
Dogs who are fearful, sensitive, or easily overstimulated
Dogs struggling with transitions or new environments
Puppies or newly adopted dogs, building or rebuilding confidence, skills, and routines gently
Helping You & Your Dog Thrive
Notice Stress Signals
Recognize subtle signs and respond to prevent overwhelm
Work Within Thresholds
Adjust distance, intensity, and activities for safety
Support the Nervous System
Match strategies to your dog’s and your own energy and stress levels
Build Accessible Routines
Create ND-friendly, achievable habits in daily life
Practice Calm Guidance
Help your dog navigate triggers and transitions confidently
Gentle Behaviour Change
Take gradual steps that build trust and long-term growth
Confidence Across Everyday Life
Feel more grounded and capable as needs shift
Manage Your Stress
Stay grounded and responsive in high-energy moments
How Support May Unfold
Our work together is intentionally fluid
We begin by understanding the whole picture, then adapt our support based on what we learn about your dog, your household, and what feels realistic and sustainable for you
There is no set order. Some areas may need more attention than others, and we may return to previous areas as your needs change
Observation & Ongoing Learning
Observation continues throughout our work. Through conversations, videos, sessions, tracking, and your observations, we look for patterns in your dog's responses, environment, routines, relationships, and recovery.
This also includes understanding what is already working well and what may need adjustment
Supporting the humans in the household is an important part of this process too
Safety, Management & Foundations
We may spend significant time creating the conditions that make learning possible
This can include understanding thresholds and communication, reducing overwhelm, adjusting routines or environments, building predictability, and creating practical management strategies.
Management is not a lack of progress
It can provide the safety and stability needed for meaningful learning to happen
Communication & Co-Regulation
We work toward clearer communication and a deeper understanding of what your dog is experiencing
This may include learning your dog's individual body language, exploring emotions and motivations, developing co-regulation strategies, and supporting the humans involved to feel more confident, regulated, and able to respond to their dog's needs
Learning, Skills & New Experiences
When your dog and household have the appropriate foundation, we may gradually introduce new skills, experiences, or strategies
These are adapted to your dog's pace and your real life
We continue observing responses and adjusting as needed rather than expecting you or your dog to follow a rigid formula
Flexible & Evolving Support
Your support may begin virtually, move into in-person work, or use a combination of both
Starting virtually can sometimes give us a clearer picture of your dog's everyday experience before my presence becomes another variable
As we learn more, we may slow down, revisit an area, change the format of support, or introduce something new. This is not a setback. It is part of responsive, individualized support
Personalized Education & Resources
Education is woven throughout our support rather than saved for one particular stage
Depending on what is useful, this may include personalized notes, recommendations, videos, practical strategies, or more comprehensive resources
Your resources can grow with you, giving you information and tools to return to as your needs change
Building Long-Term Confidence
The bigger goal is not simply to address what's happening today
It is to help you build understanding, confidence, practical tools, and adaptable strategies you can continue using throughout your dog's life
Over time, your personalized resources and support hub can become a place to return to when routines change, new challenges arise, or you simply need a reminder of what works well for your dog. The level of ongoing support will look different for every household
For some, continued support is helpful. For others, direct guidance may gradually become less necessary as confidence and independence grow
What Clients Are Saying
"Rossella treats every dog like her own. Maddie is always so excited to see her, and her calm, patient approach makes training and walks a positive experience."
"Rossella has a real gift - she guided my reactive dog through his quirks and challenges, helping him stay confident and calm."
"Rossella thank you so much for working with our girl! I'm so happy we found you - your kind and knowledgeable approach really made a difference during her walks and training sessions. We appreciate all the support and guidance!"
— Linda D
— Belinda B
— Andrea A
Why We Start Virtually
My presence can significantly affect what we observe. Even friendly, social, or excited dogs may behave differently when a new person enters their environment. For dogs who are anxious, fearful, reactive, or easily overwhelmed, my presence may add stress or change their ability to communicate, explore, or settle
Starting virtually allows us to learn more about your dog's everyday experience before introducing another variable. Videos, observations, and conversations can help us understand their routines, communication, responses, and environment more naturally
When In-Person Support Makes Sense
As we learn more, we may determine that in-person support would be helpful. This may involve gradually introducing my presence, observing specific situations, practising strategies together, or intentionally supporting your dog through new people or environments
For some dogs, this may require additional preparation, management, or safety considerations. For others, virtual support may remain the most appropriate option for a period of time. Your dog does not need to be comfortable with my presence for us to begin helping them, and being anxious, fearful, or reactive does not mean in-person support is automatically off the table
Instead, we consider whether your dog has enough support and whether the timing, environment, safety considerations, and approach are appropriate for introducing another variable. Some situations, particularly those involving significant bite or contact history, require additional consideration around safety and the type of support that may be appropriate. Having time to learn more about the situation virtually helps me determine whether and how I may be able to support you safely and appropriately