Training with compassionate Knowledge

FAQ with
Puppy Specialist & Reactivity Expert
Annie Phenix

Choosing the right trainer for your dog is one of the most important decisions you can make. Browse the questions below to learn more about Annie’s approach, experience, and how she can help you and your dog thrive together.

Does Annie help with basic obedience and manners, or just behavioral concerns?

Both! I love teaching obedience and manners in a fun, engaging way that never feels boring for you or your dog. As an AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator for over a decade, I have guided many clients through the CGC tests with a 100% success rate.

Can Annie help me with my new puppy? What services does she provide?

Yes! Annie is a Puppy Specialist who has helped raise thousands of puppies worldwide. Because what happens in puppyhood shapes a dog for the rest of their life, her goal is to help you build a resilient, well-mannered, and happy “go anywhere” dog.

Her puppy services include:

Complete Guidance: Support from the first day home, through adolescence, and into adulthood.
Essential Skills: Fast potty training, stopping puppy nipping, and introducing good manners.
Safe Socialization: Modern enrichment utilizing UK expert Sarah Fisher’s Free Work program to ensure puppies are never scared or harmed.
Client Community: Access to a vetted network of safe puppy and adult dog playmates, plus free group walks and playdates for current clients.

I recently adopted a rescue dog with an unknown background. Can Annie help them settle in?

Absolutely! Shelter dogs are some of Annie’s greatest teachers—she fostered over 400 dogs before becoming a professional trainer in 2007. As one of the few trauma-informed canine professionals in the world, Annie is uniquely positioned to help your new housemate adjust. She will teach you how to regulate your dog’s nervous system and incorporate daily healing “somatic snacks” to help them realize they are finally safe.

My dog is growling and I need fast help! Do you guarantee that my dog will stop growling?

Like all highly educated canine professionals, I cannot guarantee that a dog will never bite or growl again (any dog with teeth can bite under the right circumstances). However, I can guarantee that my educational programs are incredibly thorough. I will equip you to read your dog’s subtle, fast-paced body language and stress signals. By understanding what your dog is communicating, you can intervene and remove them from stressful situations before anxiety ramps up into a growl, air snap, or bite. The better you learn to “read” your dog, the better you can help them learn safe responses that don’t involve using their teeth or growling.

Do you work with owners who use e-collars (shock), prong, or choke collars?

Yes, I will work with owners currently using these tools—which I do not advocate for or use in my own training—but under the following conditions:

You are open to learning modern methods that permanently remove the need for painful collars.
You are willing to understand the potential fallout of punishment-based training, including how it can shut down a dog’s demeanor and destroy their trust in humans.
You become so comfortable with positive reinforcement and reading your dog’s stress signals that you willingly hand over your training collars within 60 days of working with me. In return, you will receive an immediate $100 credit toward any of my services.

What exactly is your training philosophy?

I believe dogs are sentient beings who experience feelings just like we do, including joy, seeking, anger, and love. No animal needs to be trained with harsh methods that cause fear, pain, or shutdown. Instead, I focus on providing dogs with agency alongside clear guidance for the everyday manners humans need. By establishing clear communication between you and your dog, we build a loving, trusting, and healthy relationship. This approach gives you both the best opportunity to live a successful, happy, and non-reactive life together.

Do you consult with or assist other canine professionals?

Yes! I love working cooperatively with veterinarians, vet techs, groomers, doggie daycares, and other canine professionals who share my belief that there is never a reason to harm a dog to train them. No single person is an expert in everything. While I am a world-class Reactivity Specialist and Puppy Specialist, I gladly refer clients to trusted colleagues for areas outside my scope, such as dog sports, service dog training, and creating a safe home for dogs and young children. If you are a fellow professional, drop me a line and let’s see how we can collaborate to help dogs: Annie@phenixdogs.com.

I am sold on your expertise, experience, and communication skills! What is the process for working with you, and how soon can we begin?

Booking availability fluctuates depending on the season. For example, the summer months often create a backlog as school lets out and families bring home new puppies. Because I am committed to giving every dog and owner the dedicated time and attention they deserve, I only take on as many clients as I know I can truly help. Due to this, I do occasionally have a waitlist.

Here is the process to get started—I will get back to you right away:

Book a Discovery Call: After reviewing this FAQ and my website, if you feel I am the right canine professional for you, you can book a FREE 30-minute Zoom Discovery Call through my scheduling app here: https://zcal.co/anniethedogtrainer/30min. Before our call, feel free to email a brief overview (just a paragraph or two) of what you need help with and your highest goals for your dog to Annie@PhenixDogs.com.
Develop a Plan: During our free call, I will walk you through what I feel is the best path forward to achieve your goals. This can range from a one-time behavioral consult to a 6-month, in-depth package for complex behaviors. (Note: I offer monthly payment options and discounts for adopted dogs—please just ask!) If you decide I am the right trainer for you, we will agree on a timeline and move forward.
Onboarding & Your Custom Road Map: For behavior and training packages, I will send you a “Welcome Aboard” information sheet, an in-depth owner questionnaire, and immediate educational materials (articles, videos, etc.) to start addressing your dog’s unique concerns right away. I will also create a tailored 5-Point Road Map that forms the foundation of our work together. This Road Map is flexible and will be updated as your dog progresses so we can easily make adjustments that benefit their learning.
Scheduling Sessions: Once you return the questionnaire and receive your individualized Road Map, we will begin scheduling your private Zoom or in-person sessions. I work hard to make these flexible for your schedule. While I keep weekends clear for my own dogs and family, I do occasionally host weekend group walks and playdates depending on the weather.
White-Glove Support: When you purchase a behavior package, you can expect “white glove” access to me, including unlimited email and text support during our time working together. It truly feels like you have an experienced canine behaviorist sitting right on your shoulder!