About

I’m Holly (she/they), a dog trainer based in Richmond, Virginia and accepting clients globally. I use an approach based on communication, consent, and positive reinforcement to meet the needs of the entire household.

At the heart of my work is one goal: to help people and their dogs understand each other more deeply, so they can build a life rooted in trust, compassion, and joy.

My Approach

My approach is based on the belief that training should be a fun activity that increases your bond with your dog, even as you're building skills or addressing unwanted behaviors. When we train together, you can expect to play games, learn more about how your dog thinks, and get practical tips for helping the whole household - human and animal - feel safe and supported.

I provide a wide range of training services, but some of my specialties are:

• House manners and life skills for adolescent and adult dogs;

• “Getting to know you” sessions for new dogs in a household;

• Cooperative care, button training, and canine communication skills.

I operate under the Professional Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). One important professional standard I adhere to is that when we work together, we won't use fear, pain, or force for training. Instead, we'll use positive, evidence-based methods that help dogs learn through trust and teamwork.

My Story

Many years before starting Fresh Tracks, I was a volunteer training assistant at an animal shelter, where I helped with temperament assessments and behavior modification. I worked with a wide range of dogs, many of whom were navigating fear, stress, or reactivity. That experience gave me an appreciation for individualized care, collaborative problem-solving, and meeting each dog where they are.

I also learned a lot from my own dog, Buddy. He was a goofy but fearful guy, and we spent his lifetime learning to walk through the world with confidence and curiosity. Supporting him through fear-based reactivity and dysregulation shaped the way I train today: with compassion and respect for the autonomy and needs of everyone involved in training, human and canine alike.

My short-term educational goals include accrediation through the IAABC and fear-free certification. I am constantly improving my knowledge and skills through self-study and observation of more experienced trainers and animal behavior professionals. I also stay up to date on new science in learner-centered training.