Who we are
About Me
I started training professionally in 2013 shortly after I got my incredible dog and best bud Data Ann-Droid (I was clearly in the process rewatching Star Trek: The Next Generation for the umpteenth time when I adopted her). She turned out to be a very energetic dog with lots of big feelings and big sounds and a boundless enthusiasm to work and play. Very unlike her namesake. She has taught me SO MUCH.
Over the years I have worked with thousands of dogs in group classes as well as private lessons on issues such as puppy socialization, joyful recall, loose leash walking, cooperative care veterinary handling, tricks, nose games, and reactivity.
I particularly love helping our shy and reactive dog friends (and their humans of course) with building confidence and learning skills and patterns to help them cope and thrive in new environments and around potential stressors.
We started nose work in 2018 and expanded to truffle hunting in early 2020. The positive effect that it has had on her behavior and anxiety blew me away. Over the years I have seen the same thing for countless other dogs and it has made sniffing games and sports a particular passion of mine.
When I am not training with others, I am outside wandering/playing/digging/training with my dog, gardening, watching shows or eating with friends and family, playing video games, or working a jigsaw puzzle while listening to a book or favorite podcast.
Lisa Mattson
She/Her
CPDT-KA
About Data Ann-Droid
Data is a 10 year old Rottweiler/Lab. She is a goofy creature who really loves using her nose and will follow the scent of a truffle into the thorniest of blackberry bushes if allowed. She likes playing with her human and dog friends, snuggling on the couch, eating Cheetos and enjoying a nice chew after her evening meal. For her more formal achievements, she also has titles in nosework, treibball and and tricks!
How We Train
For me, training is about supporting both the dogs and their humans in learning how to communicate with each other, build stronger relationships, develop useful skills, and make sure that both ends of the leash are getting what they most need.
I work with people to learn about what is fun and motivating for their dog, whether that is play, food, sniffing, snuggles etc so that we can make the training enjoyable and effective for all involved. I also believe that training is about more than just teaching and rewarding behaviors. It is about looking at the whole picture to make sure that your dog has access to healthy and appropriate mental and physical exercise and enrichment and that they are being put in situations to help them be successful. Dogs are living beings and they learn and interact with the world better when they have their basic needs met, just like us humans!