Shelby
Specialisations
Certifications
About the trainer
Training Philosophy
Shelby believes in training the dog in front of you—recognizing that every dog learns at their own pace and requires individualized guidance. She emphasizes realistic goal-setting, a positive mindset, and keeping training sessions engaging and enjoyable for the dog. By focusing on clear communication, patience, and encouragement, Shelby helps owners build confidence while creating a safe, supportive learning environment that sets both dogs and their people up for lasting success.
Inspiration
Shelby’s love for dogs began early and naturally evolved into a career working with animals. Her journey into dog training was deeply inspired by her first German Shepherd, Stasi—a dog full of personality who challenged and motivated her to learn more about training and canine behavior. Through building a strong bond with Stasi, Shelby fell in love with the training process and the meaningful connection it creates between dogs and their owners. That experience solidified her desire to help others build the same kind of relationship with their dogs.
Professional Experience
Shelby graduated from Penn Foster with a degree in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Behavior and brings over 10 years of hands-on experience handling and training dogs. She began her career volunteering at a local animal shelter, gaining extensive experience working one-on-one with dogs from a wide range of backgrounds. Throughout her professional journey, Shelby has placed and trained nearly 100 service dogs for handlers across the United States and has helped hundreds of pet owners throughout the DMV area develop strong, trusting relationships with their dogs. In addition to her training work, she has expanded into the world of conformation handling—an area she finds both rewarding and exciting.
Training Focus
Shelby specializes in obedience training, particularly with dogs between 6 months and 2 years of age. She enjoys helping dogs learn how to think, problem-solve, and engage with training in a meaningful way. Her experience spans service dog training, companion dog obedience, and foundation work that supports long-term success both in and out of the home.
What makes us different
Positivity
We utilize positive reinforcement to strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners. Our training philosophy centers on maintaining a positive approach, emphasizing the rewarding of desired behaviors rather than using punishment for unwanted ones.
Expert Trainers
Our team of experienced trainers is skilled in addressing a wide range of behavioral issues and training goals using positive reinforcement methods. With years of hands-on experience and a passion for canine behavior, our trainers are dedicated to helping each dog reach their full potential in a compassionate and supportive environment.
Individualised Attention
At Tail Tales Academy, we believe that every dog is unique. That’s why each dog receives personalized care and attention, ensuring that their specific needs are met. Our tailored programs focus on the individual characteristics and learning pace of your dog, providing a customized approach that leads to effective and enduring results.
Proven Results
Our custom programs are designed to achieve lasting results, helping your dog become a well-behaved and happy member of your family. We use evidence-based training techniques and continuously monitor progress, making adjustments as needed to ensure your dog's success. Our clients consistently see improvements in behavior, obedience, and overall well-being.
Comprehensive Programs
We offer a wide range of programs to suit every dog and owner’s needs, from basic puppy training to advanced protection work. Our holistic approach covers all aspects of canine care and training, including nutrition, exercise, and mental stimulation. Whether your goal is basic obedience, behavior modification, or specialized training, we have a program that fits.
Lifetime Support
We understand that training doesn't stop when the program ends. Tail Tales Academy offers ongoing support to help you maintain your dog's progress at home. Our trainers are available for follow-up consultations, and we provide resources and guidance to help you continue reinforcing good behavior and training techniques.
