Maddi Alflen

My first experience with the dog training industry was in 2016 with my rescue pup, Opie. I had worked on basic manners with both of my dogs, but Opie needed some extra help with his behavior from a professional trainer. At that time I lived in North Carolina and started my search for a dog trainer. Every single one I found used a shock collar as their primary training tool. I knew this wasn’t the way I wanted to help my dog, so I decided against using any of the trainers I found and continued attempting to work through Opie’s behavioral concerns on my own. I learned a lot, but ultimately Opie went to live with some family members where the issues we were having weren’t a concern.

It was a happy ending for Opie, but so sad for me. I knew I didn’t want anyone else to have to make the choice between using a shock collar or rehoming their dog. I continued doing positive reinforcement training with Jax, and eventually adopted another dog after moving back to Cleveland. This time, when I needed a professional dog trainer for Tara, I found Sits n Wiggles and was thrilled with the methods Valarie used and the progress we made. That’s when I finally figured out what I wanted to be when I grew up!

In 2020, I decided to pursue formal education in dog training at Catch Canine Trainers Academy, and am now a Certified Professional Dog Trainer. I started working with Sits ‘n Wiggles in October 2020. I am also a Certified Separation Anxiety Pro Trainer and have really enjoyed helping dogs and their families overcome separation anxiety.