Positive, science-based dog training in Houston and online

Train the kind of dog that makes your neighbors jealous.

A better life for you and your dog is right around the corner. Let me show you what’s possible.

You love your dog. But sometimes, they’re downright embarrassing.

Barking. Jumping. Dragging you down the street. Peeing in the house. You’ve tried everything—treats, enrichment toys, training exercises from YouTube. But things are only getting worse.

Shape the behavior you want and build a lasting bond.

You don’t need to be nicer, or stricter, or “more alpha.” You need a clear, step-by-step plan that trains you and your dog as a team.

Finally: a failproof training system that actually sticks

No preexisting dog training skills required. Just show up, follow the plan, and do the work. I’ve trained hundreds of dogs, and I can tell you: if you stick to the system, you can’t fail.

Here’s what we’ll build together:

  • Core behaviors that make life with your dog 10x easier (and 100x more fun)
  • A dog who follows your lead, even in the face of distractions
  • Future-proofed, real-world behaviors that don’t fall apart as soon as someone drops a meatball

Real clients. Real dogs. Real results.

Online Training Services

Learn the skills trainers rely on to communicate effectively, teach desirable behaviors, and build a lifelong bond

Beyond Basic Manners

Your training skills will thrive as you learn to carefully cultivate behaviors in both yourself and your animal in this comprehensive, 1-on-1 training class

6-Week Online Course​

This course goes Beyond Basic Manners to teach you and your dog a strong foundation for calm, polite behavior and lifelong teamwork. You’ll learn all the basic obedience classics like sit, down, come, and on-leash skills, plus:

  • Apply basic manners skills to real-world challenges like greeting guests, resisting door dashing, or encountering other dogs on walks.
  • Achieve your own individual training goals in a 1-on-1 or small group setting.
  • Learn how your dog thinks, why they act the way they do, and how to shape new behaviors to replace old ones
  • Practice the baby steps that will transform your dog from out of control to unbelievable. This course has something for everyone, from new to seasoned dog owners.

Dog Reading

Your training skills will thrive as you learn to carefully cultivate behaviors in both yourself and your animal in this comprehensive, 1-on-1 training class

Self-Paced Online Course

Understand what your dog is "saying"

Dogs tell us a lot with their body language—we just don’t always understand them. Learning to recognize signs of stress or anxiety in our pets helps us make good choices about how we respond.

In this self-paced course, you’ll learn to read dog body language and improve your handling. Great for dog foster parents, families with children, shelter volunteers, and anyone who wants to interpret their dogs’ body language better.

If you want someone to sugarcoat reality, promise you a quick fix, or hand you an e-collar, keep scrolling.

I’m not your cheerleader. I’m your coach.

I’ll tell you when you nailed it, and when you’re getting in your own way. I care about your quality of life, not your ego. If you show up and do the work, I won’t let you fail.

A system you can actually follow

We build skills that work in real life, not just in training sessions. You’ll know exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to adapt when life gets messy.

One-on-one training

So many bad habits are born in group classes. Get one-on-one coaching  – you, me, and your dog as a team – and a training plan designed specifically for your dog, your life, and your goals.

Simple actions, powerful results

Teach your dog new behaviors that used to seem impossible. No special talent required—just a willingness to show up, do the work, and trust the process.

Animal behavior expertise

With 30+ years of experience training everything from dolphins to dogs, I don’t teach shortcuts or chase “quick fix” trends. My methods are proven and rooted in behavior science.

Learning for life

You’re not just learning a skill. You’re buying your future back. Once you understand how your dog learns, you can handle whatever comes next.

If you’re serious about your dog’s future, I’m your trainer.

Nancy Kelly, M.S., CPDT-KA: The Behavior Architect

If you’re looking for someone to slap an e-collar on your dog and call it a solution, you won’t like me. But if you’re ready to train for real-life results, like walking into a cafe and having people come up and say, “I wish MY dog acted like that,” I’m your person.  I’ll help you build behaviors you need.

My credentials: 25+ years and a wall of chicken photos

I’m a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed® (CPDT-KA) with 30+ years of experience training everything from dolphins to chickens to horses, but dogs are my passion. I studied under animal behavior expert Dr. Bob Bailey for more than two decades, so I don’t rely on gimmicks, fancy gadgets, or Instagram trends. 

I build behavior from the ground up, and I’ll teach you to do the same.

Your dog is not “a jumper” or “a door-dasher” in their DNA. They’re just doing what works for them. With the skills you’ll learn in the Failproof Dog System, you’re about to teach them something completely different and much more effective.

I’m a stickler. But only with rules that work.

Dog training is a quality-of-life issue, for you and your entire household. Training is the difference between loving every walk and dreading your together time. If it wasn’t hard, everyone’s dog would be perfect. You’re a good fit if you’re looking for better over easier.

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Your dog, but better:

Getting dragged down the sidewalk Loose-leash walking, your dog as your partner

Snarling, lunging leash monster Calm walks you actually enjoy

Barking like the world is ending Peace and quiet during Zoom calls

“Oh NO, the doorbell!” Polite greetings with all four paws on the floor

Rushing out the door Waits nicely like they’re in a dog food commercial

Selective deafness Comes when you call (the first time)

You could keep scrolling dog trainer websites. Or you could click this button, tell me about your dog, and take the first step toward strangers who come up and say, “How did you get your dog to DO that?”

Ready to build the life you both deserve?

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