Hi. I'm Justine.
Founder of The Family Dog.
I’ve spent the last 20 years turning the best dog behavior info into easy, effective, and fun ways to truly enjoy life with dogs.
And I'd love to help you.
Dogs were my first love...
long before I had kids.
I lost count of the begging letters that I wrote to my parents for a puppy. So, it was zero surprise that after a (very fun) TV career I found my way into the world of dogs.
I’ve been a certified professional dog trainer for over 20 years now, helping people navigate life with dogs of all shapes, sizes, and struggles. But when I became a parent with dogs, something BIG clicked:
We seem to expect way more from dogs than we do from kids.
Kids are allowed to be messy, emotional, inconsistent.
Dogs? We expect them to be more like little robots: calm, obedient, and socially perfect—often with very little help getting there.
That gap got my attention.
Because when I looked closer, I couldn't UNSEE the overlap.
Both kids (and dogs!) need the same foundation:
safety, boundaries, support, protection, and play.
But while parenting books look beyond the baby to focus on growing the adult’s skillset… dog books?
They usually just focus on “fixing” the dog.
So I created The Dial Method®—a clear framework that helps PEOPLE truly understand their dog, simplify what to teach, and pinpoint where to focus.
Because dog training isn’t just about what the dog does.
It’s about making sure the human behind the wheel has the map, the tools, and the confidence to drive.
The key to raising great dogs?
Great parenting.
**NO kids necessary**
The science now underscores what we've known for a long time: that 'training' only goes so far. We know what kids look like when they're hungry, over-tired, anxious or confused... and dogs are no different.
They're often just misunderstood.
Our dogs are relying on us
to show them how the world works - and teach them the skills to get the best experience of it. All in a clear, consistent, and kind way.
As an author, international speaker, producer of viral videos and leading industry educational programs (for dog pros and the public) I want to help YOU feel that peace, confidence, and clarity that you're doing an amazing job - and take the bond you have with your dog to the next level.
My mission is to
make dog training make sense.
(and to share the tools you need to create the best life with your dog).
My Credentials:
- MUM of 2 pretty amazing kids and 2 cool pups
- CPDT-KA | Certified Professional Dog Trainer
- LFDM | Licensed Family Dog Mediator
- AUTHOR of The Dial Method book series
- BA Communication Arts
- Creator of The Dial Method
- Creator of Stop the 77
- International Speaker at the following conferences:
- ABK Animal Behavior Kent, UK. (2024 + 2025)
- VICTORIA STILWELL'S Dog Behavior Conference (2015 + 2022)
- APDT Association of Professional Dog Trainers (2014 + 2016)
- P.P.G. Pet Professional Guild (2016 + 2020)
- L.E.G.S. in MOTION Conference (2022)
- JEAN DONALDSON'S Academy (2015)
How can I help you?
Let me know what's happening and how you'd like life to look instead.
Let's chat
The Dial Method®
(Video + e-workbook)
Take the first step towards
a better life with your dog.
The Dial Method is as kind to dogs as it is to their people.
Get started now
