Life Skills
Practical training for the everyday moments that matter most.
Skills & manners for everyday life
Whether you're hoping for calmer walks, better recall, polite greetings, or a dog who can settle comfortably in new environments. Life Skills coaching helps build the communication, confidence, and reliability that make daily life easier and more enjoyable.
✓ Polite greetings
✓ Loose-leash walking
✓ Coming when called
✓ Attention around distractions
✓ Wait or stay when asked
✓ Settling on a mat or bed
✓ Settling in novel locations
✓ Ability to leave it and drop it
Family Life With Dogs
As a Licensed Family Paws Parent Educator, I offer specialized guidance for families navigating life with both dogs and kids.
My approach goes beyond training cues and manners. I help families understand canine body language, development stages, supervision strategies, and the everyday management skills that promote safety and success. Whether you're preparing for a new baby, navigating the toddler years, or simply wanting to build healthier interactions between your children and your dog, you'll receive practical, judgment-free support tailored to your family's needs.
Beyond Obedience
The goal isn't simply to teach behaviors—it's to help dogs develop the skills they need to successfully navigate the human world while preserving their individuality and wellbeing.
Through thoughtful, reward-based training, we'll focus on building understanding, confidence, and clear communication. Rather than relying on constant management or repeated reminders, you'll help your dog learn skills that can be applied across a variety of real-world situations.
Not all dogs need the same skills. Because every dog and family is different, training is tailored to your unique goals, challenges, and lifestyle, ensuring the skills we build together are both practical and sustainable.
Service Pricing
Lessons are available in person and online. Submit a brief contact form to schedule your consultation.
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Based on your pre-consult questionnaire, our 90-minute consultation will cover your dog's history, your training goals, any behavior issues or concerns, and recommendations to help alleviate immediate pain points. We'll also begin training exercises and determine the best next steps to achieve your objectives.
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Following the kick-off consultation, 60-minute coaching sessions can be purchased individually.
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Package of four 60-minute lessons. Training bundles are designed to meet the unique needs of you and your dog, with lessons focused on the skills and behaviors that matter most to you.
What People Are Saying
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![Client dog who is working through general anxiety]()
"Shivani is fantastic. She is a fountain of dog knowledge -- best practices, options for difficult situations, acclimation procedures, possible triggers to investigate, etc. I couldn't ask for a better trainer!"
— Oliver Y.
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![A client's dog who worked with Shivani for extreme general anxiety]()
“We recently adopted a dog with significant general anxiety and separation anxiety. Layla has come such a long way and we can’t wait to see more growth from her with the support of Shivani.”
— Susan S.
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![A client's dog who worked with Shivani for reactivity on leash]()
"Shivani helped us tremendously when our dog started exhibiting reactive behavior. We feel much more confident walking our dog, which has been a huge change."
— Molly S.
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![Client dog who is working through reactivity]()
"Our discussions and journey into the world of Animal Centered Care has led us down a path of discovering a better, more positive relationship with our dog family. We can't thank you enough for your guidance and being in our corner."
— Steve B.
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![A client's dog who worked with Shivani for aggressive behavior toward family members]()
“Shivani is the best dog trainer my husband and I have worked with. I appreciate her deep empathy towards our pets and her extensive knowledge of animal behavior.”
— Sophia H.
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![A client's dog who worked with Shivani for reactivity and general anxiety]()
"We have learned so much from Shivani and would recommend her to anyone wanting help for a dog with challenging behavior."
— Anne L.
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![A client's dog who worked with Shivani for fearful and aggressive behavior toward humans]()
"In the beginning, Felix would bark at strangers from across the street and would not let people into our house. That has completely changed."
— Emma F.
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![A client's dog who worked with Shivani for reactivity and bite history]()
"Shivani has been amazing in guiding me with training my Belgian Malinois. Her knowledge of dog behavior is exceptional! I highly recommend her."
— Barbara B.
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![Client puppy learning life skills]()
"My husband and I had a wonderful experience with Shivani . The best thing she taught us was how to relate to our toy poodle puppy Rosie and how to continue training her in the future."
— Laura F.
Training Bundles
Bundle Basics
Custom easy-to-follow training plans
Curated resources to support your practice at home
Email support between lessons
Video review and feedback
Bundles are available following your kick-off consultation
Follow-up lessons are 60 minutes and can be purchased individually or in bundles. Bundles receive a 5% discount.
Private Coaching
One-on-one instruction addressing your dog’s specific training and behavior needs. With each lesson, you and your dog will learn and practice new skills. Between lessons, you will have resources and support to help you be successful practicing at home.
As you and your dog learn to speak the same language, you'll be well on your way to living a happier and less stressful life together.
Lessons can be online, in person, or a combination based on your individual training plan.