Train with TLC

Trust

Training starts with trust. When dogs feel safe and understood, they are more willing to learn, try new behaviors, and engage with their handler. Trust creates confidence on both sides of the leash.

Love

Training should strengthen the relationship between dogs and their people. Love means patience, encouragement, and keeping a positive, supportive attitude throughout training. Good energy goes a long way in creating a successful learning experience for both dog and handler.

Clarity

Dogs learn best when communication is clear and consistent. Clarity means using marker words, structured reinforcement, and thoughtful timing so dogs understand exactly what is being asked. This reduces confusion and sets dogs up for success.

Meet the Trainer

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Desiree Drake

Owner

Long before becoming a professional trainer, Desiree was immersed in the world of dogs—helping her family train Labrador Retrievers for duck hunting and teaching her own dogs everything from basic manners to advanced tricks. In 2020, she began training professionally under the mentorship of experienced trainers and gained experience working in a variety of training facilities.

In 2022, Desiree founded her own dog training business with a focus on personalized, in-home training. As a small business owner, she is passionate about helping everyday dog owners build confidence, strengthen communication, and enjoy life with their dogs. She believes dogs learn best in the environments where they live, allowing training to address real-world behaviors and challenges while creating practical, lasting results for both dogs and their families.

In addition to running her own business, Desiree became a service dog trainer with a local organization that provides fully-trained service dogs to veterans and first responders affected by PTSD. In this role, she works with dogs on advanced obedience, public access training, retrieval tasks, anxiety alerts, and other skills. Witnessing the life-changing impact these dogs have on their recipients has been one of the most rewarding aspects of dog training.

Desiree competes with her dogs in a variety of dog sports, currently focusing on nosework with her senior dog. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, fishing, boating, and spending time with her family.