About Me – Lakota’s Legacy
Hi, I’m Gina — Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), Life Skills Trainer, Family Dog Mediator (FDM) & Founder of Lakota’s Legacy. I help dogs and their families in Clarksville TN and beyond.
I’ve been working with dogs for over 10 years, starting with my own reactive dog and discovering how much I loved helping families understand and connect with their dogs.
My approach is rooted in compassion, science, and respect. I use force-free, relationship-based methods because I believe real change comes from trust, not fear.
As a CDBC, I specialize in reactivity, anxiety, aggression, and puppy development. I’m especially passionate about helping dogs who struggle with fear or aggression — and the humans who love them.
I also love working with puppies and young dogs. Using Concept Training (life skills training), I help them grow into confident, well-mannered adults by building impulse control, emotional regulation, and real-world skills early — preventing many common behavior problems before they start.
My Philosophy: We live in a fluid world with another species of animal. Families and dogs have their own needs. My job is to set both human and dog up for success!
Dogs aren’t “bad” or “broken.” Most behavior issues come from a mismatch between what the dog needs and the life we ask them to live. My goal is to help you understand your dog better, build a stronger bond, and create real, lasting change together.
No dominance. No punishment. No one-size-fits-all commands. Just humane, evidence-based strategies that work.
My Credentials
I am proud to hold the following certifications and memberships:
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) — International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
Certified L.E.G.S. Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediator (FDM)— with a focus on Total Welfare
Trauma Informed Pet Professional — Brain & Behavior Academy
Professional Concept Trainer — trained with Dr. Tom Mitchell, BVSc, BSc, MRCVS
Aggressive Dog Master Course led by Michael Shikashio
Pledged member of the Shock-Free Coalition
Along with hundreds of hours in continued education
The IAABC Certified designation represents the pinnacle of achievement for animal behavior consultants. This credential indicates multiple years of experience and the ability to tackle challenging, complex cases. A minimum of four years experience with 500 hours in animal behavior consulting, 400 hours of coursework, seminars and mentorship and a working knowledge of learning theory, counterconditioning, desensitization, husbandry, assessment skills and application of species-specific knowledge.
The IAABC offers certified credentials for Dog (CDBC) Cat (CCBC), Equine (CEBC), Parrot (CPBC), Shelter-Dog (CSB-D) and Shelter-Cat (CSB-C), with over 650 animal behavior consultants across the globe.
Why Clients Choose Lakota’s Legacy
Science-based yet deeply compassionate methods
Personalized plans using the LEGS Total Welfare approach
In-person support in Clarksville, TN (including Fort Campbell) and convenient online sessions nationwide
Focus on root causes instead of quick fixes
A genuine partnership — I’m here to support both you and your dog
One on one personal attention & guidance, setting you both up for success
Ready to Work Together?
If you’re tired of struggling and ready for real understanding and lasting change, I’d love to help.
Lakota lit the way.
Now I help dogs and their people heal and grow—through heart, science, and a purpose born from love.
She is with me in every house I go to and every dog I meet. If you are struggling to connect with your dog, I offer personalized, science-based training (in-person or virtual) to help with behavior, communication, and bonding. Certified, compassionate, and here to guide your journey.
Let’s get you both back on track.
Ready to make real changes with your dog?
Let’s take that first step together.
Click below to schedule your consultation—whether it’s in person or virtual, I’ll guide you every step of the way. Your journey to calm, connection, and confidence starts now. 🐾
“When we know better, we do better!”- Maya Angelou
She is the fire that burns in my heart and the reason I am here today. I know she is watching from above. I see her every time I look into a troubled dog’s eyes. I will always advocate for the dog, no matter what!
Maybe you have been told similar things. Maybe you are sitting there feeling defeated, lost, overwhelmed, stressed out and hopeless. Maybe everyone has been focusing on the wrong thing.
Maybe it’s time to try something different. I certainly will do my best to help you - for Lakota’s Legacy, and for your dog.