About Me

Lasting Behavior Change Starts With the Right Trainer

Most dog owners come to me after they’ve already tried the quick-fix trainers… the harsh correction methods… the “guaranteed results” that only made things worse.

Your dog doesn’t need more pressure.
They need someone who understands their emotions, their triggers, and how to safely teach them new behaviors.

With me, you get:

✔ A Certified Dog Behavior Consultant — educated and qualified in complex behavior cases

✔ Safe, humane, fear-free methods with a holistic approach

✔ A customized plan designed around your dog’s unique struggles

✔ A partner who supports you every step of the way

✔ Veterinarian Approved

This isn’t basic obedience. You won’t even hear me mention that word.
This is professional behavior work for dogs who need more than sit, stay, and “be a good dog.”

If you're ready for real progress — not temporary suppression — you're exactly where you need to be.

Based in Clarksville, Tennessee, Lakota's Legacy specializes in helping dogs with issues such as trauma, over excitement, anxiety, and aggressive behaviors. Offering a holistic, science-based approach including education, management strategies, skills training, and behavior modification, all delivered with a science-based, holistic approach, both online and local private in-home sessions availability.

Gina is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) with the International Association of Behavior Consultants (IAABC) https://iaabc.org/en/certified-credentials ; a Trauma Informed Pet Professional with Brain & Behavior Academy; and Professional Concept Trainer with Dr. Tom Mitchell, BVSc, BSc, MRCVS. She has completed the Aggressive Dog Master course led by Michael Shikashio & has participated in hundreds of hours of educational webinars by such luminaries such as Dr. Tom Mitchell, Dr. Kathy Murphy BVetMed, DPhil, CVA, CLAS, MRCVS, Grisha Stewart, and Leslie McDevitt, and continues to learn in order to bring the best to her clients. She is a member Association of Professional Dog Trainers International (APDTi) https://apdt.com/ and pledged member of the Shock-Free Coalition. Gina also helps Dr. Tom Mitchell with his online group full of thousands of dog owners from all over the world.

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.

Click here to get in touch
Lakota on her Gotchya Day
Lakota getting used to a leash
Getting Lakota used to water
A woman hugging a large German Shepherd dog outdoors, both wearing colorful birthday party hats, on a grassy backyard with trees and a wooden fence in the background.
A dog wearing a pink lei and a colorful party hat, sitting on a chair outdoors near a table with birthday cake and a paper plate, under a patio umbrella in a backyard garden.
Woman hugging a German Shepherd dog wearing pink lei, both wearing birthday hats, in a backyard with green grass and trees.
A woman takes a selfie with a dog and a rabbit, with a black dog in the background. The woman has blonde hair and is smiling softly. The dog in the foreground appears to be a German Shepherd mix, and the rabbit is sitting close to the dog with its ba
A sleeping puppy lying on a brown blanket with a pink blanket near its face.
A vibrant sunset over a river with orange, pink, and yellow hues reflecting on the water, surrounded by dark silhouetted trees on both sides.
A dog with large ears and gray fur wearing a pink life jacket, relaxing on an inflatable boat by a lake with trees in the distance and a partly cloudy sky.
Two dogs standing on green grass, one with gray and black fur and the other with black, tan, and cream fur.
Five dogs walking on a shaded gravel path surrounded by green trees and grass.
A woman lying down next to a young puppy with large ears, both resting on a white pillow.
A person with gray hair and a dark shirt is laughing while a large, tan and black dog leans in, touching noses.
A person sitting with a large police dog resting its head and paw on their arm. The dog has a tan and black coat and appears relaxed.
A German Shepherd and a small black pug standing in shallow water on a rocky beach, with people in the background at a park or outdoor event.

I’ve been where you are—searching for answers, feeling overwhelmed, and wondering what went wrong.

When my dog Lakota began to struggle, I tried everything: trainers, techniques, and advice that promised results. But instead of helping, many approaches made her behavior worse —and left me feeling lost, heartbroken, and out of options.

The turning point came when even my veterinarian gently suggested I might not be able to help her. That conversation lit a fire in me. I had to understand what was really going on—and that journey changed everything.

Now, I help others discover the “why” behind their dog’s behavior using a holistic, science-based approach rooted in empathy, education, and empowerment.

Your dog isn’t broken—and neither are you. If you’re ready to ditch the guilt and confusion and start building lasting change based on connection and understanding, you’re in the right place.

Let’s turn the page to a calmer, more connected life with your dog.

✨ Ready to begin? Let’s talk. Click below to book your first session, ask a question, or just say hi. I’m here to help, and your dog’s transformation starts with this first step.

Get in touch for help with your dog now
A smiling young dog with erect ears and a gray and black coat sitting in front of a haystack.

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. 🐾

Start Right Now: Click Here

My Approach

My approach to canine behavior is driven by a deep passion and a commitment to education and experience. I am constantly updating my skills, immersing myself in the latest advancements in canine science through hundreds of hours of educational webinars, conferences, and courses. I possess a diverse array of techniques to meet the unique needs of each dog I work with, ensuring that none of my methods involve pain, intimidation, force, or harsh corrections. I firmly reject the use of chokers, spray collars, prong collars, and shock collars, choosing instead to foster trust and understanding through positive reinforcement.

I am a pledged member of the Shock-Free Coalition (see here: https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/advocacy/shock-free-coalition/).

American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (ASVAB) Position Statement on Humane Dog Training: https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/AVSAB-Humane-Dog-Training-Position-Statement-2021.pdf

“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.

Click here to get in touch
A woman with blond hair smiling next to a large gray and black dog, possibly a Siberian Husky or Malamute, outdoors among green leaves.

My insights and experiences have been shared with the world through publications like Dodo Magazine. Living on the spectrum has been a unique lens through which I view the world, allowing me to connect with the sensory experiences of our canine friends on a profound level.

Lakota and I want you both to succeed. I will do my best to help you ♥

Get in touch to get started today!