My journey started with a Golden Retriever — and no knowledge at all about dogs. He came into my life unexpectedly and unplanned. I had no idea about dogs, breeds, or behavior. My family never owned a dog, and they never allowed me to have pets. Everyone around me thought getting one was a bad idea.

But despite all of that, I brought Smelaitis home. And that’s when my real story began.

At first, I trained him the only way I knew: old-school methods and free YouTube videos. For three years, I tried to make it work. He knew all the basics — sit, down, leave it, come, stay, even not to pull on the leash. But the truth was, none of it held up when he was in high drive or when real-life distractions hit. He only listened when I could control everything around him. The moment something slipped, all of my training fell apart.

On top of that, I carried a fear: his father was a reactive, impulsive, badly behaved dog with no rules, no boundaries, and no control. I was afraid my dog would turn out the same. I thought if I just made Smelaitis “calm,” I’d fix everything. But I was wrong.

That’s when I found STSK9 — and everything changed. I realized I had to start over — to unlearn what I thought I knew, to rebuild trust, to create food drive and engagement, and to reconnect with my dog in a completely different way.

After six months of hard work, I graduated. And not only did Smelaitis transform, but I did too. I went from struggling with one Golden Retriever to now training hardcore working dogs at the STSK9 facility.

Today, I’m helping MVP students, sharing my experiences inside the courses, and showing others what’s possible.

But coaching itself wasn’t new for me. Long before dogs, I was teaching people. I taught dance and step aerobics, I choreographed routines, and I helped people develop mobility, flexibility, and rhythm. Teaching kids taught me patience and excitement. Teaching older women taught me compassion and understanding. I learned how to balance structure with encouragement, and I became passionate about helping people grow by giving them the right guidance.

That’s the same passion I bring into dog training now. My story isn’t just about commands or obedience — it’s about clarity, trust, and building something real with your dog. And if I could start from zero with no knowledge and turn my journey around, you can too.

I would be happy to be your coach and lead you on your dog training journey.

My journey started with a Golden Retriever — and no knowledge at all about dogs. He came into my life unexpectedly and unplanned. I had no idea about dogs, breeds, or behavior. My family never owned a dog, and they never allowed me to have pets. Everyone around me thought getting one was a bad idea.