Life’s Better With four Paws

A dog training community

Helping dogs and people build better relationships

Join the Pack

There’s more…

why four paws?

Training philosophy

Relationship Based Learning

To help humans understand their dogs perspective and emotions. Become a confident handler who can guide your dog through the world. Build trust with yourself and your animal companion.

4 States of Mind Training

Our approach is to let dogs flow between solo play, handler play, relaxation, and work/training.

This can be the key to a balanced happy dog and relationship.

Some dogs need help building one of these natural states of mind or they get stuck in cueing into the wrong one at the wrong time. Ever had a dog think the doorbell was play mode when you want it to be relaxation mode?

Learn how to flow through life and feel more at ease with your dog day to day.

Solo Play - Build your dogs confidence and independence to seek out and find their own fun (responsibly) so you can have a confident dog on walks and avoid a velcro dog inside.

Handler Play - Develope your own play style with your dog to increase rewards and bonding. Focus on different aspects of play (engagement, duration, overcoming challenges, etc.) to teach good habits and rules of life. Play with toys, food, and your own body when appropriate.

Work/Training - Obedience that is applicable to your goals. Ex: place, walking commands, sit, down, wait, out, etc.

Relaxation - Teach your dog to chill on command, despite outside triggers. While still being allowed to move around (not on a place command or obedience down).

A young woman with long dark hair, wearing a baseball cap with paw prints, a black t-shirt, and light-colored pants, sitting outdoors with a large Labrador Retriever dog, both appearing relaxed.

Who We help?

Puppies
New Rescues
Reactive / Behavior Modification
Bored Dogs
Experienced Handlers Who Want New Challenges

Why a community?

Learn alongside peers. Never feel alone in your dog training journey.

What problems we aim to solve

Most clients fail because of no continued education plan. You don't stop going to the gym after you get close to your goal. So we don't stop supporting you after your initial program. We have group classes and discounted follow ups to keep you going strong!

what we offer

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Private Lessons

One on one lessons are offered in packages for in person and virtual learning

Close-up of two dogs lying on a blanket, one black with white markings and one light-colored, in a vehicle's backseat.

Group Classes

Group learning for new members and graduates

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Handler education

COMING SOON

lectures and online virtual courses

NOW OFFERING: GRADUATE SKILL PRACTICE!

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2 classes/month

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NOW OFFERING: GRADUATE SKILL PRACTICE! 〰️ 2 classes/month 〰️

ready to join the pack?

Start your journey with a phone consultation to see what is right for you.

Please include what times you can chat and you will receive a confirmation email.

who i work with

You have a drive to learn - You want to learn and push yourself. Even if it doesn’t come naturally or you only have 5 minutes a day. Don’t worry, the structure of FPA lets you learn at your own pace with personalized plans and continued education. All programs have homework but they will blend into your day and things you already do with your dog. You might even find out you are doing too much!

You care about your dog - Your pup is a sentient being and deserves to be understood and loved like any other being on the planet. They need a two sided relationship based on mutual trust and understanding. If you are frustrated and not there yet, no worries. If you care about your dog (even if you don’t love their behavior), we can get there together.

Meet the Founder

A woman with long red hair wearing a yellow cap, black jacket, and gray jeans standing in front of a colorful mural with blue, brown, pink, and yellow sections and geometric patterns.

Hi there! My name is Oli, I am a Dog Trainer in Philadelphia and have been working in the industry since 2021. I started in Urban Search and Rescue, training high energy working dogs to find live humans in rubble piles from disaster scenarios. We used lots of play, off leash agility, strength/flexibility conditioning, proprioception work and obedience. I did some work in cancer scent detection for medical advancements. I worked alongside K-9 protection and bomb detection dogs. Let me know if you are interested in scent work or dog sports!

I then moved into the pet dog industry, I worked with city dogs from puppyhood to adulthood. I work with dogs and their humans on basic skills to behavior modification. I love helping newly adopted dogs get acclimated with their families and spaces. I have a passion for helping owners with dogs who are anxious or overly excited about their environment and need help adjusting to city life.

Many humans and dogs need someone to understand what struggles they are experiencing and what support they need. Especially in an urban environment when there are so many distractions. Being their translator and helping empower you to work together is the best gift a trainer can ask for.