Welcome! I’m Natalia

I help dogs and their owners create a strong relationship based on trust and respect.

My story started in 2017 when I adopted my first dog, Chance, a boxer mix. We participated in various dog sports together and working with him was always easy and pleasant. So, after 3 years, I adopted a second dog, Greta, a street dog from India. And she made me question everything I knew so far about dogs. She struggled with almost every behavioral issue you can think of, but I was determined to do everything in my power to ensure she lived her best life. What started as independent research on canine behavior and training quickly snowballed into taking countless courses, attending workshops, and shadowing under established dog trainers. I tried out different approaches, worked with her, screwed up, analyzed my mistakes, managed and got us to a good place in life.

I started working professionally with dogs in 2022 and I worked for over a year in a doggy day care/boarding facility. With the move (hello Navy life) I started my own dog training business in 2023. I believe that everything has an impact on your dog's behavior: their genetics, personality, food they eat, what environment they live in, how much fulfillment they get. I focus on creating a better life with dogs despite their behavioral problems. I want you to know that you’re not alone. I know how overwhelming it can feel to love a dog who struggles, because I’ve been there too. I believe in you and your dog. I can see possibilities that you might not see quite yet. But together, we’ll build trust, understanding, and a life with your dog that feels calmer, more connected and genuinely joyful.

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From our clients

  • "She patiently coached us (including my daughters) on how to work with our dog and explained the WHY behind each action. It's made such a difference."

    I can't say enough great things about working with Natalia. We adopted a puppy from the local shelter who is a Belgian Malinois/ACD/AmStaff mix & had some behaviors we needed to correct. She's worked with us to understand our goals & patiently coached us (including my daughters) on how to work with our dog and explained the WHY behind each action. It's made such a difference. We've done 3 private sessions with her and a day train where she worked directly with our dog. It's been a wonderful experience!

    — Brittney Bodine

  • "I can't say enough about how good she is at this. She really was born to do it."

    Natalia is the ultimate support you need for both your pet and you. She was an absolute Godsend for our puppy and working through the stages. What I love the most is how much our pup loved her. I work from home and having her help me figure out how to guide him while maintaining my work life balance was worth more than words can say. I also appreciate how personalized it was with her, our family, and specific dog's personality. We also had her help our 6 year old get a feel for having a pet. I can't say enough about how good she is at this. She really was born to do it. I just love Natalia.

    — Brittany Rollins

  • "She genuinely cared about our progress and was always so patient, supportive, and encouraging."

    I can't recommend Great Chance Canine enough! She played such a huge role in helping us and our dog, Freyja. From loose leash walking and off-leash training to e-collar training, she gave us the tools and confidence to succeed. We did day trains, private sessions, walks, and she was always just a message away whenever we needed advice or had questions. She genuinely cared about our progress and was always so patient, supportive, and encouraging. We're so thankful for everything she taught us and we'll always appreciate all the time, knowledge, and care she put into helping us.

    — Sierra Davidson 

Questions? Want to work together? Not sure if it’s the right fit?