You love your dog, but you're exhausted. You don't have to navigate this alone.

For the owners of dogs with big feelings, big needs, and complicated histories. If you're walking your dog at midnight to avoid neighbors, managing constant stress, and feeling like you've tried everything—you are in the right place.

Having a dog that other people misunderstand or avoid is incredibly isolating. You might feel like you're constantly on high alert, managing their environment, apologizing for their reactions, and wondering if you're doing something wrong. Most people don't see the sweet, brilliant dog you see at home—they only see the reactivity. We know how heavy that is to carry. 

Here is the truth: You aren't failing, and your dog isn't broken. Their behavior is simply a symptom of unmet biological needs, stress, or overwhelm.

You are already your dog's greatest advocate. You just need the right translation to understand what their body and brain are trying to tell you. When you learn how to read their stress physiology and support their environment, you have the power to help them stabilize from the inside out.

That’s where I come in. I’m Paula, and I don't just train dogs—I equip you with the science, strategy, and support to reach the dog behind the behavior. Together, we look at the whole picture: stress, trauma, environment, and nutrition. I provide the roadmap; you guide your dog to a more peaceful life through Behavior-Forward™ methods.

Transitioning with Purpose

Shark & Paws K9 is entering a new chapter, with a sharpened focus on overall canine wellness, behavior support, and community care. As part of this evolution, we are no longer accepting new clients for drop-in visits, day care, or basic boarding services.

Existing clients—rest assured, nothing changes for you. The care, consistency, and compassion you've come to rely on will continue as always.

Our priority is shifting toward specialized wellness efforts and community outreach, allowing us to deepen the impact of our work where it’s needed most.

Intensive Behavioral Diagnostics: For Those Ready to Do the Work

Transformation takes time, consistency, and a willingness to understand the 'why' behind the behavior. Our Intensive Behavioral Diagnostic is a deep-dive, 3-hour assessment designed for owners who are ready to roll up their sleeves and advocate for their dog’s wellness. We won't just offer surface-level obedience—we will uncover root causes and build a compassionate, actionable strategy together.

What It Includes:

- Multi-environment behavior observation

- Functional analysis to identify triggers and patterns

- Actionable, compassionate strategies rooted in behavioral science

- Hard truths, clear goals, and a path forward—if you're ready to walk it

💰 Cost: $250. This covers the full diagnostic experience. If you choose to continue with a structured recovery plan, this amount will be credited toward your program.

This session is for those willing to show up—for their dog, for themselves, and for the work. We believe in transformation, but only when it’s earned through consistent, ethical effort.