Reinvigorating the Standard of Care!
Now Serving Cabarrus County
Hi there, I'm Kristina!
I’ve loved animals my whole life and have over 20 years of hands-on experience working with them. I hold a degree in Animal Science and two professional training certifications. I’m continously advancing my education to stay current and ethical in my approach.
About Help my Hounds
My journey started as a volunteer in animal shelters, helping anxious and stressed dogs feel safe, secure, and understood. Over time, I continued learning alongside experienced trainers and developed a relationship-based style of training.I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all programs. Every dog and every family is different. My goal is to help you understand your dog, communicate clearly, and build a calm, confident partnership.
What sets us apart!
I truly care about the dogs I work with and the people who trust me with them. This isn’t just a job for me; it’s something I’m deeply passionate about.I’m here for you, and most importantly, I’m here for your dog too!
Now Serving Cabarrus County
Services
Board & Train
Your dog stays with me for an extended period, where daily routines are intentionally designed to reset habits, build stability, and create lasting change!
Private Lessons
Private training uses personalized, hands-on sessions to build obedience, improve behavior, and strengthen communication between dogs and their owners!
Walk & Train
For dogs who need more than a standard walker, combining structured exercise with behavior-focused training and outings for controlled exposure!
Drop-In Visits
Reliable in-home visits provide care, potty breaks, feeding, enrichment, and optional walks to keep your dog comfortable while you’re away!
Adventures
Small-group or one-on-one excursions which offer hikes, socialization, and exploration with safe transport, structured supervision, and plenty of exercise!
Note: All services require an initial evaluation to ensure the best fit for you and your dog.
Contact
Now Serving Cabarrus County
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Board & Train
This program is designed for puppies, adult dogs, and dogs who need more structure and consistency than weekly sessions can provide. It is especially effective for crate training, separation-related behaviors, confinement challenges, and for dogs who need support building confidence.While your dog stays with me, we work daily on clear communication, structure, and practical life skills. The focus is on helping dogs feel secure and understand what’s expected of them; not just teaching commands.The recommended program length is 3 to 4 weeks, depending on your dog’s individual needs, ability to progress, and trainer recommendation.The goal is meaningful, lasting progress during their stay, along with making sure you feel confident and prepared to continue that progress once your dog returns.
Note: All services require an initial evaluation to ensure the best fit for you and your dog!
Board and Train
This program is designed for puppies and adult dogs who need more structure than weekly sessions can provide, particularly for crate training, separation-related behaviors, confinement challenges, and confidence-building.During their stay, your dog receives daily, structured training focused on clear communication and real-life skills, with a recommended length of 3–4 weeks to create meaningful, lasting progress and ensure you feel confident continuing the work at home.
Who This Program Is For
- Puppies and adult dogs who need more structure and consistency than weekly sessions provide
- Dogs struggling with crate training, confinement, or separation-related behaviors
- Dogs who lack confidence or need help feeling secure in daily routines
What we Work On
- Clear communication and consistent structure
- Crate training and confinement skills
- Confidence-building and emotional security
- Practical, real-life skills that support long-term success
Duration
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Pricing
Single Session: $
5-Session Package: $
10-Session Package: $
Note: All services require an initial evaluation to ensure the best fit for you and your dog.
Private Lessons
Private lessons are a great option for owners who want guidance while working directly with their dog. These are one-hour sessions tailored to your specific goals, whether that includes basic obedience, improved communication, leash skills, or addressing behavior concerns.Private lessons are offered in packages of five sessions minimum, as this allows enough time to create real, lasting progress. Session frequency is flexible and can occur multiple times per week if recommended.
Note: All services require an initial evaluation to ensure the best fit for you and your dog.
Private Lessons
Private lessons provide one-on-one guidance for owners who want hands-on support while working directly with their dog. Each one-hour session is tailored to your specific goals, whether that’s building basic obedience, improving communication, developing leash skills, or addressing behavior concerns.Lessons are offered in packages of five sessions minimum to ensure enough time for meaningful, lasting progress, with flexible scheduling that can include multiple sessions per week if recommended.
Who This Program Is For
- Owners who want personalized, one-on-one guidance with their dog
- Dogs needing focused support beyond a group class setting
- Owners working on specific training goals or behavior challenges
- Those who want a structured plan with measurable, lasting progress
What we Work On
- Basic obedience and reliable everyday behaviors
- Clear communication between owner and dog
- Leash manners and controlled walking
- Addressing common behavior concerns in real-life situations
Session Details
Duration
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Pricing
Single Session: $
5-Session Package: $
10-Session Package: $
Note: All services require an initial evaluation to ensure the best fit for you and your dog.
Walk & Train Program
The Walk & Train Program is a hands-on, trainer-led service where your dog works directly with a professional trainer. By handling the dog ourselves, we establish structure, address behavior at the root, and create consistent repetition before transitioning skills to the owner.
Who This Program Is For
- Dogs with structure or impulse control issues
- Territorial or guarding behaviors
- Pushy or attention-seeking behaviors
- Need hands-on intervention first
- Preparing for a multi-dog household
What we Work On
- Territorial behavior at entry points
- Guarding and resource behaviors
- Pushy and nipping behaviors
- Impulse control and spatial respect
- Multi-dog preparation and neutrality
Session Details
Duration
- 45–60 minute sessions
- 2 sessions per week
- Trainer-led with owner integration
- Homework guidance provided
Pricing
Single Session: $50
5-Session Package: $250
10-Session Package: $475
Note: All services require an initial evaluation to ensure the best fit for you and your dog.
Walk & Train Program
These trainer-led walks go beyond simple exercise. Each outing is intentionally structured to reinforce calm, reliable leash manners through practice. Your dog is guided by an experienced professional who understands how to read behavior, set clear expectations, and respond appropriately in the moment. The focus is on creating consistency and confidence on-leash, not just getting steps in.Through hands-on guidance and purposeful repetition, dogs learn to walk with better focus, reduced pulling, and improved responses to everyday distractions.Common challenges like reactivity, overexcitement, or inconsistent pacing are addressed during the walk itself, where learning is most effective. Best of all, owners don’t need to be present; your dog receives focused training and reinforcement while you enjoy the convenience of knowing meaningful progress is being made each time they head out.
Note: All services require an initial evaluation to ensure the best fit for you and your dog.
Drop-In Visits
In-home visits help keep your dog on their normal routine while you’re away. Each visit includes potty breaks, exercise, feeding, fresh water, and basic enrichment.Medication administration and special care needs are available, including support for senior or elderly dogs. This can include oral medications, supplements, mobility assistance, or a slower pace with added supervision.You can leave knowing your dog is being cared for reliably and safely in their home.
Note: All services require an initial evaluation to ensure the best fit for you and your dog.
Drop-In Visits
In-home visits help keep your dog on their normal routine while you’re away. Each visit includes potty breaks, exercise, feeding, fresh water, and basic enrichment.Medication administration and special care needs are available, including support for senior or elderly dogs. This can include oral medications, supplements, mobility assistance, or a slower pace with added supervision.You can leave knowing your dog is being cared for reliably and safely in their home.
Who This Program Is For
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What we Work On
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Session Details
Duration
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Pricing
Single Session: $
5-Session Package: $
10-Session Package: $
Note: All services require an initial evaluation to ensure the best fit for you and your dog.
Adventures
Small-group or one-on-one excursions designed to provide enriching hikes, positive social interaction, and engaging exploration. Each outing includes safe, reliable transportation, attentive supervision, and a well-structured experience that ensures your dog gets plenty of exercise while staying comfortable, secure, and happy throughout the adventure.
Note: All services require an initial evaluation to ensure the best fit for you and your dog.
Adventures
Small-group or one-on-one excursions designed to provide enriching hikes, positive social interaction, and engaging exploration. Each outing includes safe, reliable transportation, attentive supervision, and a well-structured experience that ensures your dog gets plenty of exercise while staying comfortable, secure, and happy throughout the adventure.
Who This Program Is For
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What we Work On
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Session Details
Duration
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Pricing
Single Session: $
5-Session Package: $
10-Session Package: $
Note: All services require an initial evaluation to ensure the best fit for you and your dog.
Testimonials
“I would highly recommend Kristina to help train and socialize your puppy, or dog. My daughter and I needed help with our energetic German Shepherd puppy, Mishka, and our vet referred us to Kristina. She is educated, experienced, and skillful with the kind of training we were interested in, which is LIMA. Kristina worked with us on crate training, loose leash walking, proper play etiquette, and more. We were very happy and impressed from the start and our pup responded very well to Kristina and her techniques.I believe a really good dog trainer is one who equips the owner with tools and methods that are timely, effective, and applicable, and that is what Kristina offered. We felt more confident and knowledgeable after each of her weekly visits. It is exciting to see how well a puppy can do with the proper training,
patience, and lots of loving.I would not hesitate to give Kristina a call and see how well you and your puppy respond to her skill and training."Mary Mitchell | Client | Private Training"Kristina is a wonderful Dog Trainer. We always enjoyed Kristina’s cheery and upbeat attitude while being direct and extremely effective in working with our exuberant Labrador puppy. She put all of us at ease and gave us the confidence to effectively learn and implement strong training skills. She helped us reach our goal of being a certified Canine Good Citizen andTherapy Dog Team and we are grateful for her guidance and care."Marion | Client | Walk and Train"Kristina is exactly the person you're looking for if you are seeking an experienced animal care professional! Kristina has cared for my own dogs (boarding and walking) and I've worked with her in a professional dog training facility as well--She is experienced and extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of dog care, including training and behavior management.I have some difficult dogs, with high anxiety and stranger reactivity. At their first meeting, Kristina knew just what to do to make them comfortable and confident, and within a day they were settled in like they'd known her for years. (I'll save you the description, you'll have to see for yourself!).You can feel secure leaving your pups in Kristina's trusted care."Brook L. | Client | Dog Walking"Kristina has been with me at a time when I've needed her most with a smile on her face and a willingness to serve. She not only cares about dogs a lot but also the well-being and satisfaction of the owners as well. In an endless sea of opportunistic dog walkers and caretakers, Kristina sets herself apart with her glowing personality and professionalism. I would recommend her over anyone else, not just to take care of my dogs, but my children, and grandparents! This girl is amazing and you won't regret hiring her!"Matthew Q. | Client | Dog Walking“We were looking for someone to help us with some hands-on fundamental training for our new puppy and her behaviors. Kristina to the rescue! She was able to provide a plan of action and clearly articulate and demonstrate methods that we could easily incorporate into our daily routine. The results were amazing. With the entire family following her direction, we were able to establish routines and behaviors that resulted in a well-mannered puppy.”Robert LaVangie | Client | Dog Training