Lisa Benshoff
Dog Trainer & Behavior Consultant
CBCC, CPDT, FDM
serving Oxford, St Michaels, and Easton, MD
With 4 certifications, 15 years of experience, and over 5,000 hours of continuing education, I have a big toolbox to help your dog be their best! No fear, force, intimidation, or “corrections.”
My Method
Science and experience demonstrate that our dogs feel and behave better (and our relationships thrive) when we:
Meet more of their needs (species, breed, and individual)
Provide more agency, with appropriate choices and healthy outlets
Train real-life skills, including focus, patience, calmness, settling, self-regulation, and resilience
My Story
About 25 years ago, I shared my life with Barley and Bay, two dear but quirky English Bull Terriers. Though not really “trained,” they didn’t have any major problems (other than losing their minds at the sight of deer). But I struggled to connect with Bay, which was heartbreaking. Like many guardians, I made so many mistakes because I relied on some of the old myths—and didn’t even know what I didn’t know.
In my search for answers, I discovered the Tellington TTouch® method and became trained and certified over the next two years. Soon I started exploring the wider world of positive training and the science of behavior modification through books, hands-on classes, workshops, and conferences. I got hooked and continue to learn more every month, both online and in-person. The highlights of my year are annual conferences for animal training professionals.
Since starting my business in 2011, my mission has been to promote more harmony between dogs and their people. We all need less stress, more joy! Now I get the immense satisfaction of helping other guardians avoid that outdated mindset and method, and learn how to get better behavior and relationships in ways that are humane, up-to-date, and more effective. A partnership approach.
Education & Credentials
B.A., University of Virginia
Licensed Un-Chase!® trainer
Certified Behavior Consultant Canine (CBCC)
Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT)
Certified Family Dog Mediator (FDM)
Certified Tellington TTouch® Practitioner
Graduate of Dr Susan Friedman’s Living and Learning with Animals course
Trained hands-on with Pat Miller and Gail Fisher, original leaders of the positive training movement
Member, Tellington TTouch Guild
Member, International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
Have attended hundreds of accredited conferences, classes, workshops and webinars. Learning never ends!
Why Choose Me
Positive, Gentle, Effective
We get (much!) better behavior by meeting more needs, rewarding good choices, and teaching reliable skills, so our dogs just know what to do without being asked. Like how to settle. How to focus, calm down, think, and respond.
Knowledgeable & Empathetic
I understand what you’re going through, why your dog is doing that, and how both of you can start getting relief immediately.
Cooperation vs. Obedience
Let me show you how to get the behaviors you want, without commands, nagging, and telling your dog what not to do.
Programs, not just Lessons
Included with your package of lessons are nearly all the supplies and support you’ll need to be successful.
Certified, Ethical, Experienced
Ready for life-with-dog to feel easier?
You don’t have to figure this out alone. If you’re ready for clear, expert guidance and a training approach grounded in current science and
well-being, I’d love to support you.