Personalized, positive dog training for anxious and reactive pups. Compassionate, in-home support for every unique personality—serving Tampa and St. Pete with patience, expertise, and heart.
Krissy is a certified dog trainer, behavior professional, and the founder of The Meditating Mutt, LLC. She helps families across the Tampa Bay area navigate everything from puppyhood to reactivity to complex emotional behavior challenges — all through an approach rooted in compassion, learning science, and mindfulness.
When dogs feel understood and safe, they can learn. When humans feel supported and empowered, they can guide their dogs with clarity and confidence.
Krissy bridges both sides of that relationship.
In 2019, Krissy adopted Willie — a gentle soul with a traumatic past.
As Willie began showing fear-based reactivity, anxiety, and protective behaviors, Krissy realized that “obedience training” alone wasn’t going to help him heal.
She dove into behavior science, positive reinforcement, and force-free training. She studied communication, emotional regulation, and trauma-informed behavior work. And slowly, Willie transformed — not because he was “fixed,” but because he finally felt safe, seen, and understood.
Helping Willie heal sparked her passion for behavior work and solidified her commitment to ethical training.
Today, Krissy brings that same empathy and evidence-based skill to every dog and family she works with.
What clients are saying
Krissy blends academic knowledge, hands-on experience, and advanced certifications to create a comprehensive training experience.
Before founding The Meditating Mutt, Krissy completed a two-year professional dog training apprenticeship and served as a lead trainer and adoption counselor at a local rescue, where she:
This real-world experience makes her uniquely qualified to help sensitive, anxious, or misunderstood dogs.
Krissy’s signature training framework blends:
Teaching humans the why behind behavior and giving them tools that last.
Helping dogs understand expectations through clear, consistent signals. And helping pet parents read canine body language.
Creating emotional safety so dogs can learn without fear or pressure.
Using grounding, calmness, and thoughtful pacing to support both ends of the leash.
Stopping behavior problems before they develop or escalate.
This isn’t obedience training...its:
Krissy specializes in:
Her approach supports both the dog and the human.
Krissy is dedicated to helping more than individual families — she contributes to the broader community.
She partners with rescues offering behavior support, volunteer training, and puppy yoga events.
Krissy is an active member of this nonprofit, helping domestic violence shelters become pet-friendly and creating fear-free environments for survivors and their animals.
These joyful, connection-based events help raise funds for rescues while offering socialization opportunities for puppies.
Her work extends beyond training — it’s advocacy, education, and healing.
We’re proud to partner with local organizations and businesses who share our passion for happy, healthy pups. Together, we’re building a more compassionate, dog-friendly community—one wag at a time.
Every dog is doing the best they can with the tools they have.
Owners deserve clear guidance, not judgment or shame.
Only fear-free, science-backed methods rooted in humane principles.
Calm handlers create calm dogs.
A strong relationship beats temporary obedience every time.
Stay Connected
“I know what it feels like to love a dog deeply and still feel overwhelmed by their behavior.
You’re not alone.
You’re not failing.
And your dog is not broken.”
Every day, I help families find clarity, confidence, and relief — and I would be honored to support you and your dog’s journey, too.”
Personalized training for anxious or reactive pups—right at your doorstep.
Compassionate, positive methods for real results you’ll see and feel.
Guidance from a certified trainer who truly understands your dog’s needs.
