Teach The Human to lead and The Dog will Follow

My life’s work is driven by two things, A deep love for dogs and a firm belief that no dog should ever be given up because of behavior.

That belief started young. As a child, I lost my dog, Wendy—an experience that stuck with me and shaped everything that followed. It pushed me to understand not just dogs, but the disconnect that leads people to give up on them.

While studying film and zoology in college with plans to become a documentary filmmaker, I found myself working in the TV and film industry alongside some of Hollywood’s top animal trainers. That’s where everything clicked. In 2001, I graduated from Animal Behavior College, launched my own company in Los Angeles, and quickly earned a reputation as “the girl who could walk your aggressive dog.”

From there, rescue organizations began calling. Dogs labeled “unadoptable,” “too dangerous,” or “last chance” became my specialty. Over the years, I’ve rehabilitated some of the toughest cases in Los Angeles—helping them transition from liability to lifelong companions.

At the core of my work is one principle: education creates communication. When owners understand their dogs, everything changes. I’ve trained under respected behaviorists including Martin Deeley and Linn Boyke, completing Linn’s intensive seven-month shadow program focused on extreme aggression. I continue to refine my approach through my work with the International Association of Canine Professionals.

Although I’ve trained dogs for film and commercial work, my focus has always been behavior and real-world results.

In 2010, I was invited to work under Cesar Millan. He recognized my ability to connect with both dogs and people and brought me on to help owners featured on The Dog Whisperer. By 2013, I joined his international team—traveling to 28 countries, working hands-on with dogs and their owners teaching dog psychology on a global scale.

That same year, I developed and led the first weekend training programs at the Dog Psychology Center in Santa Clarita—programs that are still running today. I later became Head Trainer for Cesar’s Way Fundamentals I & II, mentoring students from around the world.

In 2015, I opened my own training facility, LAK9s, in Culver City, California—combining behavior-focused training with structured daycare.

Today, I work with hundreds of rescue organizations across the U.S., helping rehabilitate and place dogs that others have given up on. My certification and shadow programs are used by professional trainers worldwide.

My latest focus is expanding access—through online courses, mentorships, and my YouTube platform, Colleen Unleashed—so more owners can get real answers and real results.

I see all of my clients the same way their dogs do

as a pack leader in the making.