Opal
Dog TrainerStone Mountain Georgia
Stone Mountain Georgia
Location
Stone Mountain Georgia
Specializations
Certifications
- Basic
- Adolescent
- Advanced
- Rehabilitation
- Certified Master Dog Educator and Trainer; Certified Professional Dog Educator and Trainer; Certified Advanced Dog Educator and Trainer
- Jo-Thor's Dog Trainers' Academy; Certified Dog Trainer
- Animal Behavior College (2003)
Professional experience
Opal's love of animals began in early childhood with her first dog Gigi, who followed her to school, waited, and walked her home again. That relationship started a fascination with how dogs communicate through body language and vocal variation, and how they resolve conflict within a pack. She became the person friends and family called when they needed help with a dog's behaviour, long before it was her profession. She first qualified as a Certified Dog Trainer through Animal Behavior College in 2003 while working full time in mental health and substance abuse as a clinical social worker. In 2020 she shifted direction to follow the work properly. By 2021 she was managing the training program at a doggy daycare and boarding facility, where she developed the program and built the systems behind it, and she went on to attend Jo-Thor's Dog Trainers' Academy in Atlanta, earning Certified Professional and Certified Advanced Dog Educator and Trainer credentials, followed by Certified Master Dog Educator and Trainer in 2022.
A little bit about me
Opal's background in clinical social work makes her genuinely unusual among trainers. Before moving into dogs full time she worked in mental health and substance abuse services, and she incorporated animal assisted therapy into that clinical practice using her own dogs, Mini and Frisco. That work helped clients open up about deep seated difficulties and contributed to reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, paranoia and PTSD. Watching that change happen with her dogs' assistance is what convinced her of what the human and canine relationship can achieve. Her training is customised to each dog regardless of breed, age or temperament, and she works from balanced methods combining leadership with positive reinforcement. She teaches owners to communicate effectively and consistently, equips them with the right tools, and builds the skills they need to lead a balanced household. Her motto is simply "No Problem", whatever the behaviour presented.
Training Programs
We work to consistently innovate and improve upon the way that dogs are trained. Dogwise Academy aims to simplify the training process for busy families.See all
Adolescent Essentials
Adolescent Obedience Program | Dogs 6–18 Months. Transform your pup’s rebellious phase into calm confidence with practical, home-based training. No more jumping, leash pulling, or counter-surfing—just a happier home. Connect with a Pet Consultant today!
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Advanced Obedience Program
Advanced Obedience Program | Take Your Dog’s Skills Further. Unlock off-leash freedom and real-world reliability, from busy parks to bustling cafes. Give your dog confidence around everyday distractions. Speak with a Pet Consultant today!
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Anxiety Support
Anxiety & Confidence Program | Helping Anxious Dogs Thrive. Calm your dog’s fears during storms, car rides, or alone time with personalized training and lasting support. Connect with a Pet Consultant today!
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Reactivity & Aggression Reset
Reactivity & Confidence Program | Support for Sensitive Dogs. Help your reactive dog feel calm and in control with personalized training that builds focus, reduces stress, and makes walks easier for both of you.
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