Meet ALI, Trainer

Ali’s journey into professional dog training was inspired by her personal dog, Cash. When she adopted Cash at 7 years old, he struggled with severe anxiety, reactivity, aggression, and poor manners. Through dedicated and training, Ali and her husband transformed Cash into a well-mannered dog who was finally able to enjoy off-leash freedom.Witnessing this incredible transformation fueled her passion for helping other dogs and their owners achieve similar success. Ali has been working with dogs in different settings her entire life and has been a professional dog trainer with Off Leash K9 since 2020. Her extensive experience and commitment to dog training have made her a skilled and compassionate trainer.Ali’s training philosophy centers on the three Cs: consistency, connection, and clarity. She believes that these principles are essential for effective and lasting training results. Building strong rapport with both dogs and their owners is fundamental to Ali’s approach. She focuses on helping both parties understand each other better and identifies where any disconnects may lie.Ali”s goal is to foster positive relationships between herself, the dog, and the owner, and to strengthen the bond between the dog and its owner. Ali emphasizes the importance of tailoring her approach to the unique needs of each dog. By spending ample time communicating with the owners, she gains a thorough understanding of the household dynamics and the specific goals they have for their pets.Ali is the proud owner of two dogs: Cash, a German Shepherd/Pit Bull mix, and Kaia, a Husky/Pit Bull mix. Cash, her spunky old man, and Kaia, a goofy sweetheart, bring joy and inspiration to her daily life.An avid outdoor enthusiast, Ali enjoys snowboarding, hiking, biking, camping, and traveling. She also loves reading and cooking.Beyond her professional and personal interests, she is a devoted mom to two boys. Ali is currently working towards becoming Avalanche K9 certified and therapy dog certified, expanding her expertise and ability to help dogs and their owners in new and meaningful ways. Her favorite command to teach is “heel” because of the unparalleled satisfaction of a loose leash walk.Ali takes great pleasure in seeing dogs walk confidently and calmly beside their owners. For Ali, the most rewarding aspect of being a dog trainer is sending dogs home to live their best lives and receiving updates on their adventures. Knowing she has made a positive impact on their lives brings her immense joy. Ali cherishes the connection to the outdoors that the Missoula community offers, aligning perfectly with her passion for nature and adventure.