Hi🌷 I'm Lya, the heart behind LifestyleK9 a passionate dog trainer

With a background bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education from UCF Orlando, I bring a unique approach to dog training here in San Francisco. I specialize in a training style that includes more than just teaching your dog to sit and stay – I'm all about creating a lifestyle where you and your furry friend truly thrive together. Imagine: a calm home, off-leash adventures, and a dog that's you can communicate with. We'll work on everything from basic obedience like name recognition and 'down', to house boundaries, potty training, and reliable recall even with distractions, or any behavior. Let's build a stronger connection and a happier life for both you and your dog.

How’d I get here?

My journey to becoming a dog trainer has been shaped by love, loss, and a deep desire to help. After moving to the United States, I faced the heartbreak of losing my childhood dog, Rey Gabriel, who had been my constant companion and a source of inspiration. Then came Pumpkin and Zoe, whose energy and antics pushed me to learn everything I could about training. Together, they taught me the power of patience, compassion, and the profound connection that training can create between a dog and their owner.

Today, I help dogs and their owners navigate challenges like anxiety, reactivity, and behavioral issues. I often see well-meaning owners unintentionally contributing to their dogs' stress, simply because no one has shown them what their dogs truly need to thrive.

That’s where I come in!

By meeting your dog’s basic needs, regulating their nervous system, and building clear communication, we’ll break the cycle of stress and create a calm, confident, and happy life for you and your dog. Together, we’ll help you both thrive.

FAQ

  • I've been working with animals since I can remember. Back in my hometown, I used to rescue animals and naturally taught them things without even realizing I was training. When I moved to Orlando, I got my first dog and taught him basic obedience. Then, when we got our second dog, we really started learning about dog training. Two years later, I began working with other dogs, and it's been nonstop ever since. I love my career and the fact that I'll always be learning more to help more dogs and owners.

  • I didn’t attend a formal school for dog training, but I’ve taken multiple courses and programs, read a lot,  attended my favorite shadowing opportunities, and trained alongside my biggest mentors. This industry is a community, and learning from hands-on experience and real experts has been the best education.

  • I work with all kinds of dogs! Right now, I don’t take on aggressive cases, but I train puppies, old dogs,  basic and advanced obedience, working dogs, and dogs with behavioral challenges.