'EVERY DOG HAS A STORY.
WE'RE HERE TO REWRITE IT.'
A Mission Fueled by Purpose — and Dogs
At The Dog Services, we believe meaningful dog training goes beyond teaching commands. We help dogs and their owners build clearer communication, stronger relationships, and the skills needed to navigate everyday life together. Our training is customized to the individual dog, with an emphasis on behavior, confidence, emotional regulation, and lasting results.
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Based in Menifee, California, The Dog Services works with families throughout Murrieta, Temecula, Wildomar, Winchester, Lake Elsinore, and surrounding communities, providing professional dog training grounded in education, compassion, behavioral understanding, and real-world application.
Our Story: The Dog Who Started It All
Lucy
May 25, 2011 – August 5, 2025
My journey into dog training began with Lucy, an American Staffordshire Terrier who had endured the unthinkable. Malnourished and terrified, Lucy was rescued from a veterinarian's office that had been shut down by Animal Control for extreme neglect and abuse.
She had been confined to a tiny crate for months. When I adopted her, she didn't know how to feel safe—or even how to simply be a dog. Her fear showed up as panic, and her energy was frantic. One by one, trainers told me she was too far gone.
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But I didn't see a broken dog. I saw a dog desperately needing someone to understand her.
When I couldn't find the help Lucy needed, I decided to become that person myself. I immersed myself in canine behavior, learning, rehabilitation, and ethical dog training. Day by day, Lucy began to trust. Her world expanded. Her tail wagged. And eventually, the dog who had once lived in fear learned what it meant to feel safe.
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Lucy changed the direction of my life. Her transformation became the foundation of the work I do today and ultimately led to the creation of The Dog Services. She taught me that behavior has a story behind it—and that dogs deserve to be understood before they are judged.
On August 5, 2025, Lucy passed peacefully at 14 years old, surrounded by the love she once didn't know how to receive.
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This work, and every dog I have the privilege to help, carries a piece of her legacy. She was my reason. She still is.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT
Behavior-Focused Training
We go beyond teaching obedience. We look at the dog in front of us—their behavior, emotional state, confidence, environment, and individual needs. Whether we're working with fear, anxiety, reactivity, overarousal, or everyday training challenges, our goal is to help dogs develop the skills to navigate life more successfully.
Training Customized to the Dog
No two dogs or households are exactly alike. Our training plans are built around the individual dog, the owner's goals, and the realities of everyday life. From Board & Train programs to private training and follow-up support, we focus on practical skills that transfer beyond the training environment.
We Train the Human, Too
Training doesn't end when your dog comes home. Owner education begins during our Board & Train programs and continues through hands-on Go-Home training, private follow-up sessions, educational resources, and ongoing support. Our goal is to give owners the understanding and skills needed to maintain their dog's progress long after formal training ends.
Rescue Is Part of Our Mission
A portion of our training proceeds helps us rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs in need. The Dog Services was built from a rescue story, and giving dogs another chance remains part of who we are.
Education and Continuing Development
We believe dog trainers have a responsibility to keep learning. Our team participates in professional education and continuing development in canine behavior and training and maintains canine CPR and first-aid education. Nathalie continues to pursue advanced professional training, seminars, courses, and certifications and is an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator.
Transparency Matters
​We want owners to know who is working with their dog and the education behind that work. You can view our professional education, certifications, seminars, and continuing education here.
Rescue in Action: Shiloh's Story
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Shiloh Before — Found Abandoned in the Desert
Shiloh During Rehabilitation
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Shiloh After — Thriving With Her Adoptive Family
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Found abandoned in the desert and terrified of people, Shiloh came into our care needing time, patience, and rehabilitation. Today, she is thriving with her adoptive family.
Professional Education & Credentials
CPDT – Certified Professional Dog Trainer
CACE – Canine Applied Behavior Certification
CAAE – Canine Aggression & Education Certification
AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
CPR / First Aid and Care Certified - PetTech Inc.
Professional dog training requires continued learning. We are committed to ongoing education in canine behavior, learning, training, and safety.
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