My dog is:

What would your dog say about you?

Fina Garcia with Coco from Loyal Pawrenting

Step One

Unlock Your Dog’s Potential with a Free Consultation!

Start your dog’s training journey with a personalized, no-cost virtual consultation designed to set you and your furry friend up for success. During this initial vibe check, we'll dive into your goals, discuss my unique, humane approach, and set clear expectations for what lies ahead. Together, we’ll assess the suitability of your case, explore tailored training options, and arrange for your in-home or virtual assessment.

I’ll also address any safety concerns, outline emergency management plans, and ensure we’re all on the same page for a comprehensive and confident start to your dog’s transformation. Let’s connect and begin building a stronger bond with your best friend!

Click here to book your virtual consultation

Step Two

Kickstart Your Dog’s Transformation with a 90-Minute Assessment!

Take the next step with a thorough 90-minute in-home assessment, where we’ll lay the groundwork for your dog’s personalized training journey. We’ll start with an in-depth discussion about your goals, challenges, and lifestyle—just you and me—so I can tailor a plan that meets your family’s needs and your dog’s unique personality.

During this time, please have your dog comfortably secured in another room, crate, or fenced backyard to keep them relaxed and focused.

In the second half, I’ll interact with your dog, observe their behavior, and demonstrate how quickly they can learn with my fun, effective techniques. This hands-on experience will give you a glimpse of the positive changes ahead. Be sure to have your dog’s favorite small, healthy treats ready—I’m eager to help you and your pup thrive!

Click here to book your in-home assessment.

Step Three

Your Dog’s Transformation Starts Here!

After your in-home assessment, we'll review my recommendations together to ensure they align perfectly with your goals and your dog's needs. This is where you’ll choose the ideal coaching plan to support your dog’s learning journey. Whether it's a series of in-home sessions, virtual coaching, field trips, or even happy visits to the vet, each plan is designed with your dog's well-being and your family's lifestyle in mind.

We’ll work together to schedule your sessions at convenient times, ensuring consistency and progress. You’ll also receive detailed guidance and support throughout the process, with adjustments made as needed to keep your dog’s development on track. Booking your tailored training service is a significant step toward creating a harmonious, happy relationship with your dog.

Let’s make the next move and get started on a customized path to success!

🦴 #TrainingTreat of the Week 💗
Your dog doesn’t need a drill sergeant—they need a safe place to land, especially when the world feels overwhelming.
Be their emotional support human. 🐾
Because even the bravest dogs have big feelings, and they look to you for safety, comfort, and guidance.

When things get tough, remember the order of operations:
☑️ Safety First – Create a secure environment.
☑️ Understanding Second – Get curious about what they’re feeling and why.
☑️ Training Third – Teach coping skills with compassion, not correction.

Learning happens when emotions settle. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is sit beside them, breathe, and remind them they’re not alone. 💞
And yes, snacks help too. 🍖💕

👇 Spanish Translation can be found in the comments ❤️

#LoyalPawrenting #ConnectionBeforeCorrection #DogTrainingTips #EmotionallyAvailableHuman #HighFiveForTrust
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For my first #FlashbarkFriday, I want to share this photo taken in June 2016—I was 22 years old! At the time, I was a student at Savannah College of Art and Design, and Chule (our family dog) came to visit for a tour of the Atlanta campus. I had no idea where life would take me, but three things were certain:

🐾 I was passionate about advancing social justice through design
🐾 “Sleep Comes After Death” (if you know, you know 😉)
🐾 And I believed the skills I was learning could help design a better world

It’s funny how things come full circle.

While I may not be leading a global campaign or heading up a major design firm, I am still a designer—just in a different way. Today, I create e-learning courses and educational tools for pet guardians, helping them better understand their dogs and build deeper, more compassionate relationships.

And no, I might not be changing the world…
But I am changing the world of each dog I get to work with.
And to me, that’s everything. 💛

Have you ever made a big pivot in life? Tell me your “full circle” moment.

#TrainWithEmpathy #DogsDeserveBetter #SCADAlumni #DogTraining #FullCircle #DogLover #ChuleTheLegend
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Thank You for Stopping By! A huge thank you to everyone who visited our booth today at @fultonanimalservices! It was so wonderful meeting you all and chatting about our shared love for dogs. We hope you had as much fun as we did! ...

Some say that all sentient beings have the ability to communicate and show love. Yet, humans often miss these signals—sometimes out of fear, other times because they struggle to truly connect.

But if you pay attention, you’ll see that dogs never lie. Even when they’re scheming for a second dinner, their intentions are always honest. When your dog is trying to tell you something, believe them. Their body language, their eyes, their energy—all are part of a language waiting to be understood.

So, listen. Be their friend, their guardian, their cheerleader, and their biggest supporter. Because to them, you are their world. ❤️🐾

How does your dog communicate with you? Feel free to share in the comments 🥰

#listentoyourdog #doglife #caninecompanion #loyalpawrenting
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💖🐾 Happy Furry Valentine’s Day! 🐾💖

Love comes in all shapes, sizes, and wagging tails! 🐶🐾 Today, I`m celebrating the unconditional love our four-legged companions bring into our lives. Whether it’s their goofy grins, warm cuddles, or endless loyalty, our furry Valentines make every day special!

To kick things off, here’s a special photo—sculptures of Coco and Riley, which my husband and I used as our wedding cake toppers! 🎂🐾 Because what’s more romantic than including your dogs in your big day? 💕

Now it’s your turn! Drop a photo of your favorite furry Valentine in the comments and tell us why they have your heart. Extra browny points if you have a foster Valentine! Let’s fill this thread with tail wags, happy memories, and adorable pups! 📸🐶

Wishing you and your pets a Valentine’s Day filled with love, treats, and extra belly rubs! Happy Loyal Pawrenting! ❤️🐾

#FurryValentine #LoyalPawrenting #DogLove #ValentinesDayPups
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🌟 Exciting News! I’m Officially a Certified Dog Trainer! 🌟

I’ve officially graduated from the Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training & Behavior, and I want to take a moment to reflect on the people who made this possible. 💖

❤️ My husband: You were my videographer, rock, and biggest cheerleader through the chaos. Balancing work, consulting, volunteering, and training wasn’t easy, but your patience, understanding, and willingness to help at home made this dream a reality. I’m forever grateful for your love and support.
❤️ My parents: You’ve shaped me into the person I am with the values you instilled in me. Your lessons about standing up for what’s right and your guidance through my college years have been invaluable. The graphic and instructional design skills you helped me develop are now part of the educational resources I create for dog parents.
❤️ My grandma: Thank you for being my recording assistant, moral support, and biggest fan in all things dog-related. Your excitement and encouragement meant the world to me.
❤️Misty, Maggie, Allie, Donna, Monica, Rosalie and LifeLine Animal Shelter—especially Michelle Harmon: You’ve been my village, lending time, space, and emotional support. From helping with assessments to cheering me on, you allowed me to grow and submit my best work. I hope to pay forward the kindness you’ve shown me.
❤️ The VSA faculty and staff: You reignited my passion when I felt burned out and showed me the incredible impact ethical dog training can have. Thank you for guiding me with wisdom and warmth.
❤️ My Faculty Advisor, Mandy Eakins (Manners Matter Dog Training): Your positive reinforcement-based teaching was exactly what I needed. Your thoughtful advice and encouragement helped me overcome challenges and grow with confidence. I can’t thank you enough.
❤️ Caitlin McCook (Magpie Pet Specialists): You’re my role model, and your teachings have pushed me to follow in your footsteps. Thank you for helping with Coco and inspiring me to share ethical dog training practices with other families.

Thank you for being part of this amazing journey with me. 💕🐾 Let’s make 2025 even better together!
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Upcoming virtual Classes

These classes aren't currently being offered, but I'd love to gauge interest and hear what topics you'd like me to cover. If you're interested in possibly joining a future class and sharing your ideas, please click the "I'm interested" button and fill out the form with your feedback.

Puppy Classes
Puppy and Adolescent Basics
Foster Classes
Adolescent and Adult Basics
Adult Classes
Foster Parents and Sanctuaries

In dog training, the German word umwelt reminds us that love is not about seeing the world from our perspective alone, but instead aligning with our dog's unique perception of the world. As Antoine de Saint-Exupéry said, 'Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking together in the same direction.' When we embrace our dogs' umwelt, we truly share that common direction.

Fosters and rescuers

If you're fostering or have recently rescued a shelter dog and need guidance during this important time, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. Your role is invaluable to our community and essential in addressing the shelter crisis. I'm here to support you as you care for your foster or rescue pet.

Fina Garcia LifeLine Animal Shelter
Fina Garcia LifeLine Animal Shelter
Fina Garcia LifeLine Animal Shelter