Not obedience.
Understanding.
Empawthy is behavior support, nutrition guidance, and a whole lot of heart for San Francisco dogs and the people who love them.
If you’re reading this, you probably already love your dog like crazy.
Maybe walks have become stressful. Maybe you’ve tried things that didn’t work. Maybe you’re tired of feeling like you’re doing something wrong. Maybe someone told you your dog just needs a firmer hand, and it didn’t sit right.
You’re in the right place. What your dog is going through has reasons. What you’re feeling is completely normal. And it can get better — for both of you.
I can help you.
For San Francisco dog guardians who want to understand their dog — not control them.
WHAT I DO
Behavior & Understanding
Reactivity, anxiety, big feelings on walks, and all the challenges that come with raising a dog in a busy city.
I help you understand what’s driving your dog’s behavior — and build a plan that actually fits your life.
Nutrition & Wellness
What your dog eats shapes how they feel, learn, and heal.
As a Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist,
I help you build a diet that supports the whole dog —
body, gut, and mind.
My Approach
I don’t believe most dogs need stricter training.
Many dogs labeled reactive, anxious, or difficult are simply overwhelmed — especially in a dense city like San Francisco.
My work focuses on helping dogs feel safer in the world and helping you understand what your dog is communicating.
When we shift from control to support, behavior begins to change.
I also look at the whole dog — including how things like nutrition, stress, and environment affect behavior — so we’re not just treating symptoms, we’re understanding the full picture.
Testimonials
“We worked with five dog trainers before we found Alisha of Empawthy.
At the end of the day, my best regret is that we didn’t find her sooner and I am so glad we found her when we did. We did a virtual training session and multiple in-person sessions.
First of all, she has an extremely impressive background (certified positive reinforcement trainer from two dog training schools, actively attends the latest and greatest dog training conferences to stay up-to-date with the latest science). She is one of the most professional dog trainers we have worked with. She followed up with us in a timely manner with resources, evidence and clear explanations. Her guidance is evidence based in the latest animal behavior science. Her training approach is humane and ethical.
We have a sensitive adolescent female pup. Alisha has helped us with a lot a different extremely valuable behaviors (from vet care to car phobia to noise sensitivity and reactivity on walks). She helped us with a variety of enrichment plans and taught us how to introduce dogs to each other. At the end of the day, she trained me to prioritize my dog’s needs and our relationship and to listen to my dog. Alisha taught me to the skills I needed to ensure my dog’s safety and security in a variety of settings.
Working with Empawthy was some of the best money we ever spent on professional dog training. She helped us establish a positive and secure relationship with our pup. We highly recommend working with Alisha.”
- Kelsey Japs
Built for San Francisco Dogs
San Francisco dogs live in a particular kind of chaos: tight sidewalks, elevators, delivery trucks, off-leash parks next to busy roads, and other dogs on every block.
I’ve been working with dogs in this city for years. Every plan I build is shaped by your neighborhood, your walking routes, and the reality of your daily life.
Ready to start?
Every dog-and-human team is different.
Let’s talk about yours.
LATEST VIDEO
Dogs I Help With
• Reactivity on walks
• Fearful or sensitive dogs
• Dogs overwhelmed by city life
• Puppy behavior foundations
• Dogs struggling with enrichment or stimulation
Watch this video testimonial to learn about Asher, a dog who lives in the Haight district of San Francisco.
He barked and lunged at people and dogs when he was walking on leash.
He & his guardians have learned how to explore San Francisco with confidence.
The first time I met Penny, she bit me on the butt!
Watch this video testimonial to learn how Penny blossomed in San Francisco,
with help from her friend Chewbacca…
Let’s talk about your dog
How it works
Start with a consultation
Meet in your real environment
Build a plan that fits your life
