Compassionate, Science-Based Dog Training That Builds Trust and Confidence
I’ve always had a deep love for animals. Growing up surrounded by multiple pets, I developed a strong understanding of their behavior, emotions, and needs. Becoming a professional dog trainer was a natural extension of that lifelong connection—one that continues to bring me purpose and joy every day.
A Positive, Empowering Approach
I’m a passionate advocate for positive reinforcement training, which not only enhances a dog’s ability to learn but also builds confidence and emotional resilience. My methods are rooted in science, compassion, and choice, creating a safe and empowering environment where dogs—and their humans—can thrive.
Training should never rely on fear or force. Instead, I focus on creating accessible, effective experiences that strengthen the bond between dogs and their families.
Areas of Expertise
I specialize in advanced behavior modification, helping families navigate complex behavioral challenges with empathy and clarity. My expertise includes:
- Fear-based reactivity
- Aggression
- Separation and isolation anxiety
- Generalized anxiety
- Compulsive behaviors
Each case is approached with a deep commitment to understanding your dog’s unique personality and your household’s dynamics. From there, I create a customized, step-by-step training plan using gentle, respectful techniques that prioritize emotional well-being.
🐾 My Guiding Principle:
Do No Harm. Cause No Pain. Create No Fear.
This philosophy shapes every aspect of my work. All methods are grounded in the latest behavioral science and designed to be effective for both dogs and their families—without compromising safety or trust.
Behavior Change Through Understanding
Rather than focusing on what your dog is doing “wrong,” I teach you how to set them up for success. You’ll learn how to:
- Manage your environment
- Reinforce desired behaviors
- Respond effectively to unwanted behaviors
- Support your dog’s sense of safety and security
A key part of this process is recognizing how the environment influences behavior. Using structured techniques like gradual exposure therapy, systematic desensitization, and counter-conditioning, we work together to transform negative associations into positive, empowering experiences.
A Relationship Built on Trust
My mission is to help you build a meaningful, cooperative relationship with your dog—one rooted in empathy, understanding, and mutual respect. Every dog is an individual, and I draw from years of hands-on experience to create tailored solutions that foster lasting change.
Together, we’ll create a more confident dog and a more harmonious homee.
Our little miss Koko is in training classes with mom at Training Your Best Friend LLC! She is doing so Good! If you are looking for the best, most professional training, at an affordable cost look no further!
Check out my girl! I am so proud of Raven! For the ones that know us – Raven was a handful in the beginning and I tried numerous trainers to help me with her. A huge thanks to Christie Fernandez with Training Your Best Friend for believing in her despite her breed and continuing to work with us! Christie is a huge fan of Pit Bulls and is dedicated to helping the dog/owner be successful! Becoming a breed ambassador is as much of a responsibility of the owner as it is of the pit bull at the end of the leash! WE love you!!
Christie Fernandez…her class helped Biscuit (a rescue ) and us so much….her training saved Biscuit’s life…we can now help him navigate over the bridge of trust…thank you again!! This class saved our pet….all of us now know how to intervene and to help Biscuit feel safe…and live with less fear…if you have a pet who is “reactive”…give Christie Fernandez a call…time with your pet can become enjoyable! Biscuit says “Thanks Christie!”
My challenging Mei-Ling graduated from Puppy Kindergarten-it was a lot of work, but so worth it! Highly recommend Training Your Best Friend, if you have a fur baby that needs any kind of obedience training. This was so much fun! Thank you Christie-you have taught me and Me-Ling so much and will be forever grateful!
Christie is awesome!! She has helped us with quite a few fosters that needed behavioral help.
Thank you for the wonderful classes these past 4 weeks. It did go so fast and we hated to see them end. You did so much in helping me get going in the right direction with Glory. Before, I felt like I was floundering and didn’t know if I was helping or hurting her. Now I feel like there is a plan, a slow slow plan, that we are working toward the right goal and that we will get there. I know that everyone else in the class feels the same way and you could see it on their faces when we were walking thru the shopping areas Monday night. Everyone had more confidence and so did the dogs. Before, it was such a hopeless feeling but now we all have hope!
Christie is a very knowledgeable and passionate trainer. There is no doubt that she absolutely loves what she does and wants the best for the animals she works with! She is able to see the good in all dogs and will tell you exactly how it is. I highly recommend her for dogs with behavioral problems and for socialization in general! Thank you Christie for all you do for the dogs in our area!!!
I just wanted to say thanks so much for helping Jeff and I help Mandy to be an even better pet than she already is. We really enjoyed the class and I know that working with her will be the key and we are committed!
We really enjoyed the classes and hope to take another class in the future I’m thinking of trying the “tricks” class but we’ll have to wait until our schedules aren’t quite so busy. You’re a great trainer – thanks for all your help! Kind regards, Hilda
This has been the best training experience. My baby is a very reactive dog. Christie had given me the tools to help my baby.
