About Drop the Leash LLC Dog Training and Behavior Consultant

Who runs it

Drop the Leash is a one-person behavior practice run by Valeria, and the site is written in her voice: "For over 30 years I've helped people across the country make sense of what their dog is actually doing and why. Through military moves, different states, and a lot of life in between. Returning to my home in Northern Michigan and virtually from anywhere in the United States."

How the work is framed

The site leads with behavior rather than obedience. "Your dog or puppy's behavior is not random. It's information." It sets itself against a command-first approach: "These aren't obedience problems. They're communication problems," and "The answer is almost never more commands. It's understanding what's behind the behavior in the first place." The stated aim is not repeat business: "the goal is not to keep you coming back. The goal is to help you understand what is happening, change what needs to change, and move forward with a plan you can actually use."

The two published paths

Family Dog Mediation is "A one-hour virtual consultation that helps you understand your dog's behavior, identify what needs to change, and leave with a practical plan for moving forward," priced at "$200 – Behavior Consultation + follow-up – Virtual – Available Nationally." The site says "Many families only need a single consultation to see results." The Life Skills Group Class "begins with an online video curriculum and then continues with four in-person group classes in Johannesburg, Michigan, just outside Gaylord," and is capped: "Limited to 5 teams per class," running "In-Person May through September 2026 – Online Year-Round." A Discovery Call comes first, described as "a short, no-pressure call" and "A conversation, not a sales call."

What it is set up to handle

The site lists the situations it takes: "Growling, snapping, or biting," "Tension between dogs at home," "Not wanting to share food, toys, space, or you," "Barking or lunging at strangers," "Jumping, mouthing, ignoring you," "Anxiety: pacing, whining, shaking, destruction," "Fear, anxiety, shutdown, or big feelings," "A new dog or puppy who needs a clearer start," and "Pulling on leash or struggling in new environments."

Where it works

The split is stated plainly: "Virtual consultations are available year-round from anywhere in the United States. In-person classes are held in Johannesburg, Michigan, serving Gaylord, Petoskey, Traverse City, and the greater Northern Michigan area." The footer address is "Drop the Leash LLC, 1949 Gingell Rd, Johannesburg, MI 49751," and the served list reads "Johannesburg, Gaylord, Vanderbilt, Petoskey, Boyne City, Charlevoix, Indian River, Cheboygan, and the greater Northern Michigan area."

What to ask

Ask about credentials, and ask directly if you need board and train or daycare.