Living with a hyperactive, sensitive, or reactive dog can feel isolating.
You’ve tried training. You’ve adjusted your routine. You care deeply—but something still feels off. Outings are stressful. Visitors feel complicated. Advice online is loud, conflicting, and often judgmental.
At Free To Be Dog, we support dogs with big feelings and the people who love them—without blame, force, or unrealistic expectations.
Hi, I'm Tiff
I help humans make sense of big, confusing behaviors—especially fear, anxiety, reactivity, and cooperative care—so life with your dog feels less overwhelming and more connected.
I’m an Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (ACAAB) with a deep love for the dogs who feel like “a lot” and the people trying to do right by them.
Everyone is doing the best they can with the tools they have
I believe...
Free To Be Dog exists to bring holistic, individualized behavior support into everyday life with your dog without overwhelm or rigid obedience-first routines.
Behavior change is rarely linear
Dogs don’t need to be “fixed”—they need support
how we can work together:
Please note that not all cases are appropriate for in-person work. Virtual support is often the safest and most effective place to begin.
- Reactivity, fear, anxiety, and aggression
- Barking, avoidance, or shutdown behaviors
- Cooperative care challenges
- Post-incident support
- Ongoing case guidance and plan adjustments
Available nationwide and ideal for:
Virtual Behavior Consulting
In-person work is typically offered:
- After an initial virtual behavior consultation
- For hands-on support, coaching, or observation
- When safety and context allow
Moore County, NC Only
In-Person Support
We're so lucky to have Tiff, an exceptionally qualified dog behaviorist in our area.
"She brings a warm, positive energy to her classes. Through her patience and guidance, my dog, Tilly, has become a delightful companion."
- Christine & Tilly
The most knowledge-based training experience we’ve ever seen.
"It’s not just about training the dog’s behavior. Tiff is helping both us and our pet build confidence. It’s fun, functional, and interactive."
- Erin, Bill & Kaya
Tiff is easy to talk to, positive, and very competent. We highly recommend her!
“She gave us kind methods to use to gradually get the dogs used to each other and loaned us equipment such as a crate and gates."
-Nancy & Sky Matthews
Poe and Kylo absolutely loved their training sessions with Tiff!
"Not only was it fun for them and gave them great mental stimulation, but it gave us the tools and training we needed to help with their recall and more!”
- Gina, Poe & Kylo
Free To Be Dog is grounded in applied animal behavior science and the belief that progress starts with understanding.
A Different Lens on Behavior
Rather than asking, “How do I stop this behavior?”
We ask, “Why is this behavior happening—and what does this dog need to feel safer?”
Emotional wellbeing and safety
No quick fixes. No obedience-first agendas. Just thoughtful, ethical support that meets you where you are.
Real-life management and support
Humane, evidence-based strategies
Strengthening the relationship between dogs and humans
Our work focuses on:
OUR VALUES
What you can expect:
A collaborative, non-hierarchical relationship
Compassion over judgment
Science without rigidity
Support that fits your life
Clear communication and honest guidance
All new clients begin with a virtual behavior consultation, designed to assess your dog’s history, current challenges, environment, and emotional needs.
This is where we build understanding, set realistic goals, and determine next steps—whether that’s ongoing virtual support or carefully planned in-person work.
Start With a Behavior Consultation
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