About
Amanda & Holly
Golightly Training was born out of a deeply felt love for dogs and the passion to guide them and their parents to everyone’s best life. Well, that and an even deeper love for one dog in particular.
In the summer of 2007, as a volunteer at a dog rescue organization I met “Duchy.” She was a beautiful Shepherd mix, about a year old, and spirit for days! That December I adopted her and she was not going to make it easy. Her fierce personality reminded me of the classic character Holly Golightly (Breakfast at Tiffany’s) and I knew that was her name. Holly and I became a family and my goal was not to break her spirit but teach both of us how to enjoy life together. Holly passed away in the summer of 2022 and her spirit will live on in Golightly Training as I help other dogs and their families learn to live with their unique spirit.
While the company's namesake may honor Holly, my experience reaches far beyond her four legs. Beginning at 11 years old as a volunteer I have had the privilege of working beside many amazing trainers, learning about different approaches and theories. Working with them and on my own, I have developed a methodology that centers on canine and human psychology. As a dog trainer, my work does not end with the dog, it includes the whole family. I will never tell a client what their dog “should” do. If your dog is allowed on the couch, but your neighbor's dog isn’t - that’s great! Let’s work together to create an environment that works for your family and keeps everyone happy and healthy! Our relationships with our dogs are incredibly special; and that relationship will always be at the heart of my work.