My Bio

I developed my passion for dog training after adopting my third dog, Lance from a local shelter. He ended up having many behavior issues, leading me down this path. I read as many books and attended as many seminars as I could about dog training and behavior in order to help him.

He made such wonderful progress and went from a scared, highly reactive dog to a confident NW2 dog before ultimately losing him unexpectedly in 2017 to lymphoma. He was one of those life changing dogs.

My nose work journey started in 2010 and I was hooked from day one. I started with my first nose work dog Logan. He was a very shy and environmentally sensitive dog. Nose work changed his life as well.

My third nose work dog, Leena was also very shy and fearful. Nose Work has changed her life in so many ways. She confidently struts into trials like she owns the place! She is still worried in other situations, but Nose Work is her safe space!

I hoped Livvy would be my 4th nose work dog. She passed her ORT’s at 6 months old but due to some fear and behavioral challenges we are still working towards competition.

We rescued Benny – a 9 year old Corgi in June of 2024. He had some behavioral issues, including EXTREME resource guarding. He is doing so much better in that regard and can even drop high-value chews for me now. Nose Work was also a HUGE part in changing his behavior. It is his FAVORITE thing in the world! We have competed in 2 NW1’s but keep getting hung up on the interiors – 3rd time will be the charm for sure!

I started my teaching journey in 2010 part-time with Loving Paws LLC in Kenosha. In 2019, I was lucky enough to make the jump into full-time dog training & behavior consulting with Two Paws Up Dog Training – starting first in Lake Bluff, moving to Lake Forest and then ultimately landing in Waukegan, IL. Two Paws Up Dog Training closed permanently at the end of May 2026 – leading to Stephanie’s Sniffers, LLC – allowing me to pursue my true passions of Nose Work and Behavior Solutions.

I have been a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI) since 2012. Along with nose work, I am a Certified Behavior Consultant Canine (CBCC-KA) and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). I also have a Master of Science in Computer Science from Northern Illinois University.