About Us

Ever since I can remember, I have been obsessed with dogs. We would visit family members and I would cry upon leaving whichever family dog I befriended that visit. As I got older, my family was involved with breeding & showing German Shepherds - this would be the real exposure that pushed me to know I wanted to work with dogs! I distinctly remember skipping elementary school some days to attend dog shows with my Dad. We had our own German Shepherd as well as an Australian Shepherd. After that, it was a lab - then I was gone! 

My first job was at 18 as a dog walker for a company in Washington, D.C. I eventually became the "dog walking manager" and met every single dog that signed up for our services. I was additionally given the role to deal with the more "difficult" dogs, though if you ask me I consider them the "rewarding" dogs! 

After 3 years I wanted to do something a little more involved, which led me to attend Starmark Academy, a school for professional dog trainers in January 2018. I completed their three month " Canine Training and Behavior Specialist program, where I was also assigned two rescue dogs to train for that time. It was there I met Big Dipper (Dip for short), my heart dog and a month into the program adopted him! 

Afterwards, I started working for Olde Towne School For Dogs in Alexandria, Virginia for 2 1/2 years. I like to say Dip got me that job -- he came for my interview and had to perform just as much as I did! I was able to work with 200+ dogs (I used to keep a list of every dog's name and breed!) and even more owners. I have worked many different breeds with many different issues - be it aggression, fear, deaf or just a little too excited about everything. I even learned there were some breeds I actually really liked! 

In March 2021, I felt more than confident enough to finally venture out on my own -- which led to the creation of Dip N' Dude's. I've always described Dip to people as my partner in crime, a sidekick, my equal,  not just my dog so incorporating his name into the business was an obvious choice for me! Unfortunately, a month afterwards Dip got very sick and despite efforts, had to be put to sleep. I, being the dog-obsessed person I am, immediately started looking for a puppy. One of the breeds I  learned I really liked  was Standard Poodles, two months later I had my very own Standard Poodle puppy! I also learned how to groom and do creative grooming with him -- he is always vibrantly colored and loves the attention from it. I try to learn as much as I can about dogs, be it how to train them, how to groom them or even health related things. You can always count on me to be your dog "guru" and always come to me with any questions, at any time!