Wash Park’s own Lauren Zimniski, certified positive reinforcement trainer and owner of Wildflower Dog Training, believes the key to a well-behaved dog starts with one principle: training is a process, not an event. And in a neighborhood full of dog lovers, her guidance has become especially valuable.

Lauren’s approach is grounded in reward-based methods that use treats, toys, and praise to build the behaviors owners want to see. “Changing behavior isn’t instantaneous and progress is never linear,” she says. “But with consistency, patience, and the right support, the bond between you and your dog grows stronger every step of the way.”

One of the biggest insights she shares with clients is the importance of breaking skills down into small pieces before using them in real life. Whether working on leash manners or impulse control, she teaches dogs each element separately, then gradually combines them. She recalls a recent breakthrough with a spirited, squirrel-obsessed Lab: after weeks of practice, the dog finally ignored a squirrel running right past him and calmly checked in with his owner. “Those moments show how powerful patient, positive training can be.”

For new puppy parents, she stresses early socialization, gentle boundaries, and setting up the home environment for success. Her new puppy program includes simple games and skills owners can apply on day one to reduce biting, ease potty training, and build confidence.

Lauren’s biggest piece of wisdom: focus on the relationship first. “When clients reach out, they often feel overwhelmed,” she says. “My job is to make training feel achievable—and fun—so both the dog and human leave feeling more connected.”