About

Our mission:

We empower families to help their dog thrive! Every dog deserves the opportunity to understand what their people want from them. Our focus on real-life skills ensures lasting results for dogs of all breeds and life stages.

As modern, humane, and ethical dog behavior experts, we make training a rewarding experience for both dogs and their families.

Enroll today and discover your dog’s brilliance!


A woman in a white sweater and jeans gives a high five to a brown dog sitting on its hind legs, in an indoor space with wooden floor and white brick wall.

“Every dog deserves the opportunity to be shown how humans want them to behave in their world.”

— Lesley, Founder, Brilliant Dog Training & Behavior

A happy tan and white dog with bright blue eyes sitting on green grass, facing the camera
A happy white dog with black spots and a black collar running through a field during a sunny, golden evening.

About:

Brilliant Dog was founded on a simple but powerful principle: when we work together, everyone succeeds. We believe that training is a collaboration—not just between trainer and dog, but between people, pets, and a shared goal. Through thoughtful guidance, patience, and partnership, we create space for real learning and lasting change.

At Brilliant Dog, we know that dogs learn best when their humans do too. That’s why we focus on empowering you with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to bring out the best in your dog.

When we work together, the sum is greater than the parts—and that’s where brilliance happens!

Meet the Brilliant Team!

Two long-haired dachshunds walking on a sandy trail through tall grass, with their tongues out and looking happy.

Meet Trainer Krista

Dog Trainer, Canine Cheerleader, and Mack’s #1 Fan

Krista is a proud graduate of CATCH Trainers Academy and holds a Fear Free Certification, but her real education began the day she met Mack—a big, goofy Bernese Mountain Dog with a heart of gold and a few fears of his own. Training Mack wasn’t always easy, but it was life-changing. He quickly became both her first student and her greatest teacher, inspiring her to dive deep into the world of dog behavior and never look back.

Today, Krista is all about creating a safe, positive, and fun learning environment where dogs and their humans can truly connect. She believes training should strengthen your bond, not strain it—and that trust, kindness, and a little humor go a long way.

One of Krista’s favorite specialties is cooperative care—teaching dogs to feel safe and confident during things like grooming, vet visits, and everyday handling. Her goal? Fewer stressful trips to the vet, and more tail wags all around.

Krista is thrilled to be part of the Brilliant Team, working alongside like-minded trainers who share her passion for science-based, force-free methods. For her, it’s not just about training dogs—it’s about building relationships, one paw at a time.

A woman with blonde hair, wearing a blue T-shirt and black pants, stands outdoors next to a brown dog sitting on a purple platform. The dog is wearing a red, white, and blue bandana. They are under a large tree with green leaves, and the woman is holding a blue leash while smiling and pointing her finger at the dog.
Logo with a blue circular outline containing a stylized dog and hand, and the text 'Certified Dog Trainer' and 'Catch CTA'.
Badge indicating 'Fear Free Certified Professional' in orange and gray colors.

Meet Trainer Joe

Biography Coming Soon…

A woman with curly hair embracing a golden retriever puppy, licking her cheek, outdoors.

Meet Our Logo Inspiration

Meet Rocky — aka “Rockaroo” or “Rockford” — a wildly handsome Dogo Argentino with a heart as big as his head! This sweet, lovable boy is not just a pretty face—he’s smart, brilliant, and full of affection.

White dog with black markings sitting on a purple agility platform outdoors, on a grassy area with trees and bushes in the background.

Our Founder:

Brilliant Dog is not possible without a dedicated team of professionals working together. Supported by a self-described “dog-obsessed” “dog behavior nerd” with a background in entrepreneurial ventures / start-ups in both the dog training field and corporate world, Brilliant Dog is possible with Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Lesley.

Believing in and empowering each trainer and behavior expert is at the very foundation of how Brilliant Dog came to be. And…

We can’t wait for you to work with us and discover your dog’s brilliance!

Brilliant Dog is dedicated to Lesley’s heart dog, Otis. In her own words,

My sweetest boy, my heart dog, my best buddy. My greatest teacher of dog behavior. Rest Easy.
Woman kissing a happy brown and black dog with a white stripe on its face, lying on a green blanket indoors.

Explore Frequently Asked Questions!

Victoria Stilwell Academy Certified Dog Trainer badge with silhouette of a woman and two dogs
Logo of Catch Canine Trainers Academy with blue text and an image of a hand with a star
Logo of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
Seal of the American Kennel Club with a blue circle and yellow border, featuring a line drawing of a person and a child kneeling and shaking hands, and text reading 'Canine Good Citizen'.
Seal of the Akron Ohio Police Community Canine program featuring a person walking a dog in front of a house and tree, with the text 'AKRON POLICE COMMUNITY CANINE' and the American Kennel Club logo.
Certificate with the text 'Certified Drink with Your Dog Class Instructor' and a dog paw print. The certificate has a decorative geometric border.
The American Kennel Club's logo featuring a yellow circle with a blue outline, a yellow background in the center, a drawing of a dog sitting and holding a star-shaped wand in its mouth, the words 'A.K.C. S.T.A.R. P.U.R.R.Y' around the top, and the 'American Kennel Club' seal at the bottom.
A badge or seal with the text 'Fear Free Certified Professional' in bold letters.
Logo of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) featuring a globe and four colored squares.

Discover Your Dog’s Brilliance!