aBOUT Us

At Leia’s Barkside Training, we believe training is about more than just teaching commands — it’s about building a lifelong bond based on trust, respect, and joy. Our approach is designed to support both ends of the leash, helping dogs and their families thrive together.

Meet Aneesa

Woman training and playing with her dog in a grassy field during daytime.

“Building trust one paw at a time”

Hi, I’m Aneesa!! Your local certified professional dog trainer and lifelong animal lover. It all started with Chloe, my golden retriever, who taught me how deep the bond between humans and dogs can be with her unconditional companionship.

 Over the years, I’ve volunteered at shelters, fostered street dogs, and supported rescues, giving me a front-row seat to the challenges dogs face when they’re scared, misunderstood, or struggling to fit into family lifeThose early experiences shaped the way I train today;  with empathy, evidence-based methods, and a deep respect for each dog’s individuality.

After years of life in the corporate world, Leia, my spirited young pup, inspired me to follow my dreams of working with dogs professionally. I launched Leia’s Barkside Training, and graduated from Good Dog’s Certified Professional Dog Trainer program with honors to support pet families like you!

Why work with me?

With over 15 years of hands-on experience in dog training, dog care, rescue work, stay and trains, dog walking, and behavior support, I bring both knowledge and compassion to every session. My training style:

  1. Will always meet you and your dog where you are at currently, and help you grow into the partnership you both deserve

  2. Will be practical, we will focus on real-world issues while considering your lifestyle

  3. Will always be met with patience, kindness, and science-based methods. Our methods are based on clear communication between you and your pup, and does not require the use of pain to get your dog to conform.

Whether you’re raising a puppy, managing adolescent energy, or working through reactivity or anxiety, I’ll meet you where you are and help you move forward step by step.


Certifications and education

I’m committed to lifelong education so I can offer the most up-to-date, effective, and humane training practices. My certifications and specialized courses include:

  • Professional Pet Dog Trainer Certification, with honors – Good Dog Academy

  • Certified Dog Walker – Good Dog Academy

  • Certified Canine First Aid - Dogsafe

  • Scent Work Exercises - UK Sniffers

  • Ethological Contributions to Behavior Problems – Kim Brophey

  • Separation Anxiety: Mission Possible – Malena DeMartini

  • Working with Families and Dogs – Melissa Wood

  • Understanding and Managing Aggression – Michael Shikashio

  • Noise Phobias in Dogs Master Class – Dr. Else Verbeek

  • Certified Daycare and Boarding Management - Good Dog Academy

  • Building Confidence in Your Dog – Victoria Stilwell Academy (in progress)

  • Nose Work Instructor Course – Good Dog Academy (in progress)

  • Family Dog Mediator - Kim Brophy L.E.G.S (in progress)

Contact us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!