Drop the Leash LLC Dog Training & Behavior Consultant

Drop the Leash LLC Dog Training & Behavior Consultant Real solutions for real-life struggles. I show you what's behind the behavior and meet your dog's needs in ways that work for both of you. Send me a message!

Serving families locally in Northern Michigan and Nationwide via Virtual Consultations. Welcome. I'm Valeria Cascaddan, founder of Drop the Leash LLC. If you're here, you're probably looking for real solutions to real-life behavior struggles with your dog—not a one-size-fits-all training plan. That’s exactly what I offer: personalized support based on who your dog truly is, not just what they’re d

oing. At Drop the Leash, I help people understand their dogs in a deeper way. Behavior is never just about obedience or commands—it’s about communication, context, and unmet needs. I work with the whole picture: the dog’s genetics, learning history, environment, and emotional state. I also support you—because you’re part of that picture, too. Modern life doesn’t always meet the biological and emotional needs of our dogs. That disconnect can show up as barking, pulling, reactivity, or other behavior problems. But when we understand what’s behind the behavior and make thoughtful changes, things shift. Fast. Whether it’s through one-on-one consultations, my online Behavior Insights program, or in-person group classes, I teach you how to recognize what matters most: what’s reinforcing the behavior, how your dog is experiencing the world, and how to meet their needs in a way that works for both of you. I’m a certified Canine Behavior Consultant, Licensed Family Dog Mediator® in both the behavior and training divisions, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, and a Fear Free Certified Professional. I’ve been working with dogs and their people for over 30 years. I also hold certificates in enrichment, aggression, and dog sports, and I stay immersed in the latest research in applied ethology, behavior science, and education. More than anything, I want to help you feel confident, capable, and connected—without relying on outdated methods or guesswork. I’ll help you make sense of your dog’s behavior, and give you the tools to support them in a way that’s effective, ethical, and sustainable. Let’s drop the leash—metaphorically or literally—and start building a life that works for both ends of it.

07/19/2026

Every dog has a story.

Some stories are loud.

Others are quiet.

Some are obvious.

Others show up in little moments that leave us wondering, "Why did my dog do that?"

That's why I created Life Skills.

It's about learning to see the dog in front of you, understanding what they're communicating, and creating predictable experiences where both of you can be successful.

Gucci's journey is one example of what's possible when we stop focusing on the behavior itself and start getting curious about what's behind it.

Whether your goal is more enjoyable walks, better communication, increased confidence, or simply a stronger partnership with your dog, these are skills that benefit every team.

📍 August & September classes are now enrolling.

🍂 September will be the last outdoor Life Skills class of the season.

Grab your spot at the link in the comments.

🎓 Congratulations, Gucci and Bev.

07/04/2026
Happy 4th of July! 🎆🎇
07/04/2026

Happy 4th of July! 🎆🎇

07/01/2026

I know you've been waiting to see how Gucci and Rocky are doing, so here's a little teaser.

What you're seeing isn't just a game. You're watching teams who feel safe enough to learn. They're being told "yes" for what they're doing right. The people are listening to what the dogs can handle instead of asking for more than they're ready to give.

When both ends of the leash have safety, encouragement, and a say in the pace, everything starts to change.

It was a hot one!

Thankfully, it had cooled to about 85° by class time, but we still took it slow, stayed in the shade, and kept everyone well hydrated. Adjusting to what each team needs on any given day is part of the process.

The full transformation is coming after graduation next week, and I can't wait to share it.

For now... enjoy this little glimpse of Gucci and Rocky in action.

06/23/2026

I’d like to highlight one of our new teams: Kerry and Rocky.

At their first workshop, Rocky didn’t want to eat the treats Kerry was offering him.

It was a new place with new people. There was a lot happening, and both Rocky and Kerry were taking it all in.

Rocky stayed close to Kerry, didn’t take any treats, and mostly watched from her side.

We didn’t push him to join in. Instead, he had space while I watched both him and Kerry, ready to help if either of them needed it.

Kerry and Rocky are moving through this together, and what we do depends on what I see from both of them.

At the second workshop, I noticed a change right away. They entered the learning space with a different energy.

Rocky seemed more relaxed. He started taking treats and interacting with Kerry. Kerry paid close attention to Rocky and learned how he was communicating with her. In just a week, they both became more confident.

The video shows both Workshop #1 and Workshop #2, which took place one week apart.
They still have two more workshops to go.

This kind of progress isn’t just for one type of dog or person. Puppies, adolescents, and adult dogs can all make changes like this when we match our expectations to what they’re ready for.

It often begins by noticing what’s already present, rather than pushing for something that isn’t there yet.

I’ll be sharing more teams in the coming weeks, each with their own story of growth.

If you’re excited to see this team at Workshop #4, don’t worry. I’ll keep you updated on them and the other teams, too.

If you think this could be a good fit for you and your dog, you can find out more here: https://www.droptheleashdogtraining.com/lifeskills-group-class

Address

Johannesburg, MI

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 3pm
Tuesday 10am - 3pm
Wednesday 10am - 3pm
Thursday 10am - 3pm
Friday 10am - 3pm

Telephone

+19894480073

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