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 More than anything, I want to help you feel confident, capable, and connected—without relying on outdated methods or guesswork.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.
