Behavior Unleashed originated from a passion for understanding the bond between humans and dogs. Our exploration delves deep into the psychology of both. Exploring the intersection of human psychology and dog behavior through stories, science, and practical insights for healthier minds and happier dogs.
Kazzie
I've spent my life working at the intersection of animals, behavior, and human connection. My journey began with more than a decade in hunter/jumper barns, where I managed daily operations, taught private and group riding lessons, ran pony camps, and retrained off-track thoroughbreds. Those years taught me the value of patience, clear communication, and meeting each learner - human or animal - exactly where they are.
Outside of my work with horses, I spent 10 years managing The Hampton Pet Club in Water Mill, NY, a cage-free boarding and daycare facility that also offered training and grooming. Alongside that, I built a career in professional dog training, spending over 15 years teaching group and private lessons rooted in positive reinforcement. In 2023, I expanded my work to formally include animal behavior consulting, which I continue to this day. I've also worked for over a year as a veterinary assistant and have been involved in dog rescue - both paid and volunteer - for more than a decade. Over the years, I've fostered and rehabilitated more than 50 dogs of all ages, breeds, and behavioral needs.
I hold a bachelor's degree in English/Creative Writing, a master's degree in Psychology, and I'm currently pursuing my second master's in Mental Health Counseling, with my clinical internship beginning in February 2026. My years as a trainer and animal behaviorist revealed an undeniable truth: the principles that shape dog behavior are not so different from those that shape human behavior. We both learn through experience, reinforcement, and association. We both develop habits, fears, and coping mechanisms based on our environment. And for both species, lasting change is possible when approached with patience, empathy, and consistency.
I've seen these parallels in action countless times. A fearful rescue dog who barks at strangers might learn to feel safe through gradual exposure, positive associations, and trust-building - much like a person with social anxiety might learn to navigate new environments in small, supported steps. A dog who resource guards their food might need gradual desensitization, confidence-building exercises, and clear communication - just like a person might need to build trust in situations where they once felt unsafe or deprived.
What fascinated me most was how helping a dog thrive often required helping their human change, too - whether that meant adjusting body language, altering routines, or managing emotional responses. When a dog owner learned to regulate their frustration, communicate more clearly, and create a stable environment, the dog's progress often accelerated.
The overlap between canine behavior science and human psychology became impossible for me to ignore. Both rely on understanding motivation, reading nonverbal cues, shaping behavior through reinforcement, and addressing the emotional roots of a problem - not just the symptoms. This realization led me toward counseling, where I plan to integrate my expertise with animals into my mental health work.
My long-term goals include offering animal-assisted therapy and running a private practice specializing in grief and pet loss support. I envision creating a space where people can explore their emotions, heal from loss, and strengthen the bonds they share with their animals - past, present, and future.
I live on Long Island with my fiancé and our three dogs, and I have a soft spot for rescue dogs and herding breeds with big personalities and even bigger hearts.
Waddle
Waddle, affectionately called Waddy, is my red merle Pembroke Welsh Corgi with one striking blue eye. Yes, Corgis exist in rescue! He came to me as a 12-week-old puppy after being surrendered by his breeder/puppy mill for being half deaf. You'd never know it unless I told you - he hears what he wants to hear just fine!
From day one, Waddy has been what I jokingly call my "easiest" dog. He has zero real behavioral issues, unless you count the occasional frustrated bark at other dogs when he's not allowed to greet them on leash. Otherwise, he was simply born perfect. Waddy loves everyone - dogs, people, other animals - and greets the world with a calm, open heart.
He's low-energy, a true couch potato, and prefers to snuggle on his own terms. He's also the undisputed splooting king, often stretching out with his back legs behind him like he's posing for a royal portrait. Given his breed and dignified demeanor, I sometimes joke that he must be descended from the Queen's own Corgis.
Waddy is the steady presence in my home - uncomplicated, gentle, and always ready to brighten the day, whether it's with his happy little trot or his perfectly ridiculous sploot.
Shy
Shy is a stunning blue merle Border Collie mix with eyes so pale they're almost white - a gaze that feels like it sees right through you. She came into my life as a 12-week-old rescue from a southern kill shelter, adopted by my fiancé after the heartbreaking loss of his beloved German Shepherd, Manny, who passed unexpectedly at just six years old from hemangiosarcoma.
True to her name, Shy has been reserved from the very beginning. She faces a few behavioral challenges, including fear reactivity toward new people, sudden noises, and unfamiliar animals. Through the patient use of positive reinforcement, play, and confidence-building, she has made incredible progress. While she may never be the type of dog who enjoys crowded spaces or meeting strangers on walks, that's perfectly fine - my goal has never been to change who she is, only to help her feel safe and secure. It's okay for dogs to be introverts! The most important thing is to love and accept the dog in front of you.
Shy is brilliant, eager to please, and happiest when she's playing fetch. She approaches life with quiet determination, and every small victory - whether it's playing fetch with a new visitor or recovering quickly after a startling noise - feels like a celebration. She reminds me daily that progress doesn't always mean becoming something different; sometimes it means becoming more comfortable as exactly who you are.
Tilly
Tilly is my youngest dog - a bright, curious blue heeler (Australian Cattle Dog) who came to me at just 12-weeks-old. She was a rehome from a breeder in Tennessee due to her unique white marking and an overbite. What makes her story even more special is the timing. A few months before Tilly arrived, I lost my beloved soul dog, Winnie, a red heeler with the exact same rare white marking across her back. Tilly was born the day after I spread Winnie's ashes. When I saw her photo, it felt less like coincidence and more like a gift - that Winnie had somehow sent her my way. I didn't hesitate. She was meant to be with me!
Tilly is still a very young puppy, under six months old, and full of potential. Right now, my focus isn't on formal obedience, but on giving her the best foundation for a confident, happy life. I spend my days exploring new sights and sounds with her, introducing her to different people, and making sure her first experiences with the world are positive ones. I work on building trust, encouraging curiosity, and creating a bond that will guide us through every stage of her life.
She's already proving herself to be incredibly smart, observant, and full of personality. Whether she's investigating something new or curling up after a day of adventure, Tilly is a reminder that the best relationships - human or canine - are built on trust, patience, and shared joy.