Building better bonds one tail wag at a time
Our story
Calliope’s Crew started before Calliope even arrived. While I was waiting for her, I was obsessively reading every training article, watching every video, and trying to plan the perfect puppy experience. I wanted to do everything right - no room for mistakes, no confusion, just instant harmony and success.
Then Calliope showed up. She was a tiny, wrinkly, hairless baby, full of wiggles and personality and she had a face that made you melt.
She quickly taught me something important: dog training doesn’t mean perfect. It means connection. It means patience. It means celebrating the little wins and laughing through chaos. It means listening.
Training became less about following every rule “just right” and more about learning who Calliope was, building trust together, and shaping behavior through fun and tiny steps. Calliope didn’t just become my dog; she became my teacher, a mascot, and the heart of everything I wanted to share with other dog-human teams.
Calliope’s crew was born from our journey. A warm welcoming community where no one has to be perfect. Not the humans. Not the dogs. Where were celebrate progress. Where shy dogs find their courage, excited dogs find focus, and humans find support.
At the heart of it all is our mission:
Small steps. Strong bonds. Lifelong success. All made possibly by lots of treats, tail wags, and a little Calliope magic.
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Founder and Trainer
Hi, I’m Cora - the humane behind Calliope’s Crew and Calliope’s designated snack dispenser, adventure buddy, and training partner. My dog training journey started when I was a toddler training our family pets and eventually helping train other dogs during my mom’s obedience classes.
While I was waiting for Calliope I was trying to learn and plan out everything in advance so I could be the “perfect” dog mom and she could be the “perfect” puppy. Once she came home, I quickly learned that perfection wasn’t the goal, connection was. Instead of chasing flawless routines, Calliope and I learned to celebrate tiny wins, communicate clearly, and build a partnership rooted in trust, fun, and what worked for us as a team. The privilege I’ve had to raise Calliope (along with many shelter dogs who taught me patience, empathy, and humor) shaped the way I train today.
I love to train beginner foundations, confidence building, and behavior shaping through force free, reward based methods. I love helping shy dogs come out of their shells, energetic dogs learn how to focus, and people discover that training can be fun and supportive.
When I’m not working with clients, you’ll usually find me hanging out with Calliope, training dogs at the animal shelter, or discovering new training games to make training even more fun and engaging. I’m so excited to support you and your dog on your journey one tiny success at a time.
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Sustainability Director
Hi, I’m Calliope. Spelled like the muse, pronounced like the chaos, and known around here as the official hairless CEO of fun.
I wasn’t always the boss of a whole dog training business, though. My story started before I ever even met my person. While I was still growing into my oversized ears and paws, she was pacing around her apartment worrying about being “the perfect puppy parent.” (Spoiler alert: she worried way too much. I love the no matter what.)
She read everything. She made lists about everything. She watched so many training videos I’m honestly surprised she didn’t start clicker training herself. And while she tried to imagine the perfect puppy… well… she got me.
A slippery little American Hairless Terrier full of opinions, wiggles, and a stunning lack of fur.
The day she picked me up, I took one look at her and thought, “ooooh this person is going to give me SO many snacks.” Also, she looked like she needed a friend. Luckily, I am excellent at friendship.
From that moment on, we were a team.
She taught me fun things like to how to touch her hand with my nose, how to parade around the house like a show pony, and how to pose dramatically for photos (I’m a natural). I taught her important things too. I taught her how to admire me properly, how to apply my sunscreen faster, and the correct number of treats required per training session.
As we learned together, something big happened. My person realized that trained wasn’t about being perfect. It was about connection. About tiny steps. About celebrating the wiggles, the wins, and even the whoopsies.
That’s when she had a big ideas: What is we helped other dogs and humans feel that same confidence and joy?
So here we are - Calliope’s Crew. A whole dog training program named after me (finally)!
Now I get to help welcome new pups, encourage nervous humans, show shy dogs that learning can be fun, and steal the occasional treat during demos. Each day, I remind my person that progress is made one happy step at a time.
I may be small, and I may have no hair, but I’ve got a giant heart. And I am so, so glad I get to share it with this crew.
Love (and wiggles),
Calliope
Chief Morale Officer, Treat Inspector, Professional Sunshine Sponge
Our Training Philosophy
At Calliope’s Crew, we believe dog training should feel good - for both ends of the leash. Our approach is built on three core pillars that guides every session, every class, and every wag.
Connection over Control
Training isn’t about demanding perfection. It’s about building a relationship where your dog feels safe, understood, and eager to learn. We focus on clear communication, trust, and teamwork so you and your pup can grow together, not against each other.
Community Matters
Nobody trains alone here. Whether you’re joining a group class or cheering each other on from afar, Calliope’s Crew is a supportive space for dogs and their people. We celebrate progress, share tips, and build friendships that last beyond the training field.
Celebrate Small Wins
Every “aha!” moment counts, from a confident step onto new equipment to a tail wag during a tough exercise. Progress happens one tiny success at a time, and we honor each one. Because when we celebrate the small wins, the big wins happen naturally.
The Calliope’s Crew Difference
Our Hairless CEO with a big heart
Calliope isn’t just our mascot, she’s our muse. Her story inspires a training style rooted in empathy, adaptability, and celebrating individuality. If she can thrive with confidence and joy, your pup can too.
At Calliope’s Crew, we blend heart, science, and your dog’s unique personality to create a training experience unlike anywhere else. Here’s what sets us apart:
Evidence based, experience rich training
With years of hands on training, shelter work, and formal education in animal behavior, we combine real world understanding with modern, reward based methods that actually work.
Clear, kind communication
From calm guidance to enthusiastic cheering, we teach you and your pup in a way that makes you feel supported, not judged because training should be approachable, not overwhelming.
Every dog is welcome
Big or small, shy or bold, wiggly puppy or wise senior, your dog belongs here. Our programs are designed to meet dogs where they are and help them grow with confidence.
Connection at the center
We don’t just teach cues; we nurture relationships. Your bond with your dog is the foundation of everything we do.