About

Meet Debbie

I'm Debbie Lewis, MS, a dog behavior consultant helping dogs and their people work through behavior challenges using positive, science-based methods.

I specialize in fear, anxiety, reactivity, aggression, and other complex behavior concerns. My work combines behavior assessment, practical training, and coaching for the humans living with the dog every day.

I am an IAABC Certified Behavior Consultant and Fear Free Certified. My approach is rooted in behavior science, humane training, and helping dogs and people build a stronger relationship through trust and clear communication.

I work with clients across Hawaiʻi Island and with virtual clients beyond Hawaiʻi.

My Approach

Every behavior has a reason behind it.

My job is to help uncover what is driving the behavior and create a clear, practical plan to move forward.

Whether your dog is barking, lunging, growling, guarding, or struggling with fear or stress, we begin by looking at the full picture, including behavior history, environment, health, daily routine, and learning.

From there, we build practical skills that work in everyday life using positive reinforcement and evidence-based behavior change strategies.

My goal is not just to change behavior, but to help dogs feel safer, more confident, and more successful in the world around them while helping their people feel informed, supported, and confident through the process.

My Background

My background is in animal behavior, biology, and communication.

I hold a Master of Science in biology with a focus on animal behavior. My graduate research focused on collective movement and social behavior in Tibetan macaques in China. Earlier in my academic work, I also studied wolf social behavior, which helped shape my interest in canine behavior and the relationships between dogs and people.

That scientific background continues to guide my work today. I combine careful observation, behavior science, and practical coaching to help clients better understand their dogs and create meaningful, lasting change.

Why I Do This Work

I've always been drawn to animals, behavior, and the relationship between the two.

What I love most about this work is helping people better understand what their dog is communicating and helping dogs feel understood in return.

Living with behavior challenges can feel overwhelming, frustrating, and sometimes isolating. My goal is to bring clarity to that process and help both dogs and their people move forward with practical tools, support, and a plan that feels manageable.

I believe meaningful behavior change happens through trust, clear communication, and training that supports both the emotional well-being of the dog and the relationship they share.

My favorite part of this work is seeing communication become clearer, confidence grow, and life feel easier for both dogs and the people who love them.