Today we’d like to introduce you to Miranda Baxter.
Hi Miranda, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
About ten years ago, my dog Odin was really struggling. Hoping to help him, I enrolled us in a group class at PetSmart. Knowing what I know now, I might have made a different choice for my reactive pup—but I’m so glad I didn’t.
We did our best to navigate his big feelings and reactivity while trying to learn. Somehow, it must have gone better than I thought, because at the end of class, I was offered a job. I didn’t take it too seriously at first—but when I mentioned it to my husband, he asked a simple question: why not?
There were plenty of reasons not to. But training felt like my happy place. So, I took the leap.
That decision changed everything.
I made lifelong friends and eventually moved on to Camp Bow Wow, where I worked with dogs who weren’t suited for group classes. That’s where I truly understood how much environment matters—how different a dog can be at home versus in a classroom. That realization shaped my path and led me to focus on in-home training.
Around that time, my clients started calling me “Treat Lady.” Before long, no one knew my real name—Miranda, by the way. I like to joke, “I’m Miranda, as in the right to remain silent… but I’m never quiet.” And honestly, being known as the Treat Lady suits me just fine.
At Camp Bow Wow, I gained experience with more challenging dogs, taught group classes, and worked with boarding dogs. I’m incredibly grateful for that chapter—it gave me the confidence and skills to grow. During that time, I also partnered with a local manufacturer to design my own leash: the Miranda Leash.
Eventually, it was time to build something of my own.
Today, Treat Lady Training, LLC is approaching its 7th anniversary. Along the way, I earned my CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed) certification—an accomplishment I’m especially proud of.
More recently, I expanded my services by opening Treat Lady Co., a pet store offering treats, chews, food, supplements, and my custom leashes. It allows me to stay connected with the dogs and families I work with long after training ends.
Because that connection is the heart of what I do.
Dog training isn’t just about dogs—it’s about people. We’re there for major life moments: welcoming a new puppy, preparing for a baby, moving homes, blending families, or sometimes making incredibly difficult decisions. These experiences create bonds that go far beyond basic training.
There’s a saying in the industry: if you get into dog training because you prefer dogs over people, you’re in for a surprise. This work is deeply human.
My role is to help families understand the dog in front of them—how they communicate, what they need, and what’s realistic based on their age, breed, history, and personality. Sometimes that means setting expectations. If a dog is doing exactly what it was bred to do, the goal isn’t to “fix” them—it’s to better understand and guide them.
At its core, training is about communication.
Dogs already know how to do most of what we ask—sit, lie down, come. Our job is to clearly and consistently show them when and why to do those things. My approach is rooted in positive reinforcement and thoughtful management: rewarding what we want to see more of and setting the environment up for success.
As Bing Crosby once sang, “accentuate the positive.” That philosophy perfectly reflects my training style.
You won’t hear me raise my voice or rely on fear, pain, or intimidation. I don’t use tools like choke chains, prong collars, or shock collars. Instead, I focus on building trust, reducing frustration, and helping both dogs and their humans feel confident and understood.
I will always choose education over intimidation.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I often tell people: I got the dog I needed with Odin—not the dog I thought I wanted.
He came with more than his fair share of challenges. Medical issues at a young age, reactivity, lack of confidence, noise and storm phobias… it was a lot. And at the time, I was completely ill-equipped to help him.
I had to learn quickly—sometimes the hard way.
And if I’m being honest, there’s still some guilt there. Guilt for what I didn’t know then that I know now. Guilt for the dogs that came before the education and experience I have today.
But that’s also what shaped the trainer I’ve become.
I know what it feels like to be overwhelmed by your dog.
To feel frustrated because nothing seems to be working.
To feel embarrassed in public or judged by others.
To love your dog deeply and still wonder, “Why is this so hard?”
I know what it’s like to dread walks… or thunderstorms… or fireworks holidays.
To feel like your dog controls your life.
To wish—more than anything—that there was a quick, easy fix.
There isn’t.
And that’s something I had to learn and accept myself.
One of the biggest shifts in mindset for me was letting go of the idea of the “perfect dog.” It was about learning to see the dog in front of me.
Sometimes we grieve the dog we thought we’d have.
Sometimes we compare them to a previous dog.
Sometimes we expect them to fit into our lives in ways they simply can’t.
My job now is to help people meet the dog in front of them—
their needs, their instincts, their personality—and build a life that works with that, not against it.
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It’s Not Just Dog Training, this work is emotional.
I’ve worked with families who are stressed, overwhelmed, and doing their absolute best. My role isn’t just to train the dog—it’s to support the people, even when emotions are high. To be patient. To be kind. And sometimes, to be honest when the truth is hard to hear.
That might mean adjusting expectations.
It might mean acknowledging that a dog’s needs don’t match their environment.
It might mean slowing down in a world that wants fast results.
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There’s a serious learning curve no one talks about. Starting my own business came with its own set of challenges.
I didn’t just become a dog trainer—I became everything.
Social media manager. Accountant. Web designer. Customer service. Inventory manager.
I learned on the fly. I made mistakes. I figured it out as I went.
It’s been a steep learning curve—but one I’m incredibly proud of.
And like many small business owners, I’ve had moments of imposter syndrome. Earning my CPDT-KA certification helped quiet that voice, but more than anything, it’s the work itself—the dogs and families—that continues to build my confidence.
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What I Wish More People Understood
Socialization isn’t about exposing your dog to everything—it’s about creating positive, manageable experiences.
Puppies are adorable—but they’re also chaos.
Behavior isn’t always consistent or easy to “figure out.”
And sometimes, despite how much you love your dog, the situation just isn’t the right fit.
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Where I Am Now
I don’t have a magic wand.
But I do have experience, education, and empathy—because I’ve been there.
I know what it feels like to struggle, and I know what it takes to come out the other side with a better understanding, a stronger relationship, and a dog who feels safer in their world.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
About My Business
I specialize in in-home dog training, working directly with families to teach them how to train their dog.
To me, it only makes sense—the people who love the dog and spend the most time with them should be the ones building that communication and trust. It’s far more meaningful (and practical) when a dog can respond to their family, not just a professional.
I work with clients at all stages. Some come to me before bringing a dog or puppy home, so we can set everyone up for success from the very beginning. Others reach out once reality hits and they’re feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or unsure of what to do next.
I have a special place in my heart for the more complex cases—the fearful, reactive, anxious, or nervous dogs who are often mislabeled as “aggressive.” I also work with high-energy, rambunctious dogs who need appropriate outlets and clear boundaries. Whether you’re a first-time pet parent or someone who’s had dogs your whole life but feels “stuck” with this one, that’s where I come in.
I primarily work with family pets and real-life behavior challenges. I don’t offer task training for service dogs, bite work, personal protection, or sport dog training—my focus is helping everyday families live better, more peaceful lives with their dogs.
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As the Treat Lady, I’m known for my positive reinforcement approach.
Once people get to know me, I’m also known for my honesty.
I will tell you the hard truth when needed—but I’ll be right there with you to work through it. Dog training isn’t always easy, and I believe in being clear, realistic, and supportive every step of the way.
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There are a few things that set me apart and make my approach different:
I come to you. Training happens where real life happens—your home.
I focus on teaching you, not just working with your dog.
I specialize in behavior cases that don’t always fit into group class settings.
I bring both experience and education. I have over a decade in the field and am CPDT-KA certified.
I have had senior dogs for quite a while. In May of 2025, we added a puppy to our family. Now I could actually practice what I preach on a daily basis. By 9 months old, he had already filmed a 2026 Super Bowl commercial. I could not have been more proud.
I also offer something a little unique—I’ve expanded my business to include my own pet store, Treat Lady Co. Curating brands and items I know, trust and use with my own dogs. That means I can also show up with exactly what you need, whether it’s food, treats, chews, supplements, or accessories. And if I don’t carry it, I’ll help you find it.
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I’m proud to be a CPDT-KA certified trainer, which requires ongoing education and staying current with modern, science-based training practices.
I’m also proud of creating my own product—the Miranda Leash—developed through years of hands-on work with dogs and the families who love them.
And on a more personal note, it’s still a bit surreal to say that one of my dogs was featured in a 2026 Super Bowl commercial. It was one of those unexpected, once-in-a-lifetime moments that I’ll always remember, and it’s a fun milestone in my journey in the dog world.
________________________________________I One thing I want you to know, is that I truly believe that in-home training is the most effective way for both dogs and their families to learn.
If I didn’t believe that wholeheartedly, I wouldn’t spend the time, energy, and money driving to my clients every day.
It would be much easier—and more profitable—to run group classes or board-and-train programs out of my own space. But that’s not how I’ve chosen to build this business.
I’ve chosen this path because dogs behave differently away from home—and so do people.
Learning doesn’t happen well when either end of the leash is stressed, overwhelmed, or out of their element. At home, where both you and your dog are most comfortable, communication is clearer, progress is faster, and results actually stick.
That’s why I do what I do.
Because this isn’t just about training dogs—it’s about helping people and their dogs truly understand each other and enjoy life together.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that dog training isn’t really about dogs—it’s about communication, expectations, and the relationship between the dog and their people.
When I first started, I thought I needed to “fix” behaviors. What I’ve learned over time—largely because of my own dog, Odin—is that most struggles come from a disconnect. We’re asking dogs to live in a human world without always understanding who they are, what they were bred to do, or how they communicate.
I’ve also learned that there is no quick fix.
As much as we all wish for a magic wand, real, lasting change takes time, consistency, and patience. That was a hard lesson for me personally, and it’s one I now help my clients work through every day.
Another big lesson has been learning to meet the dog in front of me, instead of the dog I expected. Sometimes that means adjusting goals, shifting expectations, or even grieving the idea of the “perfect” dog. But that’s also where progress begins—when we stop fighting who the dog is and start working with them instead.
And finally, I’ve learned that this work requires just as much empathy for people as it does for dogs.
Behind every behavior is a human who is trying—often feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, judged or defeated. Being able to support them, be honest with them, and guide them without adding to that pressure has been one of the most important parts of my growth.
At the end of the day, the biggest lesson is this:
When you focus on clear communication, realistic expectations, and building trust, everything else starts to fall into place.
Pricing:
- Meet & Greet (90-min) $135
- Game Plan (3 sessions) $265
- Tune-Up (60-min) $100
- Virtual is 60-min for $0 or 90-min for $90
- Miranda Leash $16.99 with coupon code MIRANDA
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.treatladytraining.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treatladytraining
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TreatLadyTraining/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpD_JMrDwaONZYjjqcKgXnQ
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/treat-lady-training-conroe
- Other: https://www.treatladytraining.com/category/all-products
Image Credits
Professional images of Odin & myself were taken by Michelle Happle Photography
