Lydia Bittner-Baird

Hi, I'm Lydia! I started out as a dog walker, pet sitter, and kennel tech, where I learned how to read and connect with dogs on a deeper level. This eventually led me to become a service dog puppy raiser and, from there, into full-time dog training. In 2022, I launched Lydia Baird Dog Training, focusing on one-on-one, personalized training programs to help dogs and their owners build stronger, more meaningful relationships. I’m thrilled to partner with Meagan to bring you Learn and Live Dog Training!

My approach is about helping your dog to have a healthy worldview, tapping into their natural drives, and guiding them to make good choices. My goal is for you and your dog to create a wholehearted bond, leading to the most fulfilling life for both of you.

CERTIFICATIONS & CONTINUED EDUCATION

  • International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) Member

  • Method K9 Institute Level 1 Certified Trainer

  • Michael Ellis: Behavior Modification, and 2019 Puppy Development Workshop

  • Dr. Melanie Uhde (Canine Decoded): The Neurobiology of Aggression, The Neurobiology of (Un)learning, MOVE, Sniffing for Behavior Change

  • Aaron Kemp: Remediation of Canine Aggression Seminar

  • Jay Jack: Play As The Way: Social Responsibility Foundations Workshop

  • The Sean O'Shea Seminar: Training Fundamentals & Problem Solving for Owners & Trainers

Meagan Karas

Hi, I’m Meagan! I’m from Virginia, where I graduated from VCU with a degree in Forensic Science, but I got my first job working at a kennel while attending school. I've been working with dogs professionally for nearly 20 years since, through rescues, breeders and dog daycares.

When we moved to Charlotte, I decided to pursue my dream of training after struggling for quite some time with my own dogs who at the time were reactive and aggressive. Despite trying many different avenues to work on their behavior, I knew there had to be a better way for them to live and I’ve learned so many things throughout my training journey with them and all the dogs who’ve come since.

CERTIFICATIONS & CONTINUED EDUCATION

  • Graduate of the Sean O’Shea Shadow Program at The Good Dog 

  • Virtually attended IAABC’s Animal Behavior Conference 

  • Aaron Kemp: Remediation of Canine Aggression Seminar

  • The Sean O'Shea Seminar: Training Fundamentals & Problem Solving for Owners & Trainers

  • Virtually attended Michael Shikasio’s Aggression in Dogs Conference (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)

The Learn and Live Dog Training Manifesto

At Learn and Live Dog Training, we believe a well-trained dog starts with a healthy relationship. Our mission is to guide you and your dog toward a partnership built on clarity, trust, and communication. The way to safely have control—is through connection. It’s about living a better life together.

We are here to help you become your dog’s most meaningful guide—someone they can look to and trust, even in the face of distractions. Through thoughtful training and consistent practice, you’ll become more relevant to your dog than the chaos of the world around them.

We’re committed to eliminating the daily stressors that get in the way of enjoying life with your dog: pulling on leash, jumping on guests, mouthing, barking for attention, and destructive behaviors don’t belong in your home—and we’ll show you how to change them for good.

Reliable recall isn’t a dream—it’s a skill. One that can save your dog’s life and give you both more freedom. Whether you’re on a hike, at a park, or just calling them in from the yard, your dog should always come back to you every time.

We’ll show you how to walk calmly together, even through distraction-filled environments. No more tense shoulders or tangled leashes—just a dog who enjoys the journey at your side.

We believe that a dog should be able to settle, both physically and mentally. Whether it’s resting calmly in a crate, waiting politely at a threshold, or relaxing at home while life goes on around them—these are the skills that make life together peaceful and manageable.

For dogs who are nervous or unsure, we offer a path forward. Confidence can be built through small wins and consistent support, and we’re committed to helping your dog grow into their best self.

And because daily care is part of a well-rounded life, we help dogs accept basic grooming—ear cleaning, nail trims, baths, and brushing—with less stress and more cooperation.

At Learn and Live, we don’t just train dogs. We teach people and dogs how to live better together. Clear communication, mutual respect, and a shared life of calm, joy, and adventure—that’s our promise to you.

Let’s learn. Let’s live. Together. 

What Makes Us Different
In a city filled with dog trainers, here’s what sets us apart:

  • We’re a small, local business by design. That means no cookie-cutter programs or crowded schedules—we work with a limited number of dogs at a time to ensure every client gets our full attention. We know your dog, your goals, and your story, and we treat your dog like family.

  • Our training takes place in a real home environment—not a warehouse, kennel, or high-volume facility. Your dog lives with us and becomes part of our daily routine, learning how to thrive in the same kind of environment they’ll return to after training.

  • We’re often the second (or third) stop for clients whose dogs didn’t improve with other programs. We don’t shy away from difficult behavior. We take the time to do a true deep dive, uncover the root of the problem, and rebuild the relationship between you and your dog.

  • No front desk. No middlemen. When you reach out, you’re speaking directly to the two trainers who will be working hands-on with your dog. From your initial phone consultation through frequent training updates and ongoing post-graduation support, we’re with you every step of the way.


  • We don’t offer generic lesson packages because we’ve seen too many owners spend months struggling without real progress. Instead, we specialize in immersive board and train programs that create meaningful, lasting change—for both the dog and the human.

  • We’re not just here to “fix” behavior. Our training is designed to build trust, communication, and confidence between you and your dog, creating a foundation that supports a calmer, easier, and more connected life together.

  • We’re not interested in quick fixes or selling services that won’t actually help. If we don’t think we’re the right fit, we’ll tell you. But if we take your dog on, we’re all in.

  • We don’t run group classes because they tend to be one-size-fits-all and often miss the deeper issues. Instead, we offer free, in-home follow-up support for clients who need extra help after training—where it counts most, in real life.

  • While we don’t do traditional group training, we love bringing together small groups of graduates whose dogs do well together. Whether it’s a relaxed hike or grabbing drinks on a dog-friendly patio, these casual meetups are a chance to connect, talk dogs, and dive into the kind of training conversations we all love.

  • We are designing programs for continued enrichment, senior dogs, and dogs with disabilities.