Good Dog Training

I got my initial training working with dogs that other people weren't able to train, so they ended up in shelters. I then completed a program to become a certified Integrative Trainer where I studied dog cognition and development, learning theory, and body language. When a dog is giving me a behavior I don’t force it to submit, I ask “why” so I can address the root cause, not just the symptoms. I use a combination of positive reinforcement, counter conditioning, behavior adjustment and understanding of your dog's emotional state. No force, no punishment. I also put a lot of attention on training the owner, not just the dog, so your dog creates a secure attachment to you and you are better able to communicate with each other. I can train a dog to be perfect when it's with me -- your dog needs to be just as good when it's with you, That's why I don't believe in board and train. I work with you in your home to help you develop the right relationship with your dog so he listens to YOU because you're the pet parent and the authority. Seeing a difficult dog become a great dog, even the first small steps when a dog "gets" a new behavior for the first time is exciting to me. I love it when my clients text me with excitement over seeing progress, usually in just a day or two. Most rewarding, is when I work with a dog who other trainers have labeled a "loaded gun" or hopeless and have recommended the owner get rid of or put down. I have yet to not be able to help a dog like that move past his fears and learn better ways to be in the world. And I love helping puppy parents learn how to meet their needs so they’re not bitey, crazy or afraid to be left alone as they grow. In addition to doing private training, I am also the training consultant for Lucky Lab Rescue and work with their fosters and adopters on-site and over the phone. I am also a certified AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. I try to keep my services affordable because I want everyone to be able to afford the training they need so that fewer dogs end up in shelters because of problems that can be easily solved with the right training, and so that dogs and humans can be a happy family.