Dog Training & Pet Services

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. Before scheduling a class with a dog trainer, please make sure you can comfortably apply the training techniques and methods you will be required to do when working with your furry family member. Some methods are based on aversion, and dominance which requires your dog to submit while other techniques are positive and motivational.

My philosophy is that if you train using methods that create a positive and motivational learning experience, then your dog will learn based on willingness to learn rather than submitting to avoid harm or other negative and potentially harsh consequences.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. Private, one-on-one instruction taught in the privacy of the clients home or at a location specific to you and your dog's training needs is the fastest way to train your dog. This is an option many people chose, but not all trainers offer this service.

One hour single classes are for those who are almost there but need just a little extra help.

Many of the common behavioral issues people experience with their dogs can be addressed in a single session but the number of sessions depends on the problem at hand and other contributing factors.

This is a cost effective way to put the finishing touches on your dog's social manners.

I have a flexible schedule so I can accommodate most requests.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. Many customers call stating that they are having problems with house (potty) training.

Here are some tips to get your dog house trained. 1. Consistently keep the same feeding and potty schedule. Take the dog outside every hour during waking hours. You may have to set your alarm so you can take the dog out for a potty stop in the middle of the night if you have a young puppy.
2. If the dog does not “go” then the dog should not be given free time in the house. This can be accomplished by crating the dog or leashing the dog to you.
3. Take the dog out immediately after waking, drinking, eating, playing, or actively sniffing for a potty spot.
4. Watch your dog to make sure the “job” is done so you know if he can have free time in the house or needs to go in a crate or be leashed to you. Be sure to watch for signs of searching for a place to eliminate if the dog is leashed to you.
5. Always calmly praise the dog immediately after going in the correct area.
6. Don't "punish" for accidents. The dog will learn to wait until your back is turned.
7. Clean accidents with an odor-neutralizing product, not soap

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. It is very rewarding to see a dog gain social manners and blossom into a well behaved member of the family.

Shelters and rescues are filled with untrained dogs and those who have behavioral problems. If a person takes the time to train their dog to behave in a socially accepted manner, the family and dog will be much happier. A dog doesn't automatically know how to behave in a way that is pleasing to humans so the dog must be shown. If dogs are not shown what is acceptable, they will do what canine do, not what humans want them to do.

Being proactive about training and modifying unwanted behaviors is the best way to save our furry best friends the dreaded experience of being given up to a life with many uncertainties in a shelter, which includes the possibility of euthanasia.

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. I wanted to have a stronger bond with my own furry family members and felt that training was the best way to build that bond. I became a dog trainer to help others train their dogs to be well behaved. A well mannered dog is more likely to spend time on family outings rather than being left at home alone. Spending more quality time with their family members not only enriches the dogs life but also builds a strong family bond.

There are also health benefits in there for us when we share our lives with a dog.

Q. Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.

A. I received a call from a person who wanted her dog to be a therapy dog. She didn't know where to start and also was not sure if her dog could be trained well enough to become a therapy dog.

After working several weeks with her and her dog, she was surprised to see how far her dog had progressed towards becoming a therapy dog. Little by little the dog became more relaxed and able to handle social situations, and learned to focus on her handler rather than all of the distractions to the point that the dog was ready to be tested as a therapy dog.

I am happy to report that the dog passed the test.

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. For anyone who wants to get into dog training the best advise I can give is for that person to follow their heart.

Study the different breeds to have a strong background of knowledge to build on. By learning the different breed traits this will help you know what to expect from each breed. This will help you problem solve when someone calls you with a problem behavior. Is the behavior expected for the breed or is it atypical behavior?

Read, read and read some more. The more knowledge you have the better prepared you will be in the field.

Q. Write your own question and answer it.

A. Q: My dog loves to eat people food and has been stealing food from the trash and people's plates. What can I do to get him to stop?"

A: Dogs are opportunistic and food stealing or foraging for food in the trash is a behavior that is reinforced every time the dog is successful. Prevention is the best option. Do not give the dog an opportunity to get near the table at dinner time, and block access to the trash. Begin behavior modification training by purchasing a foul tasting deterrent spray available at pet stores. Spray the deterrent on some people food and allow him to steal it. Repeat this a number of times, until your dog shows reluctance to steal any more food. This will teach your dog that stealing has unpleasant consequences. You can also interrupt the thief in action with a stern “No” and send him away. Distracting and redirecting him when you see this behavior beginning is another way to discourage this activity. Repetition and consistency is critical when treating this behavior since they are rewarded every time they succeed.

Q. Write your own question and answer it.

A. Q. Why do dogs hide their treats? When I leave my house, my dog hides his treats and does not eat it until I get back.

A. Dogs hide their food and other items as a way to ensure they will have it for future enjoyment. It is a throwback to their ancestry when food was not as plentiful. They would hide their food in a hole and cover it to keep it safely out of sight from other scavengers. When the dog got hungry and food was scarce the stash was available. The cool ground kept the bugs and insects away and kept the food from drying out

When you are away from home the dog wants to insure that the treats are in a safe place for future use just in case the need arises. When you are home the dog more readily eats the treat because you have shown him that treats and food are plentiful by repeatedly providing them. He also feels secure when you are there so there is no compulsion to hide it.