Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.
A. Well, this is a tough one for me to answer since every person and every dog that comes to me has different things to work through. My most common jobs I think would have to be puppy training, basic obedience, behavior problem solving, and competitive obedience training.
Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A. Don't settle for a trainer that you are uncomfortable with! Every trainer has their own styles and methods. If you are uncomfortable with the way someone handles your dog then you shouldn't trust them!
Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?
A. My training hands complete control to the handler of the dog.
In my eyes a trained dog is one that adores his owner and enjoys every moment they spend together, leash or no leash. If your dog still needs a leash training isn't done! Training is to save lives and reduce the stress of living with a four-legged companion. If you still need treats to bribe your dog to come or sit on command then the job isn't finished. I train for the real world - your world - so you can tell your dog anything at anytime and he will listen not because he is forced to or fears the consequences, but because of the bond formed during the training process.
With my training methods the behavior you don't want is completely eliminated instead of subdued or masked. I focus on finding the cause and effect of animal behavior, and therefore creating a healthier mindset for your canine companion instead of simply masking problems with harsh 'training' methods. A subdued behavior can always reappear later, usually twice in strength as the last time you saw it; an eliminated behavior is gone forever. By focusing on your dog we can not only make your life better, but your dog's as well, and create a happy, healthy environment for everyone involved.
I'm skilled in all methods of training and look at each dog with a fresh outlook. I don't limit my trainees to how well they can learn with a certain method; I find the method that works best with each dog. I always use motivational training, which means finding something the dog wants and I use that to teach them correct behaviors. This results in a smooth, quick learning experience that everyone will enjoy. My dogs want to work with me, tails wagging and happy to see me.
Q. What do you like most about your job?
A. My name is Jackie and I love my job! I've spent my entire life working with animals, especially dogs, doing everything from managing boarding kennels to assisting surgeries. I learned to train from world class professionals with multiple international competition level championships - not from a book or online course! That hands on learning is so very important because these are dogs, not numbers. With a true passion for dogs and a deep knowledge of canine language and behavior I bring to the table a menu that no one can beat.
In my spare time I train and compete with my own dogs in Schutzhund, a German protection dog sport. Literally translated Schutzhund means "protection dog".
Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A. Why is obedience training so important?
To us humans basic obedience generally isn't that important. I'll admit it! Lots of dogs live without knowing what "sit" or "down" means. However, I still have yet to meet a dog with a clear obedience knowledge that does things such as dash out the door, knock their owners over in excitement, dig in the trash can, or even develop aggression problems down the road as the dog ages.
If you think your dog is hyper or if you have problems with him running out the door, jumping over fences, stealing things off the counter - most likely ALL these problems (and more!) can be stopped with simple basic obedience training. Your dog will develop a mutual respect for you and a greater understand of general right and wrong behaviors. It might sound crazy - but it's true!
Most of us don't use "sit" and "down" in everyday life. To our dog basic obedience training has a much deeper impact. It clarifies a language between owner and dog, making it clear to the dog that your home is just that - yours! You're a family and everyone is loved; there are also rules that need to be followed. Just like we can explain to a young child in verbal language the difference between right and wrong you need to teach your dog a common language so that you have a tool to use to demonstrate to him what right and wrong is with his own behavior.
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Can't I just buy a book and train my dog? Or watch that TV show?
It's definitely possible to teach a dog to sit from a book. What you don't get is someone that can look at your dog hands on and tell you exactly what equipment and training style is best for your dog. With a good trainer your dog will quickly surpass your expectations to accomplish goals you didn't think were possible. I often hear comments like "I didn't think about that, there's so much to think about!" Dog training is a science and an art, I never recommend a trainer that learned from a book or website and you shouldn't either!
The first problem with TV programs is that inevitably, it was heavily edited to portray the overall message of the show. Due to show lengths alone you will never see the entire 'picture' of how a behavior was corrected. What you do see is a training program tailored to another dog and owner pair.
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Isn't hiring a professional expensive?
While some trainers can be a little exuberant with their prices, that's not the motto at Communicating Canines. I firmly understand the impact this economy has had on the average pet owner. Communicating Canines offers many training options to fit any schedule and budget.
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I've been told my dog is un-trainable. Can you help me?
Dog training is teaching a dog to do a certain thing when given a cue. Any dog can learn, it's just a matter of the dog learning what you want him to! I have rehabilitated many dogs from breeds supposedly 'un-trainable' and dogs that other trainers have given up on. If you're not sure about training lessons please call Communicating Canines at (267) 334-8473 for a free training consultation.
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What is the best age to start training my dog? Can old dogs learn?
Whether or not you're aware, you've been teaching your dog (or puppy) since you first brought him home! The trick is teaching him the right things! While it's great for puppies to begin a puppy kindergarten at eight weeks, it's a bit different with older dogs. The truth is, all dogs can learn and have better behavior.
