Fun & Humane Dog Training

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. I offer group classes but I also spend a lot of time at private sessions in clients homes. Usually it's behavior issues, jumping, barking, pulling on the leash, or dogs fighting in the home. Aggression between dogs is probably one of the hardest things to work with but very rewarding when/if you can help the dogs co-exist together.

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Ask what type of training methods they use. Be weary of "leaving" your dog anywhere. If you do, ask if you can stop by ANY time. Ask what type of training equipment they use. Ask for references. Ask how long they have been training and if they are certified.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. What REALLY works - how do dogs think/learn? How do you know who is the best type of trainer to use. How do you know what the best methods and equipment are.

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. Ask for references. Ask if you can sit in on a class. Ask what type of equipment is used and what type of methods are used. Ask how long the trainer has been training and if they are certified. Ask what groups the trainer is a member of.

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

A. Are you committed to working with your dog and following the advice of the trainer to help the problems go away? Working with your dog will take patience and consistency but the results will be worth it!

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

A. Each individual dog and person is important to me and I strive to spend quality time with each one - even in a class situation. I will take extra time to work with any problem dogs outside of class until we reach our goals.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I love dogs and am always so rewarded by seeing the changes that take place between the dog and their human once everyone gets on the same page. It's awesome to see a dog get to stay in their forever home and know that everyone is happy now - owner is committed - dog is a happy dog!

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

A. Housetraining is a big one. Usually, there is one of two reasons why it's not working....either the dog is being punished in some way OR was given too much room too soon. Housetraining is not hard...it just takes time. Another big question is - why doesn't my dog listen to me? There are 2 reasons that a dog is not doing what you ask. They either dont understand (change your method) or they are just not motivated enough. Positive training teaches the dog that GOOD things happen when they sit, stay, down etc. etc.

Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?

A. Had a puppy who came to me that was very messed up from the way another trainer had treated it. After a few classes and changing the way the owner was training, the dog did a complete turn around. Owner was much happier and so was the dog. This has happened more than once but this dog was such a sweetie and the other trainer had advised hitting the dog on the nose with stick....positive training worked wonderfully!

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

A. I wish more people knew "how dogs think/learn" and to stay away from aversive methods. Positive reinforcement methods are so much more fun and proven over and over again to be effective. Most people dont WANT to "hurt" their dogs but are told that that's the "way to train". There are so many easier methods - easier on us and easier on the dog. Training should be FUN .....not a grudge.