Dog Training

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

A. I am a Certified Canine Training Behavior Specialist.

Unfortunately, there is no universal certification for dog trainers which means anyone can put a sign in their front yard and declare themselves a dog trainer. Many certifications are obtained by taking one exam, some are even obtained through open book exams and then paying the organization to include their designation on their websites and promotional materials.

I have intensive training and a comprehensive education from one of the best dog trainer's academies in the world. Not only did I obtain the highest certification level there, I was hired to work there and became an instructor there. I am also a former group class instructor and in-kennel trainer at the world's largest training and behavior facility.

My versatility is unmatched in my geographical area. I can do everything from search and rescue, therapy dogs and narcotics training to potty training and tricks...aggression issues to Shy/Fearful personalities, or just the overly excited young dog who would benefit from reliable obedience training. From purely positive to more traditional. My job as a true professional is to be educated in as many different methods of training as possible so I can give my clients options for training their dog. I present the paths, and the owners choose what works best for them. When a trainer only incorporates one method and one way of doing things, it is not truely professional training. It is limited training. Every dog is different, so why use cookie-cutter methods?

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I like how every dog is so different from the next, and through working with many dogs you learn so much from them. There is a lot more to animal behavior than some may think, and I am fascinated by it.

I love being a contributing factor to keeping dogs in their homes. There is something very rewarding about being able to help dog and owner bring out the best in each other.

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

A. Q: What training methods do you use?

A: I am experienced in a wide variety of techniques. My goal every time is to determine which technique best suits each individual dog's needs and the owner's preferences. My expertise ranges from clicker training to remote collar training to purely positive training. It's not about the equipment it's about the owner and their dog, and if I do incorporate equipment it is done in a very positive, relationship building way. There is a correct way to use equipment and there is a wrong way, so it is important to trust that your trainer is well educated in the use of various training equipment.

Overalll, there are as many temperaments of dogs as there are breeds of dogs, and I treat each dog as a unique individual and recommend programs that best fit each dog and owner's needs and desires.

Q: Is it expensive to train my dog?

A: An investment in your dog’s training should be looked at as an insurance policy. An untrained dog can (and will) get into all sorts of trouble over a lifetime. Destructive and nuisance behavior can cost a dog owner a fortune. By training your dog you can communicate to him what is and what isn’t acceptable behavior. My goal is for my services to be affordable for every dog owner, and my rates reflect that goal.