Benevolent Sun Dogs, LLC; Kim Geisert, CPDT-KA

Introduction: Hello, I am Kim Geisert, CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer) and I own Benevolent Sun Dogs, LLC. I am a force-free canine coach who employs scientifically proven methods to accomplish your training goals for your dog without the use of any aversive tools or techniques. I specialize in aggression, reactivity, and confidence building, Service Dog training, rescue dogs, and multi-dog households. • SEE MY YOUTUBE, IG, FB, & TIKTOK for video examples of actual training sessions @benevolentsundogs I have 7 dogs of my own, 6 of whom I use in my sessions with client dogs, and have been training professionally for 8 years. I coach clients on basic manners, AKC Canine Good Citizen, Service Dog and therapy training, behavioral modification for fear aggression, separation distress, resource guarding, leash reactivity, and confidence building for under-socialized and anxious dogs. My credentials include: *CPDT-KA: Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers *AKC-CGC: American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Certified Evaluator/Instructor *8 years/7000 hours of professional full time experience *International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants *Association of Professional Dog Trainers *Pet Professional Guild The dog training industry is not regulated, and there are hundreds of dog trainers in Broward County with varying levels of competency, but less than 25 of us are actually certified BY the Certification Council. This required three years and several hundred documented hours of hands-on experience training both dogs and people, extensive knowledge of learning theory, stages of development, modern training techniques, genetics, environmental factors, cognition, and behavior modification. Just as you would never hire a doctor, lawyer, or an electrician without the proper education, experience, and certifications, neither should you hire a dog trainer without a professional level of certification and experience. Just ask! I’m very focused on meeting a dog’s physical, mental, and emotional needs. With a secure bond/relationship in place, the obedience follows, and they want to do what you ask. Your relationship with your dog is by far the best tool you have! I am a positive reinforcement, relationship centered trainer. What this means is I look at your relationship with your dog as the key element in both foundational obedience training and behavior modification. Does your dog clearly understand the way you are communicating? Does your dog have a reliable routine every day that he can depend on and behavior from you that is consistent? Are your dog’s needs being met— not just food, water, and shelter, but exercise, mental stimulation, opportunities to be challenged, and especially, emotional security? Dogs have a deep desire to be appreciated, praised, social, and comfortable in their roles in their families. Destructive behavior is almost always a result of an unmet need. Very often, when I see an issue like pulling on leash, inappropriate biting, chewing or barking, over-arousal, reactivity, frustration, or aggression, the solution involves the human changing their communication style, utilizing management of the situation, and a well thought out behavior modification plan. I promote established positive reinforcement techniques that are essential to your relationship dynamic. No aversive tools or techniques are necessary! I use my own dogs to provide role models for obedience, socialization, and confidence building when appropriate. I absolutely believe in the benefit of dogs learning from other dogs and have seen it in action multiple times during my career. Clear, consistent rules, socialization, and appropriate exercise are necessary for any dog’s emotional mental health and physical well-being—along with lots of praise and encouragement!