Benevolent Sun Dog Training

Introduction: 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. 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! I have been in the dog care profession for more than twenty years and have been training dogs full time for five years. I am an AKC Canine Good Citizen Certified Evaluator/Instructor, and am enrolled in the AKC Certified Fit Dog Instructor program. I am certified in Canine CPR/First Aid and am a member of the following professional organizations: International Association of Animal Behavioral Consultants (IAABC) Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) Pet Professional Guild (PPG) Grisha Stewart’s Behavioral Adjustment Training (BAT) for aggressive and reactive dogs Additionally, I was the Director of Day Training at Dynamite Dog Training for two and a half years until I recently left to start my own business, which has always been my dream. I am new to Thumbtack but not new to dog training! I believe dogs are one of the best gifts of life on this planet, and not a day goes by that I don't learn something from a dog. It is amazing how much dogs can teach us about our own relationship dynamics and communication styles. I love that every day brings different challenges and requires different types of energy. I enjoy being busy and relish the unspoken communication that is constantly occurring between animals of all species. I also enjoy studying the latest research in positive reinforcement training techniques and canine behavioral cognition, and love the fact that society now (correctly) treats pets as family members.