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

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

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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!
Overview

Hired 135 times

Background checked

1 employee

5 years in business

Business hours

This pro hasn't listed their business hours.

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Credit card, Venmo, and Zelle.

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2023

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2022

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2021

Projects and media

37 photos

Projects and media

37 photos

Specialties
Dog training type

Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.

Excellent 4.9

49 reviews

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pro avatar
Steve H.
Mar 22, 2017
Kim does a fantastic job for me and for Dixie! When I need her she is available. She communicates and updates as needed regading Dixie (food, health, potty). I do not worry about whether Kim will show up or not. She is dependable. She knows how to care for dogs. She has more than adequate knowledge reagarding diet, health and care needed. My Dixie is more like a daughter so I am super picky about who takes care of her. I am never comcerned about Dixie's well-being or safety when Kim is caring for her. I give high praise and recomendations to anyone seeking her services!
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Denee G.
May 4, 2017
Kim was a complete pro about all aspects of training our aggressive dog Prince. She gave us a written treatment plan with exercises and training videos to watch, and was always available to answer questions. After 2 sessions our dog had changed his negative behavior, and after 4 he was calm, attentive, and compliant. This was a dog who lunged and snarled at everything. Thanks Kim.
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Brandy S.
Jan 1, 2021
Kim was nothing short of amazing with our recent rescue dog Luna, who was shy, fearful, and shut down when she first came home, after spending months in the shelter. Kim was very patient with us and with her, and explained different treatment options that would help build her confidence and help Luna learn how to interact with other dogs that she was previously afraid of. Kim also used two of her own dogs in our sessions, who helped show Luna basic obedience commands and how to relax and have fun. I cannot recommend Kim highly enough! She has a natural way with dogs and really focuses on helping you understand the feelings and emotions that are behind your dog’s behavior, so you can build a better relationship together. She and her dogs are amazing!
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Jean M.
Jan 1, 2021
Kim absolutely saved my relationship with my puppy! I am retired, and haven’t raised a puppy for 25 years. My children got me a puppy to help out with loneliness due to Covid and the death of my husband last year, but I forgot how much work a puppy can be. I interviewed several other trainers, but was not comfortable with their authoritarian style, and actually considered returning Bella. As soon as I met Kim I knew she was the one! She helped me understand what Bella needed, and taught me how to work with Bella on basic obedience, always using encouragement and positive techniques and focusing on our bond. We are so happy we met Kim! Highly recommend her services.
pro avatar
Denise C.
Sep 4, 2020
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Details: 2 - 10 years old • Extra large (70+ lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • Leash pulling • Barking • My home, venue, etc.

Dog Training
Credentials
Background Check

Kimberly Geisert