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About
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My name is James Thomas and I am the proud owner and trainer of Owana Dog Training Services. My promise to any of my clients is you will get FREE LIFETIME SUPPORT for the life of your pet. Your experience with me will be like no other training experience you have had. I am unlike anyone else in the industry that will train not only the dog but you as well. You're going to get more attention from me then you might need but this is what sets me apart. Once you work with me you and your dog are part of my family! I am very passionate about helping people with their dogs and dog behavior problems. Please read this so you have a clear understanding of me and know I have the knowledge to teach you to be very successful! I use a balanced approach when working with dogs. I use the Nepopo methodology which means I teach with pressure. Nepopo stands for negative,positive, positive. Your first two go together like a light switch. Pressure on which makes your dog feel abnormal then pressure off. Your negative is pressure you teach with known commands such as leash pressure for a sit command. Your first positive is removing pressure once a command is done. Again if you add leash pressure for a sit then you would remove it once the dog is in the sit position which is self rewarding for the dogs because they are now back in a normal state. The last positive is your positive reinforcement which is giving your dog something they find valuable. So your dog gets two positives for every negative and that is a good deal if you ask me. I use all quadrants of operant conditioning. This means I use positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment and negative punishment. I am fair and teach what I want first to let the dogs know what I am wanting from them and then hold them accountable for any non compliance. This means I am structured, set boundaries and have expectations that are clear. So "yes" I like what you are doing and "no" you're not listening to a known command or are doing an unwanted behavior. A great phrase in dog training is the lack of "no" is always yes. If you don't interrupt, pressure, correct or punish any unwanted behavior you are telling your dog to continue biting, jumping, barking, chew shoes, have anxiety in the crate, be scared of the trash can, lunge at people on your walks and anything else you can think of. I know this is a lot of information and I could keep on writing but I really want you to understand you can trust me to help with any issues you have. I'm honest, straight forward and can handle telling you the hard truth. I have been handling animals and teaching people how to succeed since 2004. Don't wait! Stop Shopping! Get what you want! Get what you pay for and I won't let you down!!!
The board and trains stay at my home with my family to give you the most realistic and best approach.
Private in-home training takes place in the comfort of your home and again this creates the most realistic and best approach.
Overview
Hired 67 times
Serves Laingsburg, MI
Background checked
1 employee
9 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Credit card, PayPal, Square cash app, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2025
2024
2023
Services offered
Dog training package
Dog size
Extra Small (1 - 15 lbs)
Small (16 - 25 lbs)
Medium (26 - 40 lbs)
Large (41 - 70 lbs)
Dog training type
Board and train
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.
Excellent 4.9
35 reviews
5
94%
4
3%
3
3%
2
0%
1
0%
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Read reviews that mention:
Lexi T.
Jul 22, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack
We loved working with James so far! From 1 session we are seeing many improvements in behavior! Our pup was rescued at 8 months and had many behavioral issues. He still needs more training to get to be the amazing dog we know he’ll be, and we can’t wait to have james back for more help training! Totally worth the price! 1000% recommend!
Details: 6 - 12 months old • Medium (26 - 40 lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • Leash pulling • Barking • Crate training • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Lisa J.
Dec 5, 2020
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Hired on Thumbtack
Had a great experience work this trainer. Originally quoted 6 sessions but only needed 2. There was no push for extra sessions just to make money. Also responds quickly to any questions even agree training is complete. Highly recommend this trainer. My dog is much happier and better behaved!
Details: 1 - 2 years old • Extra large (70+ lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • Leash pulling • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Kym S.
Jun 11, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack
Just started with him and I feel I learn so many things. One week of working on what was taught to me. And continue the journey with this trainer.
Details: 1 - 2 years old • Extra large (70+ lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • Leash pulling • Barking • Digging • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Stephen S.
Apr 8, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack
James was outstanding!
He’s incredibly knowledgeable and comes prepared to teach both dogs and their parents.
In an hr session he changed my 5 year old labradoodles whole walking. My dog now walks next to me calmly and already is not effective by distractions.
We will reach out to him we any other needs! Highly recommend him.
Details: 2 - 10 years old • Large (41 - 70 lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • Leash pulling • Barking • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Steven D.
Jun 30, 2020
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Absolutely amazing experience with this trainer. I only needed 1 hour long session with him. Would recommend him to anyone needing help on training their dog.
Details: 0 - 6 months old • Extra Small (1 - 15 lbs) • Private lessons • Puppy training • Leash pulling • House training • At the pro’s location
Dog Training
Credentials
Background Check
James Thomas
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My fees are competitive with other trainers in the industry and I offer financing.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I love getting emails of all the problems you are having so I have it for my records. The more information I have the better I can assist you. once I have a clear understanding I will contact you to schedule a time to meet.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I graduated college with an associates degree in applied science. I am a licensed veterinary technician. I am continually taking CE classes and go to seminars related to dog behavior and training.