Owana Dog Training Services
Owana Dog Training Services

Owana Dog Training Services

Top Pro

$150
starting price


Specific behaviors to address

Responds in about 1 min

Introduction: Ask about Financing options! 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

Current Top Pro

Hired 65 times

Serves Laingsburg, MI

Background checked

1 employee

7 years in business

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Credit card, PayPal, Square cash app, Venmo, and Zelle.

Social media

Facebook

Top Pro status

Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.

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2023

Featured Projects

124 photos

  • Board and Training program

    Dog Training

Specialties
Dog training type

,

Reviews

Excellent 4.9

33 reviews

5
94%
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Customers say...

This pro effectively addresses behavioral issues in dogs, as reported by numerous customers. They provide personalized training plans, communicate regularly, and offer valuable advice beyond the training sessions. Customers appreciate the pro's patience, knowledge, and positive approach, resulting in improved relationships with their pets.

AI-generated summary of customer reviews

pro avatar
Sara C.
Apr 10, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

I was at a very low point with my dog Scooter when I found James and his company Owana. Scooter had started getting aggressive with people including me. He was resource guarding and I was having to give him tranquilizers to clip his nails. I decided to do James’ 4 week board and train. This was really hard knowing I wasn’t going to see Scooter for that amount of time. But I knew that someone was going to get hurt if I didn’t take action. I met James a few times and immediately trusted him. From the moment he interacted with Scooter I had no questions of wether or not he would be able to get through to him. I got daily updates on how Scooter’s training was going with pictures and even videos. I am now able to clip Scooters nails myself with no medication. He is also very easily called off of things when resource guarding. Even basic commands he is doing better then he did before. I understand this training is not a cheap thing, but what James gave me in return is truly priceless. This was an investment in Scooters and my future. I could not recommend James more. This has changed my life.

Details: 1 - 2 years old • Medium (26 - 40 lbs) • Private lessons • Aggressive behavior modification • Biting • Destructive behavior • House training • My home, venue, etc.

Dog Training
pro avatar
Vicki S.
Jul 31, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Our experience was amazing! We opted for a 2 week board and train. He changed our newly adopted dog from a trouble-making toddler who wouldn’t listen into a loving member of the family. We struggled with recall as he was a very willful dog and he returned immediately responsive to voice. He crate trained him for us as well. We communicated throughout the whole 2 weeks and he sent updates including photos. He was patient and supportive and I cannot recommend him enough!

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

Dog Training
pro avatar
Stephen S.
Apr 8, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack

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
pro avatar
Lexi T.
Jul 22, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack

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
pro avatar
Lisa J.
Dec 5, 2020
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Hired on Thumbtack

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
Credentials
Background Check

James Thomas