The Discerning Dog

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Dog training type

Dog training package

Specific behaviors to address

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Introduction: At The Discerning Dog, we strive to help you develop a balanced canine partner who best suits your family’s unique needs and lifestyle. Through a focus on clarity in foundational training, we build a personalized program that allows for the growth of a happy partnership in which your dog is an eager and willing participant. We begin by utilizing a clear marker system and positive reinforcement to build enthusiasm in commands and an understanding of behavioral expectations. Once we are confident in thorough understanding and have achieved success within repetitions, we overlay training tools to guide and subtly communicate in moments of more intense distraction. Whether you would like to improve manners, excel in competition, or develop a reliable companion, we have a program that will challenge and grow your relationship with your dog in ways that you never thought possible! Following training with The Discerning Dog, you will have a reliable partner who has been given the tools and knowledge to make appropriate behavioral decisions no matter the environment!

Overview

Hired 2 times

Background checked

1 employee

5 years in business

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, and Venmo.

Social media

Facebook, Instagram

Featured Projects

11 photos

Specialties

Dog training type

Reviews

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

Exceptional 5.0

5 reviews

100%

Molly M.

Mar 1, 2021

Hired on Thumbtack

A wonderful experience for our dog and us -- Ann gave our puppy exclusive attention and an excellent training experience. She also taught us how to maintain new behaviors at home. Our dog adored her and enjoyed the walks in the woods with Ann and her pack. Our dog is now a joy and follows commands well. We expect to have a long association as our puppy matures so we can continue to learn from her expertise.

Details: 0 - 6 months old • Extra Small (1 - 15 lbs) • Board and train at a facility • Puppy training • House training • Leash pulling • At the pro’s location

Dog Training

Kayla K.

Apr 6, 2019

Ann is a phenomenal dog trainer and educator. She is compassionate towards the animals she works with and incredibly clear and fair when working with humans and animals alike. Her impressive personal working dogs are of course a testament to her knowledge of quality training techniques and their implementation, but more important and impressive to me is the success she fosters in her client relationships. Teaching people can be hard! Luckily Ann is an excellent communicator and is able to break down complex behaviors into maneagable building blocks, helping even novice owners understand the proper timing of markers, rewards, and constructive feedback for their canine counter parts. Her hard working spirit and dedication is best exemplified in the relationships she is able to help successfully build between her clients and their dogs! I would not trust my dogs with anyone else!

Theresa C.

Apr 6, 2019

Ann is phenomenal!! I highly recommend The Discerning Dog and could not be happier with the results I’ve had. Ann truly understands dog behavior and is excellent helping us with general house manners as well as more formal obedience training. I enjoy working with someone on a more personal basis and not just being another customer of a big chain store or large franchise company. You really can’t beat the personal touch and extra effort you receive by using a small independent company like The Discerning Dog. I highly recommend!!!

Hayley M.

Apr 5, 2019

Ann is an intuitive and skilled trainer with a passion for her work. She has always been clear in her explanations, beyond accommodating with her schedule, and personable to deal with. I can’t imagine where I, or my dogs, would be without her guidance. She will always have my business.

Liz S.

Apr 5, 2019

Ann is absolutely wonderful and has truly changed the way I see my relationship with my dogs. Ann is able to break down behaviors into small pieces and explain to the person on the other end of the leash exactly what is happening from the dog's point of view. She truly understands the science behind dog training and treats each dog as an individual, bringing out their maximum potential - whether she's working with her personal dogs, a sport dog, or a pet dog. I highly recommend working with Ann if you want professional training with real results and excellent customer service!

Credentials

Background Check

Ann Quigley

FAQs

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
At The Discerning Dog, we know your family is unique. That’s why we offer a FREE consultation to discuss your training challenges and find a suitable training program to match your individual goals. Whether you are simply looking to have a well behaved pet, or want to take your competition obedience to the next level, we have a program to fit your needs!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Owner and head trainer of The Discerning Dog, Ann has helped countless people better communicate with and enjoy their dogs. Active in the industry first as a long time dog sport competitor, she was moved to share her love of dogs and her expertise through educating and helping clients achieve a happier lifestyle with their pets. Through the years, she has seen the gamut of behavioral problems and the increasingly prevalent issue she sees in many dogs today is a lack of clear communication, leadership, and structure necessary to make them successful, enjoyable members of our families. A true student of her craft, Ann strives to constantly continue her education in theory and practice through attending workshops, seminars, and actively competing in dog sports. A competitor in Protection Sports Association (a dog agility, obedience, and bite work sport), she believes it's imperative to remain involved in competition and sports in which her skills are stacked against the skills of other professionals. Ann is thrilled to have the opportunity to bring her passion and talent to Maryland to continue to help owners better enjoy their dogs.