Good Dog Training
Good Dog Training

Good Dog Training

$125
estimated price


Specific behaviors to address

Responds in about 1 hour

Introduction: I got my initial training working with dogs that other people weren't able to train, so they ended up in shelters. I then completed a program to become a certified Integrative Trainer where I studied dog cognition and development, learning theory, and body language. When a dog is giving me a behavior I don’t force it to submit, I ask “why” so I can address the root cause, not just the symptoms. I use a combination of positive reinforcement, counter conditioning, behavior adjustment and understanding of your dog's emotional state. No force, no punishment. I also put a lot of attention on training the owner, not just the dog, so your dog creates a secure attachment to you and you are better able to communicate with each other. I can train a dog to be perfect when it's with me -- your dog needs to be just as good when it's with you, That's why I don't believe in board and train. I work with you in your home to help you develop the right relationship with your dog so he listens to YOU because you're the pet parent and the authority. Seeing a difficult dog become a great dog, even the first small steps when a dog "gets" a new behavior for the first time is exciting to me. I love it when my clients text me with excitement over seeing progress, usually in just a day or two. Most rewarding, is when I work with a dog who other trainers have labeled a "loaded gun" or hopeless and have recommended the owner get rid of or put down. I have yet to not be able to help a dog like that move past his fears and learn better ways to be in the world. And I love helping puppy parents learn how to meet their needs so they’re not bitey, crazy or afraid to be left alone as they grow. In addition to doing private training, I am also the training consultant for Lucky Lab Rescue and work with their fosters and adopters on-site and over the phone. I am also a certified AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and have trained to train service dogs. I try to keep my services affordable because I want everyone to be able to afford the training they need so that fewer dogs end up in shelters because of problems that can be easily solved with the right training, and so that dogs and humans can be a happy family.
Overview

Hired 1081 times

612 similar jobs done near you

Background checked

1 employee

10 years in business

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, Credit card, PayPal, and Venmo.

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Top Pro status

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2023

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2022

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2021

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2020

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2019

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2018

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2017

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2016

Featured Projects

29 photos

Specialties
Dog training type

Reviews

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

Excellent 4.9

487 reviews

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pro avatar
Janet H.
Apr 27, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

I cannot say enough GREAT THINGS about Rona! I instantly loved her dog training approach which is to work with your pet in a positive training way, rather than shocking or traumatizing them! She is very like me in that she is direct and I appreciate that. She knows what she is doing and is giving pet guardians the tools to work with our pets so we can all learn and be happier in our lives! I've had Rona out twice now and she is such a kind and gentle soul. She has helped Smooches and I more than I can say! She really is the first trainer I've ever worked with that I actually believe in and she is working miracles for us! Thanks Rona for your guidance, kindness and help! You are quite simply.... THE BEST!!!

Details: 6 - 12 months old • Extra Small (1 - 15 lbs) • Private lessons • Puppy training • Biting • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.

Dog Training
pro avatar
Jack G.
Sep 3, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Rona is fantastic! She loves animals, no question. We have two dogs she’s helping us train, they love her. She is very knowledgeable in her craft, and has unlimited knowledge! She is an amazing lady! I highly recommend her for any stage of dog training! Trust me, she can train an old dog new tricks!

Details: 6 - 12 months old • Large (41 - 70 lbs) • Private lessons • Puppy training • Leash pulling • Barking • House training • Biting • My home, venue, etc.

Dog Training
pro avatar
Sharon R.
Dec 21, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

Very hands-on with my puppy to teach commands and obedience. Great tips and explanations of puppy’s behavior. Would highly recommend!

Details: 6 - 12 months old • Extra Small (1 - 15 lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • House training • Barking • Biting • Chewing • My home, venue, etc.

Dog Training
pro avatar
Andrea S.
Aug 9, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

I’m a believer! I have a Rottweiler whom I adore, but whom many people told me was a lost cause. He developed aggressive behaviors and I became scared to even take him out of our home. In just 2 sessions with Rona, my baby and I have made huge strides. She puts a huge emphasis on training me as much as she does on training him, and I have learned more about communicating with my pup in the 2 hours together than I ever knew was possible. The proof is undeniable, and I am so excited to see the dog/trainer duo that we become with her help!

Details: 2 - 10 years old • Extra large (70+ lbs) • Private lessons • Aggressive behavior modification • My home, venue, etc. • At the pro’s location

Dog Training
pro avatar
Victoria R.
Aug 5, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack

Hired on Thumbtack

I'm so glad I found Rona over the other dog trainers in my area. I found her after looking nearby and finding almost exclusively trainers that used things like prong collars and shock collars, or trainers that suspiciously did not list on their website what techniques they used. Rona is very clear about her techniques and places emphasis on two way communication between dog and owner. I saw an immediate improvement in my dog's behavior and when I struggled with getting him to respond in other areas, she told me why he was struggling and what I needed to do for him to be able to connect with me and understand. She is very kind and patient with dogs and is also well informed on important aspects of dog ownership like nutrition and common dog allergens, as well as which techniques are most effective in dog communication and which are damaging, and mentions scientific studies as evidence for what she suggests. She also asks you to record yourself practicing the techniques she teaches in sessions so she can give feedback before the next session. Overall she has been extremely attentive and thorough in teaching me how to establish a connection with my dog and the improvement speaks for itself.

Details: 1 - 2 years old • Large (41 - 70 lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • Leash pulling • My home, venue, etc.

Dog Training
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Rona Distenfeld

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