Sterling Silver Canine Coaching, LLC

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Introduction: I offer unique group classes designed to fit even the most hectic schedule. My Busy People Dog Training class is a hybrid course that includes online instruction, videos, and short in-person topic classes that may be taken in any order. See my website for details. I also offer in-home private instruction. I have had the rare opportunity to apprentice under a number of different trainers who all used somewhat different training methods. This has given me exceptional insight into 1) what does and does not work for training dogs and teaching people and 2) what methods work best based on the individual dog and handler. I have knowledge of an extensive array of training methods, tools, and concepts. Although I have my preferences and areas of special expertise, when something is really not working I always have something else that we can try. It is my passion. There is no better feeling then to see dog and owner make progress and develop a deeper more meaningful relationship, and to know I had some small part in that.

Overview

Hired 13 times

1 employee

10 years in business

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Top Pro status

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

2016

Featured Projects

23 photos

Reviews

Exceptional 5.0

14 reviews

100%

Sheryl A.

Jul 2, 2015

Cecilia uses only positive training techniques and does so with sound success. She is quite knowledgeable but keeps on learning so she can be the best. My dog (a herding breed) adores working with her and I have gained from her tutoring as well. My teenage dog was unfocused and highly distracted but has learned to attend and become a wonderful partner. Cecilia works with me to ensure I am handling my dog properly, shaping desired behaviors and using positive techniques. Our sessions are not only full of success, but are fun as well. Cecilia always is pleasant, calm, and upbeat--and my dog responds beautifully to her teaching methods--and so do I! I highly recommend Cecilia as a canine (and human) coach.

Terri Parrow B.

Jul 6, 2015

Ive known Cecilia since she was in high school and she was training her Golden Retriever in Freestyle and Flyball. She was by far one of the best students I have had in Flyball Class. Even then, she was responsible and mature beyond her years in doing all the assignments and working with her dog. Years later, I was fortunate to become reacquainted with Cecilia and she volunteered to help me teach flyball, as well as dog sit for my 3-4 dogs. She was a valuable assistant, dependable and ready to jump in and help other students so they could all get individual assistance. She looks at each dog and handler as individuals and recognizes that there are different methods of training that work better for different dogs. And as a dog sitter she was the best. All of my dogs are different breeds and some have resource (food and people) and health issues. She was quick to understand the issues and always handled them properly. She is one of the few people I could leave my dogs with and I wouldnt worry about them. I highly recommend Cecilia in any dog training and working with dogs. Her intelligence, sense of responsibly and love for dogs and all animals makes her a great resource for training dogs and handlers

Shawna R.

Jul 21, 2015

Cecilia is the owner of this training company and is an amazing trainer! My dog Max has severe separation anxiety and is deaf, and she has been working with us the past few months. She has so much knowledge about different methods, equipment, useful toys...pretty much anything to do with training! We have made excellent progress. She amazes me every training session with her knowledge and experience. She has very reasonable rates. I investigated many other trainers recommended by various professional training associations and organizations, and she was the best option for us. If you need any type of training for your dog, deaf or not, whether it is run of the mill obedience training or complex separation anxiety treatment, she is your trainer! She offers private in house training sessions and classes. I highly recommend her :)

Bill B.

Sep 22, 2015

Cecilia is the best trainer we have worked with and has worked wonders with our dog. We have worked with nationally recognized training agencies and they have not been nearly as effective as Cecilia has been. We look at Cecelia as a real dog whisperer who truly understands animal behavior and how to shape it. She also loves dogs (and I am sure other animals) and that shines through in her training. I believe the dogs she trains also recognize that love, and that is part of the reason for her success. If you have a dog with behavioral challenges, a dog you want to train for obedience trials or agility trialsor you just want to get off on the right foot with your new puppywe highly recommend Cecilia. If you want the best for your dog, hire Cecilia. She delivers excellent, structured training with passion and purpose.

Patricia M.

Jul 6, 2015

Cecilia is a great dog trainer. We usually meet at a local park where there are lots of distractions. Through her great ideas in dog training I got my Rally Novice Title and I owe it to her. The way that Cecilia goes above and beyond is that she will send you and email letting you know what she noticed in class and what you should work on. She is constantly researching new ideas of how to train dogs which I am impressed by!! There is nothing she could do better with, she is awesome!! Thank you Cecilia!!

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My standard rate for private instruction and training is $80/hour. I also offer discount packages with individual lessons as low as $60/hour. I charge a travel fee of $1 per mile round trip from Springfield, VA. For more affordable options I offer small group classes, including a 5 week Dog Training 101 class for $155. I also offer a $10 rebate for anyone who refers someone to my group classes.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
For group classes, once a student has registered through my website, they recieve an introductory email and video. This information helps set srudents up for success by showing them what to expect and giving a simple assignment that will help prepare their dog for the class. It also includes safety procedures so no dog or person is put in a potentially dangerous or frightening situation. Students must also submit proof of current vaccination, if their dog is of age, prior to attending the first class. Titers are acceptable too. For private instruction we set up an initial behavior consultation. Usually I travel to my client's house. We cover a lot in this initial 1.5 hour consultation, including the dog's history, the owner's history with dogs and dog training, specific behavior problems that need to be addressed and possible solutions, goals the owner has for training the dog and creating a realistic plan for achieving those goals. After the initial consultation I recommend whether I think follow-up lessons or a discount training package might be appropriate. One thing I do NOT do is pressure clients into buying more or unnecessary lessons. At the end of the initial consultation I give my recomendations, but then encourage my client to give it some thought and contact me in a day or two if they would like to sign up for additional lessons or services.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner ( KPA-CTP ), which means I took a rigorous 6 month hands on course in dog training, behavior, and instructing. This certification is widely respected in the canine training field, I heard one trainer describe it as the "Ph.D" of dog training. I also have a career diploma in dog training and instructing from PennFoster Career School and I am a graduate of KPA's Dog Trainer Foundations course as well. I am a certified AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator, STAR Puppy evaluator, and Community Canine Evaluator. I am certified in pet CPR and First Aid through the Pet Professionals Guild. I spent 4 years apprenticing to several different dog training instructors through the Fairfax County Park Authority, getting hands-on teaching experience while assisting with all levels of obedience, agility, rally, and flyball classes. I regularly attend webinars offered through the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, of which I am a "professional premium" member. I am also a full member of the Pet Professional Guild, and take advantage of educational opportunities through that organization as well. In addition I am a member of the Mid-Atlantic Association of Professional Positive Pet Trainers. Starting when I was a child I have spent countless hours training all kinds of dogs and taking all kinds of dog training classes. Some of the dog breeds I have personally trained most extensively include golden retrievers, greyhounds, Belgian sheepdogs, Pembroke welsh corgis, pit bull mixes, cockapoos, and shepherd mixes. I have experience successfully training dogs with a wide variety of behavior problems including separation anxiety, nuisance barking, phobias and fears (nail clippers, thunder, people, etc.), house soiling, dog and people aggression, destructive behavior (chewing, scratching, etc), etc,etc. I have extensive experience (20+ years) training dogs and coaching people in competitive obedience, agility, rally, conformation (dog shows), canine musical freestyle (dog dancing), and other sports. I have boxes of title certificates and prizes my dogs have won. If you would like to know more about my experience and qualifications please message me or visit my website.