Introduction: Because I am Certified as: a Veterinary Technician, a Level 2 Fear Free Professional, a Reiki Level 1 Practitioner, and a Pet Nutrition Consultant, I can help you piece together the WHOLE beautiful picture behind your pet's behavior: Proper Nutrition, Exercise relative to Growth Stages and maintenance, Physiological Capabilities (and restrictions), and overall Emotional Health on top of the mechanics of training the Life Skills you desire.
A well-adjusted dog is NOT just about "training", but looking at the WHOLE pictiure.
I am also a Proud Member of:
The Pet Professional Guild (PPG), International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), Force Free Trainers of Wisconsin, & Cudahy Kennel Club
I use humane and science-backed techniques which incorporate helping the dog Learn to Earn rewards (food, treats, toys, freedoms, praise, snuggles, etc) - everything you likely already give them for free, but all the while building their confidence and understanding of our very human world, much different from their own, all the while learning new skills and manners that will last a Lifetime without you purchasing aversive equipment or collars.
We use games to help ENGAGE the dog and structure activities to build success and trust, like maneuvering agility or play equipment, learning useful tricks, and even veterinary and husbandry behaviors to help at the vet's office!Many trainers claim to use strictly positive reinforcement methods, but sadly this is a fallacy. There is NO 100% +R in behavior or training. Ignoring your dog, spritzing them with water, shaking a can, or even saying "No" is NOT +R, so instead of relying on marketing, I advise students to look at the dog's attitude and response to the trainer. Is the dog happily working for the trainer or waiting for the trainer to do all the work? In order to truly teach SELF-control...the leash and collar needs to become obsolete. Many trainers rely on MECHANICS instead of LEARNING...that's where I, as a behaviorist, come in to help get rid of the mechanics/leashes/collars and truly help people TEACH their dog what is expected instead.
We use positive reinforcement and motivational methods that focus on relationship-based teaching and training, clear communication between species, and developing and strengthening the human-animal bond, based on trust...not aversion, fear, or pain. We focus on developing a solid foundation of understanding, so that our favorite obedience, "naked obedience," is established as quickly and as fun as possible, even in distracting environments, without having to rely on the leash and collar. Over the years we have learned many ways of building and proofing obedience habits and continue to expand our knowledge every day through our experience in the veterinary medical field, participation in continuing education seminars, through class instruction at local training facilities,and through trials and competitions with our own dogs.
When searching for a "trainer" we believe experience matters...and not necessarily the amount of years they have been in business (although Julie has been actively interested in and practicing behavior modification for over a decade now)...but by what they can demonstrate with their own pets, as well as their clients. We strongly urge our potential clients to call around, research, and go observe training sessions before they ever attend one with their pet. We are more than happy to have you stop in on one of our local classes and observe us instructing at anytime. After the class has ended, we are thrilled to discuss what training options are available and which one is best for your situation.
We look forward to training with you soon!
