Fun With Fido Dog Training

Price for an initial consult is $75. Further lessons are available at a rate of $65 for an hour of training. For some dogs, an hour is too long, so I also offer half an hour at $49. I offer a discount of $5/hour for rescue dogs. I sometimes will reduce my rates for special circumstances so if this applies, or you think it might, please ask. Price for a 6-week set of group classes is $159.

I start by asking the client why they are seeking training and what their goals are for their dog. Next, I assess the dog. Finally, I come up with a training plan which I explain to the client. Then we are ready to train! All training involves games that make learning fun for both owner and dog while achieving their goals.

I am a lifelong dog lover. I began obedience training with the family dogs while still a child. I loved the precision of competitive obedience and did not question the popular methods of the day. Years later, I began learning about positive reinforcement training and how damaging compulsion can be to the sensitive species we call our best friends. I now train with scientifically-valid methods that make training both fun and effective. I use force-free, hands-off techniques that encourage dogs to trust in their owner and to make good choices about their behavior. I worked in an animal shelter caring for animals and matching animals to appropriate homes from 1994 to 1997. I loved that work and learned so much from my interactions with different breeds and the people who love them. I currently foster for Australian Cattle Dog Rescue Association. I began training agility in 1998 and teaching, as well as competing, in 2001. I have now trained 8 dogs of my own, a variety of breeds and breed mixes, for agility. I have competed at the top levels under 8 different sanctioning organizations. I continue to attend training seminars and classes with some of the world's top trainers. I am a certified Pro Dog Trainer with AbsoluteDogs.

I've been training dogs, and loving it, since childhood. Prior to starting my own business in 2001, I worked as an apprentice in puppy classes and agility classes. I have worked in an animal shelter which gave me valuable experience with a large variety of breeds and behavioral issues. In addition to agility, I also teach Rally Obedience, traditional obedience, and manners including Canine Good Citizen. I have experience training dogs to work as service dogs for persons with disabilities. I currently own four dogs: a weimaraner, a dachshund-cattledog mix, a cattledog/retriever mix, and a cattledog/papillion mix. Each has taught me different things with their distinct personalities and learning styles. Two of my current dogs were feral prior to joining my family. I hold a Masters degree in Education (M.Ed.) and worked briefly as a teacher of children but my true love is in helping animals. I have excellent teaching skills with both people and dogs.

One of the things I love most about agility is that it welcomes everyone! All people, all ages, all abilities, can do agility. And almost all dogs can play as well! I've worked with owners of basset hounds in agility as well as the more typical agility breeds such as border collies, cattle dogs, and shetland sheepdogs. I've helped people as young as 5 and as old as 90 to train their dogs. Inclusivity is something I feel strongly about. Everyone can be a trainer!

I'm currently training my 2nd feral dog. While I still cannot touch her, she is teaching me a great deal about the essence of dogginess and how to train hands-free. What wonderful lessons! The most exciting training I was hired to do was to re-hab a dog who had mauled a woman. Animal Control insisted that the owners either hire a private trainer or euthanize the dog. I worked with the dog and owners for several months. The dog made spectacular progress (and the owners worked very hard taking all of my suggestions seriously and complying). That was 18 years ago. The dog lived out the rest of his natural life with never another incident. I'm very proud of that. I've worked with many aggressive dogs since and I've loved them all.

Before hiring a dog trainer, ask what methods are employed in the training. Ask to see him/her interacting with a dog. If anything they say makes you uneasy, or if you see a dog being harmed at any point in time, that is not the right trainer for you. I strive to use methods that respect both owner and dog as we work towards solutions.

Why are you seeking a trainer? What behaviors are you hoping to change? What goals (short-term and long-term) do you have? What are the qualities you seek in a trainer?