Good Dog Training

Serves Cedar Park, TX

35244

Hired 1088 times

1 employee

11 years in business

$125

4.9

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

Next Service

Hours

Sun 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Mon 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tues Closed

Wed Closed

Thurs 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Fri Closed

Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Credentials

Background Check

Rona Distenfeld
Completed on 2/24/2022

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. 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.

Q&A

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

I work with you in your home, or in some cases I can do online sessions. I do not do board and train as it runs counter to the relationship-based training I do. Your relationship with your dog is the foundation for everything else. Sending them away, especially when they're puppies, breaks that trust and causes trauma. Please see your dog as family and make your home his home.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I was trained in a shelter environment by someone known in the industry for helping to pioneer programs that turn unadoptable dog’s with behavior issues into adoptable dogs that succeed in their new homes. I excelled at this and I am always reading and continue to work with, and be mentored by, other professionals with many many years of experience. I am currently completing a program in Holistic Dog Training that focuses on building the right relationship with your dog and healing trauma in dogs.

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I was training dogs in a no-kill shelter, especially long-stay dogs with behavior issues. I found it incredibly rewarding to see these dogs got from difficult to darling, and realized they probably wouldn't have ended up in a shelter in the first place if their original owners had gotten some training. I want to help more dogs stay with their families by providing affordable, effective in-home training so owners can get the help they need.

What types of customers have you worked with?

Everything from dogs with aggression issues to puppies, single parents to families with kids on the spectrum.

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

A woman called me about a puppy she had recently adopted who wouldn't come out of his crate or go anywhere near her or her husband. He was terrified. They were considering returning him to the rescue, but wanted to try a trainer first. By the end of that first lesson the puppy was sitting in her lap and following her around. On subsequent visits we've taught the puppy to be more social with people and other dogs and overcome other fears. it's been very rewarding to see this pup come out of its shell, and realize that this training probably kept it from a cycle of being returned and adopted and returned because of his original issues.

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Talk to the trainer and get an idea of their process. Someone who just wants to train your dog, and not include you, isn't doing you any favors. Once they leave the training will fall apart if you don't know how to maintain it.

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

What methods do you use? Do your methods use force, pain or coercion? Do you work in a way that understands a dog's developmental and emotional needs? Do your methods build trust between the dog and the human? Will you help me understand what my dog needs to feel safe and happy and cared for and understand who I am in her life so she wants to listen to me?