Do you have a question? Call me at 815-590-8008. If you are current or past client, I am available (no charge) for most behavior issues. Otherwise, phone consultations run $75 per half hour or $100 per hour.
Q: What is your experience?
A: In addition to running group classes, evaluating and training therapy dogs for hospitals, I have also specialized in training puppies for families. I have (successfully) trained over 25 puppies/dogs for families, a few Service Dogs, and a few dog for facilities. Those stories will be added as I write them.
Q: What is your favorite dog to train?
A: I like a dog that is easy to train for the job at hand. It is pretty easy to train a golden to be a therapy dog or a hunting dog to hunt so the secret is to make it easy on yourself and choose a breed that fits your lifestyle. Don’t get a tough breed to prove a point. Don’t try to make a breed do a job they are not suited for. Don’t get a dog if you cannot commit to the time and expense.
Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?
A: Neglect. Social neglect and physical neglect are the two main reasons there are so many messed up dogs. I could go on forever about this issue.
Q: What is your 2nd biggest pet peeve?
A: Excuses. People make excuses for their dog’s bad behavior instead of fixing it. Training is not that hard!
Q: What is your training style?
A: I am a problem solver. I will try to find what it takes to make a difference, so my training bag is full of equipment and tricks of the trade. I don’t force you to do anything you are not comfortable with nor do I require you to use any equipment. However, if your dog is disruptive or not progressing then I will make suggestions and show you different techniques.
I have used every training tool invented (treats, clickers, head halters, harnesses, e-collars, prong collars, choke collars, flank hitches, slip leashes, buckle collars). I have my likes and dislikes, but if you need to bribe or force your dog to comply, your dog is NOT trained. If your dog only walks nicely with a prong collar on or if your dog only obeys for a treat, then perhaps you need to change your method of training.
I educate and empower the dog owner like a private coach. Sometimes I am a therapist and often a cheerleader. I have used everything from a clicker to an e-collar, but if I don’t have to use anything, I don’t. It is more about the accessing the training goals, dog’s age, breed, behavior issues, and the owner’s ability.
Q: What is your 4th biggest pet peeve?
A: Bad advice. There are too many people that give advice when they are not qualified to do so. I suggest working with a trainer that is a professional.