Dog Training Back in the Day vs…What Really Works
I was like any other devoted dog-lover, whatever that means. I’d owned and trained several dogs, using time-tested, “old-school” methods. They seemed to work well enough. I thought there were basically 2 kinds of dogs: Good (friendly) and Bad (aggressive). “Shy” dogs were still Good, I just felt sorry for whatever made them that way. I didn’t know most Bad (aggressive) dogs were really “acting out”, because they were nervous, afraid, just freaked out. I had no reason to go any deeper…then, Fate intervened.
The Teacher
Several years ago, our family adopted a young puppy from the Michigan Humane Society; scooped up from the late winter streets of Detroit. We started to raise her the way “we’d always done it” (Old School), but things sure went downhill in a hurry!
It was an Epic Fail.
Soon, we were dealing with an unpredictable, scary situation we never saw coming. Even getting her off the sofa was a roll of the dice. We had an out-of-control, often aggressive, adolescent puppy. The kids loved her, but were honestly afraid of her. That was not in the plan! I think the pitying looks from my neighbors were the worst…Have you been there?
Nothing was working. No consumer-level book, no puppy class, nor hours of “Dog Whispering”. Everyone had an opinion! It became obvious that more of the same = more crazy.
Finally, I stumbled upon some information that began to explain what was happening to this dog’s brain–O…M…G.
We had been so unfair! The intimidation tactics, the verbal abuse…literally shouting in our language with no translator, no understanding of her point of view.
Once I discovered authentic sources of canine behavior science and modern training methods, it was life-changing for me. This process totally transformed the way I see all dogs; how I interact with–and train them. My life’s purpose is to educate and coach people of all ages, so they can avoid much of the confusion, wasted effort, and potential heartache.
CPDT-KA Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed
I have earned the designation of Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge-Assessed (CPDT-KA). I am only one of 2500 of these Certificants world-wide. Any person who wishes to call themselves a ‘professional dog trainer’ cannot simply pay for this title. A trainer has to satisfy a lengthy list of requirements, including professional references and hundreds of hours of paid experience, to even sit for the examination! The CCPDT works with canine training specialists and animal behaviorists to research and develop experience and knowledge standards sufficient to be awarded this designation. Maintaining my certification status requires verified continuing education. This can assure you that my knowledge is up-to-date!
I’m a Premium Professional Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), & a Supporting Member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
I have a B.A. from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and among other job skills, have over twenty years’ experience training people in fitness. I excel at critical thinking, movement, and observational skills. These abilities uniquely equip me to help You:
The way I approach dog training is scientifically correct!