I formed my own business after working for a major retailer. Our business, Canine Connections Dog Training & Pet Services LLC, provides group classes at a local independent pet store, private lessons, behavior evaluations, and as suggested to me by my mentor when starting out, I added ancillary services such as dog walking and pet sitting.
Utilizing what I learned at ABC and with my mentor who was totally “force free”, I have come into my own style of training. I do utilize a positive reinforcement approach with a marker system. I allow my clients to chose whether they want to use the clicker or “Yes”. I do show them the difference in the time it takes to click as opposed to using “yes”.
I am utilized by several shelters and rescue groups to go into homes to help the rehoming of the adopted dog. I evaluate the situation, dog, family, and issues they are having. I come up with a recommendation and its’ up to them to take it or send the dog back. I do not charge for this service, but get a donation slip for the amount I would typically charge for the assessments.
All family members are welcomed to participate, especially children. However, most children will lose interest in being involved quite quickly. Whether it be housebreaking issues, jumping, digging, anxiety, and/ or excessive barking, or just basic obedience, we have you covered. I also teach CGC class and I am an evaluator.
Training is a commitment that only you can decide to do. It’s a work in progress. I believe that relationship building between the owner and the dog is key to any successful training program, as well as consistency and practice.
I have a Master’s Degree in Social Work, training in grief and bereavement with pet loss, five years experience as a vet tech, worked at a dog trainer for Petco for 1 1/2 years while doing the ABC program, and have trained my own dogs for the past 5 years. I am also CGC evaluator. I have experience with individual and group classes as well.