DOG TRAINING
I consider the type of training I do to be “canine coaching,” or “basic good manners” training. I have been teaching group classes at Country Kennel since 2002, and working one-on-one with clients in their homes since 2005.
I believe that many dog/human problems are due to culture clashes and communication problems. I often think of dog training as being like teaching English as a second language to dogs, and Dog as a second language to humans. My goal in working with you as a trainer is to help you better understand how your dog thinks, and to help your dog better understand how you think. I love it when “the lightbulb moment” (“Oh…I get it!”) happens, for dogs and people alike. (I mean really, isn’t it thrilling to know that you are truly connecting - and “speaking” - with a different species?)
If you just got a new puppy for the first time and aren’t sure what to do or what you need, I can help. If it’s been a while since you’ve had a puppy or a dog, I can help. If you took an obedience class with your dog, but are still having trouble, I can help. If you’ve never had a dog before and aren’t sure what to do, where to go, or what to buy, I can help. Dog training – learning to speak “Dog” – is a learned skill. Sometimes, just changing the way you ask your dog to do something makes it more clear to your dog what you want. The tone of your voice, your posture, eye contact – all these are very important in communicating with your dog. I can help steer you toward resources (equipment, food, books, classes, other dog professionals) that can make life more enjoyable for you and your dog.
Over the years, I’ve made almost every training mistake you can make. When I was growing up, my mom used the “rub the dog’s nose in it” as a form of “housebreaking.” In the first obedience class I took as an adult (in 1990), we were instructed to buy and use a choke chain to “show the dog who was boss” – whether or not the dog was misbehaving!
Happily, the school of thought on dog training has evolved over time – most trainers these days prefer to use positive-based training methods and a much more humane, compassionate approach. I prefer to use a positive but commonsense approach to training, and often use food-based lures and rewards. I’ve been hugely influenced by Ian Dunbar, and have taken workshops with Jean Donaldson, Pat Miller, Patricia McConnell, Karen London, Kayce Cover (Syn Alia training), and Chris Bach
(Third Way training). I am a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.
If you have a dog with extreme separation anxiety, phobias, or aggression, this is not a training issue – this is a behavioral issue, and I am not the right trainer for you. There are several excellent people who work these issues in the Ann Arbor area, including:
Neva Bus, at Country Kennel: 429-2375
Camille Ward, About Dogs
Jonathan Speiser, Dogheart
Kris Hirth, Leader of the Pack
Manuela Hejan, Center for Animal Therapy
Michael Burkey’s Canine Behavioral Services
RATES
$65/hour inside city of Ann Arbor limits
If outside Ann Arbor, add $5 for travel fee
There is no charge for the initial meeting and 30-minute consult.
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