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As a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, I adhere to the policy of Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA), approach to behavior modification and training.  This means that one of our very important tools is management.  What is the dog practicing?  How is he able to practice it?  Can we manage the environment to help manage the … Continue reading Management Is Key

We are members of the American Association of Professional Dog Trainers and Nan is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed.  Those associations require that we adhere to the use of LIMA, also known as least intrusive, minimally aversive training methods.  Using a set of humane and effective tactics we create plans that are … Continue reading We adhere to APDT LIMA position statements.

Congratulations to our new AKC S.T.A.R. Puppies Violet, Tucker, Sweet Pea, Voltron and their people! It's been so much fun working with all of you and I look forward to our continuing work together. Get a great start with your new puppy right away with our Whole Puppy Program. We are here to help you … Continue reading Our New AKC S.T.A.R. Puppies!

OProbably the most important thing you can teach your dog is impulse control.  Using the Premack Principle or also known as “gramma’s law”, in other words you must eat your liver and you can have dessert.”  A good time at our house to work on it is at their dinner time.  I waited for the … Continue reading Teaching Dogs Impulse Control

I have qualified for and have been accepted to take the Council for Certified Professional Dog Trainers Knowlege Assessed test.  I will be sitting for the test on September 28th.  In a largely unregulated industry, such as dog training, I wanted to make sure my alliance was with the associations with the industry’s highest standards … Continue reading Certified Professional Dog Trainer- KA

I recently came across an article written by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.  Called the AVSAB Positiion Statement, it is based on scientific studies (not your neighbor or popular television shows)  and they present facts regarding the use of punishment for behavior modification in animals.  Yes, that E-collar or electric collar some trainers … Continue reading Aversive Training Methods

Do you have an older dog that you are noticing changes in?  With age come both physical and behavioral changes, just as in humans.  Loss of hearing, problems with vision, mobility and health issues are just some of what they experience with old age.  A yearly or bi-yearly veterinary exam with blood work is essential … Continue reading Older Dog Challenges