About
I have worked in the dog daycare/boarding/training industry for over 8 years. I am a nationally certified CPDT-KA dog trainer and am self employed training, walking and watching dogs through my own business, Hand N’ Paw LLC. I have contract trained for rewards only programs such as Noble Beast Dog Training and Karma Dog Training. I am animal CPR/First Aid certified, am able to give all varieties of medications, and being a dog behavioral expert I have extensive knowledge on how to handle a wide variety of temperaments, behavioral issues, quirks and energy levels! I have numerous clients who book me regularly for a variety of services depending on their needs. I have worked with some families for over 4 years now (I moved here from Michigan in 2016) and am extremely passionate about my work. I am excited to meet your human and animal family!
Creating a more harmonious household, facilitating the growth of the bond between humans and their dogs and changing lives!
Highlights
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Melissa M.
Christy L.
Sarah R.
Melissa M.
Lori B.
Sherry H.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Since COVID has hit I am now only offering one on one private sessions. When I get a request for training my very first step is to do a phone consult to get to know the family, their goals for their dog's training and to get any key history. After answering any questions the client may have I send them a more detailed Pre-Training Assessment to obtain all the information I need to best help the family. I also send my services and pricing sheet and set up our first session.
The first session is 1.5 hours long as I have to go over basic training technique and vocabulary that is only necessary to cover once before working on their Session 1 skills. Every session after that is 1 hour. I do these sessions in the dog's home environment which can include but is not limited to their home, their neighborhood or commonly visited dog parks/parks/etc.
I send a follow up homework email after each session including step by step instructions for what we went over, any additional information and if necessary videos that help the parent(s) practice the homework.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a nationally certified dog trainer, certified CPDT-KA and am currently getting certified as a behaviorist specialist CBCC-KA. I created and managed the training program at Camp Bow Wow for over 2 years. While there I also travelled to other CBW locations to train other people to become dog trainers. I have contract trained for Noble Beast Dog Training and Karma Dog Training and now run my own company.
How did you get started in this business?
I was a high school social studies teacher in Michigan for a year before relocating to Colorado. While looking for a teaching job I was working in the dog daycare/boarding industry at Camp Bow Wow. While there, the opportunity presented itself for me to become a certified dog trainer. I earned the certificate, created the program at CBW and continued my education from there. I have always wanted to work with animals and leaving teaching was an easy decision, though, I never really left. I still teach humans and guide their dogs through my training programs.
What types of customers have you worked with?
I work with a wide variety of client needs. I specialize in fearful dogs as well as aggressive dogs. However, I also work with clients who have other needs such as...
- Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Obedience
- CGC Prep and Testing
- Socialization
- Puppy Training (Potty training, socialization, basic boundaries, etc.)
- Behavior Modification such as jumping, pulling on leash, leash reactivity and social manners.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
1. Look into their credentials. What certifications do they have? What organizations are they members of?
2. How much experience do they have? What type of experience do they have? Does this experience match what training your family needs?
3. ALWAYS look for rewards ONLY trainers. We do not use any aversive methods such as shock collars, prong collars, choke chains, etc. We train dogs to behave and work with their humans because they enjoy it and are excited about what happens when they do instead of training dogs to obey because they are scared of what will happen if they don't.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
1. What are your monetary limits/how much money can you put into your dog's training.
2. How much time do you have to work with your dog, provide consistency and follow through?
3. Does your dog have any medical issues that may be affecting their behavior?
4. What type of service are you looking for? i.e. private sessions, group classes, board and train programs, etc.