About
I travel to your home and customize your lessons for your dog, your family, your home, your neighborhood. I have an arsenal of learning methods and experience I've acquired over 21 years of working with dogs and people since 2002. I have worked in shelters and in formal educational settings. I hold a Master's Degree and have a professional state educator's teaching certification.
I love watching dogs and people learn and acquire new skills which help them. I like teaching people how to work cooperatively with their dogs, and showing them how easy that is without having to punish the dog or use aversive methods.
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Private or board lessons
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Bruce S.
Judy G.
Ron S.
Heather H.
Kirsten S.
Chris R.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Before I accept any new customer we must have a phone conversation. There are simply certain questions that can't be answered through messaging. In any case, speaking is a lot faster than messaging back and forth - I'm working all day and can't be messaging for most of the day (though I have assistants which help me out - and they need to speak to potential students as well). I need to get a sense of my potential student, and I need to know that they'll be compliant and that we're a good fit. It takes a few minutes for a phone call - it takes 3x longer to text, and important details and nuances can be missed via texting that I would pick up in an actual conversation. It's also important that you have realistic expectations that I can meet, and that I know my expectations of you as as student will be met. After we speak, we can schedule your lessons, which include an evaluation and assessment. I have a four- to eight-lesson minimum (depending on the issues you're having and the training you need), but I offer single lessons by the hour after you've completed the amount of lessons I suggest. The number of lessons necessary varies for each student, so the price will vary as well.
If you'd l ike me to call you, please provide your number and let me know the best times to reach you. We appreciate serious inquiries only. If you've provided a contact number, please do not behave as if we're an annoyance when we call you. We do not respond to queries where it's indicated that a phone number has not been provided.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I hold a Master’s Degree. I am a New Jersey State Certified Educator (since 1992). I have taken countless classes and seminars in animal behavior and have worked with dogs and other species since 2002. I majored in Counseling Psych and Animal Science after I got my Master's Degree. I am insured and bonded. I have multi-species experience, having worked on a pig farm, a sheep and goat farm, a chicken farm, and I have worked with horses a great deal, having ridden both English saddle and Western pleasure. I sing, write, play piano and guitar, so I have a good deal of 'right brain' creativity as well as left brain logic which serves me well and will serve you well. I'm a freelance writer and illustrator as well.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
Pricing depends on the issue and other factors, as well as location. My pricing is fair and competitive; but, you also get what you pay for, and my best customers are those who appreciate the value of my education, experience and professionalism. My pricing is subject to change. I guarantee the pricing I give you in a phone call, followed by an email, for one week. Gas and other prices are going up weekly at this time.
How did you get started in this business?
I was studying Counseling Psycholigy and decided I’d like working with animals, primarily. I started working with dogs in 2002 while obtaining that degree.
What types of customers have you worked with?
Adults, children of my adult customers age 6 and up, and many people on the autism spectrum (mostly Asperger’s). I work best with people who understand that they will need to do homework with their dog in between lessons.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
A customer’s dog was bolting out of doors and almost got killed. Within two lessons, I was able to have the customer controlling the dog and having the dog “wait” and not bolt out of doors. This training ensures that the dog will be safe.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
If someone is going to train you and your dog, they must have a lot of behavioral experience, and also be able to articulate concepts very well to you. Otherwise, you won’t get much out of the training. Various private school or organization certifications don’t require the formal education required to perform at this level. Look for experience, professionalism, maturity. If the person seems so busy that they are overwhelmed, then they probably are, and you will be just another number. I limit the number of customers I take on so that I can give my customers the attention they deserve.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
Know what your priorities are, and what you want to accomplish. Be reasonable and realistic about goals and the time it will take to achieve them. Most issues take several lessons to address - not resolve, to ADDRESS to the point where a student is starting to understand how dogs learn, even issues that may seem minor to you. Hire someone you feel you trust. Talk to the person and make sure they're patient with you and you don't feel rushed. A trainer or sitter should be responsive to your call and respond back to you within a day. If it takes longer, then that trainer or sitter is not making you a priority.