About
I am new to HomeGuide but you can read my reviews & testimonials on my website or Thumbtack. I'm certified in Dog Psychology/Behavior Modification Training. I have personally trained over 500 dogs, and have never met a dog I couldn't help or that I gave up on, and I never will! But it's up to the owners to utilize the tools and techniques I provide them to maximize success!
I love dogs, but I attribute all my accomplishments and success to my clients! They accepted and applied the leadership role to their dogs, who desperately need it, by using the tools and techniques I presented to them and immediately saw the difference in their dogs behavior. Because before 2006 I was just like them, I wasn't born a Dog Whisperer, so I know the anger & frustration associated with raising dogs. And because of my desire to learn & succeed I have trained over 500 dogs and owners. So if you want to know more about me and what I do, read my clients reviews and ask me for referrals so they can tell you how I can help you!!
Specialties
Private or board lessons
Package interested in
Issues
Photos and videos
Reviews
Kate H.
Jenn P.
Jennifer B.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Typically, I want to talk to the owner(s) about the dog(s) and their history together, then I will introduce myself to the dog(s) and monitor their behavior. Then I will walk with your dog for about 15-30 minutes, along with you, followed by a consultation addressing any behavior issues then assessing your dogs needs. And then developing an action plan that works for both of you!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am certified in Dog Psychology/Behavior Modification Training. I have personally trained over 500 dogs, and have never met a dog I couldn't help or that I gave up on, and I never will! But it's up to the owners to utilize the tools and techniques I provide them to maximize success!
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
My fee for behavior training is $90 per visit up to 1 hour, then $45 each additional 1/2 hour after that. I'll travel to you because it's more important to monitor the behavior of dogs when they're in their own environment. The initial meeting usually takes about an hour and a half and is $135. This includes an introduction to you and your dog(s), then a walk with both (all) of you, followed by a consultation addressing the behavioral issues. Then we will conclude with an assessment of your dogs' needs and develop an action plan. The follow up visits, which are weekly, are an hour long and is $90. However, the amount of time and frequency of visits are up to you based on what you want or need. Please review my profile and website, or call me if you need any more info. Also, if you would like a reference from any of my clients, whether they have the same breed type or behavior issues as you do, they will be more than happy to assist! I look forward to hearing from you.
How did you get started in this business?
I have had and loved dogs just about my whole life. I have helped train dogs for friends and family for most of my adult life but never thought of it as a career, until now! So I began getting certified in Dog Psychology/Behavior Modification Training. I am fascinated by how and what dogs think, what their body language tells us, why they act the way they do, and ultimately what their needs are!
What types of customers have you worked with?
All types of customers who love their dogs but are looking for help with their dogs behavior issues, or just curious about why their dog does what they do. Or when some so called “professional” tells them that their dog is hopeless or even worse, should be put down! I show them how they can save their dog and help give them the balanced life they’ve both always wanted. I help customers with dogs' that are experiencing common dog behavior issues, such as aggression, resource guarding, excessive barking or whining, destructive chewing, digging, jumping, biting or nipping, and separation anxiety to name a few. And help them recognize and understand their dogs' state of mind when these behaviors occur. Once they understand the reason for these behaviors, and the body language associated with them, they'll be better equipped to address it when their dog is not in the right state of mind!!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Actually, my first client "Diezel" is the project I'm most proud of. His owners Rick & Teri were mandated by the court to hire a trainer, because Diezel (a Pitbull) had bitten someone for the 2nd time. They were both devastated by the actions of their dog but also the possibility of losing Diezel, a 9 year member of their family, when nobody would listen to them about how sweet a dog he was. But they were also committed to doing whatever they could to get him and them the help they both needed! After 8 weeks of working with them, using the tools and techniques I provided them, they have become calm-assertive pack leaders and Diezel has become more calm-submissive follower, and now everyone can see the sweetness of Diezel. So now the case has been dropped and Diezel's life has been saved! I am so proud of them for their dedication, commitment and the patience they've shown to keep their pack together and balanced for many years to come! That's a true dog lover!!
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
You should be shopping around looking for the right trainer, which is what I want you to do, because when it comes to your dog you have to make the best decision for both of you!! But I would like you to ask yourself some questions first ... 1) What type of training am I looking for? Obedience training, such as "sit, stay, come, etc.", or behavior modification training, such as “biting, excessive barking, house training, jumping, etc.”, is there a big difference?? Behavior training is more focused on helping your dog become more balanced, respectful and happier, by using the 3 most important principles to dog psychology/behavior modification training for pack animals, which are exercise, discipline and then affection! 2) Do I want to send my dog to a strange facility working with different trainers? .. or do I want to train my dog at my home, with my family, with my everyday issues in my everyday environment?? Because if you want your dog to listen to you, want to develop a stronger bond with them, want to learn how to respect each other, and want to build the ultimate relationship with your dog, shouldn't you be the one doing it?? 3) And if I really love my dog and want to help them, and am I willing to be committed to the process, because it will take time and patience? Ultimately, your dog is your responsibility and you have to make them understand what your expectations are of them! .. and I will teach you the tools and techniques to make that happen!! Honestly, what good is an obedient dog if you're not the one they're obedient to?? You will be blown away by how quickly their behavior changes once your behavior changes !! So please take the time to read my reviews and I will happily provide you with referrals. Good Luck in your search and hope to hear from you soon!
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
Ask yourself: What type of training am I looking for? What issues do I want to address with my dog? What goals am I hoping to achieve with my dog? Am I committed to the process/action plan my trainer recommends? Are you giving exercise, discipline, then affection? How has your dog misbehaved lately, and how do you plan to solve the issue? Are you your dogs pack leader??