Off Leash Dog Academy
About
We go above and beyond to listen to what our clients needs and wants are and will try to deliver over 100% success and we won’t stop until all is achieved!
I grew up in a Veterinarian in Virgina from such a very young age and loved being around the dogs all day and from that experience from such a young age thought me pack dynamics and dog behavior. I thought about becoming a veterinarian but decided that behavior what was what I was born do to and feel very fortunate that I get to wake up and work/play with dogs e everyday!
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
The first step is the phone consult. Building that bond with the client over the phone is the key to that bond when working with both the client(s) and their dog(s). Once we establish that we are a good fit the next step is the in-home consult. This is where I come to the clients home to meet the pack. This is where I see everything! I focus on how the pack dynamics of the home are operated. I typically spend 1-2... Sometimes 3 hours with my client(s) talking and observing the interaction between canine and human. This is were we discuss the training regiment that will best work with my client(s) and their budget. I am hands on during this consult and always try to leave with my clients in awe of my skills!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Master of Science in Animal Behavior - Averett University
APDT (The Association of Professional Dog Trainers)
IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
American Kennel Club Evaluator
CGC (Canine Good Citizen)
Advanced CGC (Advanced Canine Good Citizen)
AKC S.T.A.R Puppy
AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen
AKC Community Canine
AKC Therapy Dogs
Saint Francis Service Dogs
Sit Means Sit Remote Certified
Continued education is something I am a huge believer in. I am constantly learning and educating myself on my skills of my profession.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
I don't really have a standard pricing system. I have training packages that can be modified to fit any budget.
How did you get started in this business?
I grew up in the industry in a small mountain town in Virginia. I would play in the kennels as a small child and actually thought I was a dog!
As I grew up, my first job was a kennel girl which gave me hands on experience on handling all types of breeds and energies of dogs. Then I transitioned into a Vet-Tech position which gave me a stronger side in the medical and care of all animals. Working side by side with a Veterinarian gave me a huge insight into the behavior of animals especially dogs. This is where my true love of behavior blossomed and I knew I was meant for a career working with dogs.
What types of customers have you worked with?
I have been in the industry most of my life so I have worked with every type of breed and behavior. This has made me well knowledges and very experienced in my field of work! I am very confident and humble when clients call apond my services no matter how small or challenging the training may be. I promise not to give up or walk away from any of my clients. They can call me day or night and I always show up! Since I have been in the industry my whole life I have built up a very large extended family from the Braves and Falcon players to the senior executives of Delta Airlines to college students and housewife’s!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
A beautiful Rideback showed up in one of my obedience classes and I was exfremely confused why??! This dog was rock solid on all of his obedience training. After class I asked my client if she was in my class just for fun? She responded that she was their due to a behavioral issue at her home. He was extremely territorial of her and her home, so of course, I met this challenge head on and showed up at her house on day. When I knocked on her door my client wasn't joking about his territorial aggression! It took me 20 minutes to get into her house and she was in amazement that someone was in her home with her dog out.
She told me how sad she was that Bru could never be out when friends or family came to visit. That she longed to have him be part of that life. She had hired several trainers throughout the years and none of them could "fix" this dream.
The hardest part for me was getting her to let go of her dog and allow him to come away with me for 3 weeks. Once she did I changed her and her dogs life forever. Not only did we master the territory aggression I also certified him as her medical service dog! He goes everywhere with her and is now a balanced dog that allows all humans and canines into their home. He no longer is put away behind closed doors in a crate away from people. He is the best well balanced dog now and anyone whom met them wouldn't believe he ever had any other behavior other than a happy and loving dog! xoxo
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
Trust your gut! Ask lots of questions and make sure the person you are talking with is well knowledge in the dog industry. Ask for references and make sure to call all of them. Also, as to see where the dogs will be staying while in their care. Make sure the space is clean and doesn’t smell of urine! I work out of my personal home for this reason. Kennel Enviroments are hard to make into a home and most kennels are not supervised from 7pm to 8am! My training dogs live with me on my 50 acre doggie farm and my well balanced pack of dogs and are looked after 24/7!
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
Not all dogs learn the same way. I specialize in developing a training regiment that will fit both the owner and dogs needs. Make sure that the trainer is certified on all training types they offer. Ask to come watch them working other dogs and ask to see where the dogs will be staying and working. The back of the house will ALWAYS represent the front of the house. Make a list and bring it with you when you meet the trainer and Always ask for references!!