About
Professional Dog Trainer• Six plus years professional dog training experience and over 8 years experience in the dog industry. Debbie specializes in private training and working with shy, fearful, or reactive dogs. She is also proficient with basic obedience, puppy training, puppy socialization, resource guarding, territorial aggression, loose leash walking, coordinating dog events and benefits, offering management solutions, community outreach, and adoption consultation.
Debbie is committed to continued education in the field and proudly stays up to date on the latest training techniques and findings via dog training workshops and professional publications. She first studied training in Los Angeles and went through an apprenticeship program with over 300+ intensive classroom time and hands on training as well as required reading and testing. She has worked as the Regional Manager for National Dog Training franchise, Zoom Room Los Angeles and has been an independent contractor with Karma Dog Training, Storybook, Paws Unleashed, and now her own company here in the Twin Cities.
Training Philosophy• In alignment with organizations such as APDT(Association of Professional Dog Trainers), AVSAB (The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior), and theCCPDT (Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers), Debbie also believes in the LIMA approach (Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive). I believe that science based, positive reinforcement training methods when used correctly will strengthen your bond, deepen trust and understanding, build patience, and improve the overall learning process on all sides. My teaching is based on 3 basic fundamentals of Connection, Clear Communication, and Consistency.
...Empowering people and dogs with the knowledge of effective communication brings about a joy like no other. It is both a responsibility and a privilege to teach this connection to others.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Typically, we start with a single 90 min in home lesson that includes an evaluation. This ensures that we set everyone up for success and we are on the same page moving forward.
I do not like to take a cookie cutter approach, rather I recognize that each dog, each owner, and each case has their own unique process and learning style and I do my best to create a customized program that will work to fit their needs, budget, and training goals.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Though I have always been an avid dog lover, my training for the field began years ago. First working with rescues on the east coast and then as a dog walker and pet sitter and then formally in a training program for trainers on the west coast in Los Angeles in 2012. I joined the APDT (Association of Professional Dog Trainers) back in 2015 and I have professional memberships with an array of organizations in the field. I have stayed up on my continued education credits and regularly take workshops to keep up to date on the latest techniques and training guides in accordance with the positive reinforcement science based methods.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
Basic Obedience 90 min - $115
Behavior Modification 90 min- $130
Package options offer savings to clients on each lesson...
3 pack $300
5 pack $425
After 10 lessons you become a gold member and get a special members only rate of $65 per lesson! I offer this reduction in price to reward clients for their continued training and business.
Additional packages are available for training intensives or puppy socialization. I will be happy to take you through those pricing guides as we move forward in the process. Just know that there are packages and options available for every budget.
How did you get started in this business?
(see above)
What types of customers have you worked with?
I have experience and have loved working with all ages and breeds of dog on everything from puppy socialization, to basic obedience, to very serious behavioral issues. I have a soft spot for shy and fearful dogs and have had great success working with dog reactivity cases among others. I have worked with people from all walks of life as well and often work to imrpove communication with various members of the household and even children to get everyone on the same page when working with the dog at home. Uniquely, I have also given workshops to other dog professionals in vet offices, grooming facilities, and dog daycares on proper handling techniques and body language assessment.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
One of my stand out cases was working with a deaf dog who was displaying signs of aggression in the home with the owners and other dogs. After working patiently we had major break throughs and I can happily say the dog is completely changed! I helped to restore peace to the home and make the dog feel heard and that was a very "feel good" kind of case!
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
There is no time like the present. Behavior issues don't just work themselves out or get better on their own without some guidance. So I encourage you to get the help you need. Another caution... sometimes people want a quick fix, but just like raising children we must be patient, loving, and consistent if we want to succeed. We also must consider the kind of learning environment we want to create and the kind of relationship we want to have with our pets... It is not fair to punish your dog for something they are doing if they do not know any better. Often times we simply have to break things down in easy steps to show the dog what we expect in different scenarios or we must teach positive replacement behaviors... (Such as "sit" when I walk through the door vs. jump and bark). Bad timing from an unskilled handler, bad advice, or incorrect diagnosis and treatment can often make a behavior worse and harm our relationship. So, I encourage you to learn all you can and do your homework so we actually treat the root of the issue vs. the symptom. In doing so, we improve communication, and thus we can eliminate unwanted things like nuisance barking, reactivity, and inconsistent behaviors. I highly recommend working with a pro to learn the fundamentals of how your DOG learns and communicates and work with a trainer who will give you those empowering problem solving tools.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
Training Goals, budget, and how much time they have to devote to fixing the problem. A good trainer will find a way to work with you under your unique limitations and needs and be a trusted guide to take you through the process so you are sure to not give up or fall short of your goal.