Other Animals? No Problem!

Good animal training transcends species. I have extensive experience with wild birds. I've had domestic birds, cats and even dabbled with a horse or two. And I've worked with LOTS of humans.

My professional learning is not just dog centred. The cross-pollination of ideas that comes from a huge variety of animals and situations helps to "think outside the box" so that our training is client centred, no matter what species.

This means that if your household is multi-species, your "others" can be included in any behaviour change efforts!

Training Style & Compatibility

I teach and use "clicker training" and focus on Positive Reinforcement as the driver of training. If you want to reward your dog into being good, this is the best training method to adopt. This is the same system that is used in zoos and aquariums and by many professional dog handlers.

Reward based training with markers is highly effective in removing unwanted behaviour without damaging your dog's other, good behaviour. This is not the same as "purely positive" (whatever that is). Dogs learn that behaviour you don't want will not get them what they desire. We always give them a better alternative.

This IS fear free training, but it isn't force free - we use leashes to make dogs stay with us. We pick dogs up if we need to move them, and when treatment is needed, we immobilise them and do what needs to be done for their care. But before that happens, we use reward training to teach your dog cooperative care skills so that they can be held etc without fear.

If you have used traditional or "balanced" dog training in the past, I am happy to work with you. I do not allow the use of pinch, prong, choke / slip or electric training collars in group sessions. These can be highly effective when used by a professional level trainer, but often cause severe problems in the hands of badly educated people. There is no shouting, hissing, making loud noises or striking during training. I believe that fear, pain and intimidation have no place in a setting that is geared towards learning.

My training is inspired by and compatible with these well known and awesome trainers (in no particular order):
Karen Pryor, Ken Ramirez, Ian Dunbar, Leslie McDevitt, Grisha Stewart, Emily Larlham (Kikopup), Susan Garrett, Terry Ryan, Shirley M. Chong, Bob Bailey, Susan Friedman, Steve Martin.. and so many more!