Training your dog to become a responsible canine citizen is exhausting. Group sessions can only take you so far, and training on your own can be a huge lesson in frustration. Even finding a trainer and getting private lessons for your dog can seem daunting. After all, you’re trusting a stranger with your dog. How do you know it’s going to work?
I always say: A trained dog is a happy dog, and your best option is to work with a professional trainer.
Before you start, make sure you find the right trainer. When it comes to a private trainer, you need to know exactly who you’re working with. You should be aware of the training method they prefer to make sure it matches your goals. You should know their approach to working with clients and their pets so there are no misunderstandings. Don’t forget their credentials, and of course, their experience. Most importantly your dog’s trainer should be someone you’re comfortable with.
If you’re here, you’re probably looking into training for your dog and are curious to know more about the methods that I use at Cosmic Home and Pet. Let’s dive into who I am and what I can offer you and your dog.
My Background in Dog Training
Hi, I’m Brea! I am the founder of Cosmic Home and Pet and the sole Dog Trainer on staff. That means, if you’re signing up for dog training, you’re signing up to work with me!
My approach to dog training is backed up by 20 years of experience, certification, and years of continuing education. I founded Cosmic Home and Pet in 1998 as a Certified Dog Trainer. From the very beginning, I imagined Cosmic Home and Pet as more than just a dog walking and pet sitting service.
I received my Certification in Canine Studies in 2009 through The Northwest School Of Canine Studies. This is an advanced program that teaches cognitive science, animal behavior, behavior modification, and other topics related to behavior and animal learning theory.
My Approach to Dog Training
My education has led to my balanced approach to dog training. This approach is all about recognizing the unique character of every dog. This leads to customized dog training programs that are specially designed to take your dog’s strengths and weaknesses in mind.
My combination of behavioral knowledge and canine psychology along with my understanding of what drives dogs to do what they do is what makes my dog training effective. To me, training is about more than just “sit” and “stay”. It’s about getting exactly why your dog behaves the way they do and using that to help modify your dog’s behaviors to promote the desirable and discourage the undesirable.
As a fellow dog parent, I understand the different challenges that dogs can present. I believe that the best path to effective training is communication. This means understanding what your dog is trying to communicate to you through their behaviors. It also means paying attention to how you’re communicating with your dog. Are you clear? Are you sending them mixed signals?
Training is a collaboration between myself and my client. I encourage owners to keep me in the loop about any difficulties they might be having or training techniques you just can’t get the hang of. Modifying your dog’s behavior includes modifying your own. Letting me know about any challenges you are facing as you work with your dog helps me understand how to work with you so you can work better with your dog.
You already know, especially if you have multiple dogs, dogs are individuals. No two dogs will respond the same way to a situation. That means every dog needs a unique training approach. No two people learn the same way either. Some of us can see something once and remember it perfectly… while others need a little help, like taking notes or a video.
A crucial part of dog training is helping the owner understand the techniques used to train their dog and how to use them to their best advantage. I am careful about making sure I understand how you learn best so that I can help guide you through the stress of training your dog.
Since no two dogs are alike, there is not one program that works perfectly for every dog. I adapt the methods I use to accommodate the dog I am working with. My balanced approach to dog training adapts my techniques to accommodate the special needs of every dog.
Collaboration is Key
Everything is about collaborating. I train your dog, yes, but a lot of the training is between the client and myself. I adjust my teaching style as needed. I work with clients who are more visual, reading, or hands-on learners.
I’m here to help you. I need you to be communicative with me, speak up for what you need, and share problems you’re running into. How you learn is unique to you. Clients may take videos while I’m doing the actual training so they can refer back to them. Or clients can take videos of their work with their dog and send them in.
The whole point is to keep it easy for you. Not that dog training is easy… but to make sure the process makes sense and is easy for you to complete.
If you’re interested in private dog training, head over to the Private Training page on the Cosmic Home and Pet website, and explore your options. There are basic and intermediate training sessions offered, so there’s sure to be one that is right for your dog. Don’t forget to fill out the interest form at the bottom of the page to get started.
Looking for more insight into my training methods and experience?
Check out the About page to learn even more.
If you want to learn more about balanced dog training and what it means, give this helpful blog post a read.
And as always, if you have any questions, send a note via the Contact form.
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