I am a Dog Trainer

So what's it mean to me to say I'm a dog trainer? Here are a few random thoughts from a working list.....

I am a dog trainer, not a magician. I will work to help you get the most from your dog, and to have the best life you can with your dog. I want your dog to earn a life full of privilege and participation. Training is hard work, not magic. But training can be rewarding and have many "magical" moments.

I am dog trainer, not a theorist. I deal with real dogs and offer solutions that have proven practical benefits. I find theories interesting and worth consideration, but the real world proves an abundance of theories flawed. I rely on good communication and leadership with dogs, not medicines or therapy. I continually assess a dog's response in the real world, not in a sterile environment.

I am a dog trainer, not a competitor. I will respect your past experience with dogs, or your request for help if you lack any experience. Please respect that I likely work with more dogs each week than you will in your lifetime. Because of this I may have a broader perspective of dogs, but I also know I can learn from you and your pet. My hope is we will learn from each other.

I am a dog trainer, not a parent. We can discuss how children should behave around dogs, how they should interact with dogs, and how you can help them build healthy relationships with pet(s). But there is no substitute for a parent guiding a child down the path of respectful ownership of a dog. This parental guidance can provide a richer life for your children and your pet(s). I cannot teach a dog to take abuse from a child.

I am a dog trainer, not a salesperson. I do need to be paid for my time and services, but I am not looking to sell you services you don't need. If I don't feel I can help you, I will still offer honesty. I may refer you to others with different skills or resources, or we may need to have a discussion regarding realistic outcomes for your dog.

I am a dog trainer, not a psychic. I do not know how many visits your dog will require, or how long it will take to reach your goals. I know that every dog is unique, and I continue to learn varied training skills to better meet challenges. I live with two dogs, 10 and 6 years of age. Their training is still not "finished".