Email: [email protected]
Services Offered
Fee Schedule
Training:
- Puppy manners
- Adolescent manners
- Adult manners
Obedience training is about telling a dog what to do and when to do it, with the dog handler making the decisions.
Manners training teaches the same behaviors on cue, but empowers the dog to make choices and develop good manners.
I think of it as like raising a child. The parents want the child to grow up learning how to make good choices, not to be telling the child what to do for the rest of their lives. That would be exhausting!
With manners training a dog develops confidence, has a sense of control of their life, and learns that good choices and good manners are appreciated. This results in a good relationship between the pet stewards and their dog. The handler still has the option to direct the dog's behavior on cue, as needed.
Follow this link to learn about professional guiding principles and ethics practiced by Happy Buddha Dog Training.
Training involves teaching a dog how to do things and while it is usually simple, it may not be easy. It requires knowledge of learning theory, timing, mechanical skill and understanding canine body language. A trainer must also be able to teach pet stewards how to carry on when the trainer is no longer in the home.
Behavior modification is about changing the way a dog feels about things. Many behavioral problems are founded in lack of enrichment in a dog's life, frustration, anxiety, fears or phobias. Behavior is complex and is influenced by genetics, prenatal stress, post natal nurturing, socialization (or the lack of it), life experiences, environmental factors, injury/illness, the aging process and the ways in which pet stewards interact with their pets. Understanding and changing behavior is always complex and seldom easy. Through the application of sound scientific methods behavior may be changed. This involves the use of respondent (classical) conditioning and operant (trial & error) conditioning and requires an additional skill set many trainers lack.
Cases I do not take
* Dog-Human bite cases which involve severe injury, such as a need for immediate medical care or hospitalization
Dog-Dog aggression within the home
Fee Schedule
Training:
- Puppy manners
- Adolescent manners
- Adult manners
Obedience training is about telling a dog what to do and when to do it, with the dog handler making the decisions.
Manners training teaches the same behaviors on cue, but empowers the dog to make choices and develop good manners.
I think of it as like raising a child. The parents want the child to grow up learning how to make good choices, not to be telling the child what to do for the rest of their lives. That would be exhausting!
With manners training a dog develops confidence, has a sense of control of their life, and learns that good choices and good manners are appreciated. This results in a good relationship between the pet stewards and their dog. The handler still has the option to direct the dog's behavior on cue, as needed.
Follow this link to learn about professional guiding principles and ethics practiced by Happy Buddha Dog Training.
Training involves teaching a dog how to do things and while it is usually simple, it may not be easy. It requires knowledge of learning theory, timing, mechanical skill and understanding canine body language. A trainer must also be able to teach pet stewards how to carry on when the trainer is no longer in the home.
Behavior modification is about changing the way a dog feels about things. Many behavioral problems are founded in lack of enrichment in a dog's life, frustration, anxiety, fears or phobias. Behavior is complex and is influenced by genetics, prenatal stress, post natal nurturing, socialization (or the lack of it), life experiences, environmental factors, injury/illness, the aging process and the ways in which pet stewards interact with their pets. Understanding and changing behavior is always complex and seldom easy. Through the application of sound scientific methods behavior may be changed. This involves the use of respondent (classical) conditioning and operant (trial & error) conditioning and requires an additional skill set many trainers lack.
Cases I do not take
* Dog-Human bite cases which involve severe injury, such as a need for immediate medical care or hospitalization
Dog-Dog aggression within the home
Music Credit: Performing artists Maria Daines and Paul Killington produced the force-free jingle for The Pet Professional Guild, and I have permission to use the song, thank you! Thanks also to Rocket's family for permission to post his digital images. Enjoy!
Q&A
"Why should I choose in-home training instead of a group class?"
Training in a dog's environment is critical to making the learning experience relevant to real life. Many pet owners find it hard to transfer "obedience" drills in a group class to the real world of their dog. I teach dogs and families in the spaces where they live and play.
"What can I expect from Happy Buddha Dog Training?"
* I will travel to your home to provide humane training and teach your dog good manners, while coaching family.
* I am an experienced and professional trainer who passed three rigid certification examinations and invests in continuing education each month.
* I provide a printed Dog Manners training guide to help you understand the process we will use.
* I provide links to dozens of instructional videos on training, behavior modification and canine body language.
* I provide handouts appropriate for the particular training goals or behavior modification we choose.
* I offer free email and telephone support during our training relationship and beyond.
* I will work to the best of my ability to help you and your dog.
* I make it fun for people and dogs alike. You and your pet will enjoy the process!
* I carry professional business insurance, and provide testimonials.
"Are all trainers alike?"
No. Trainers are not required to prove knowledge or ability and may use virtually any methods they wish in the name of "training". Of approximately 50,000 trainers in the United States some are accredited.
"Do you have professional accreditation?"
Yes. I hold two professional dog trainer credentials and am a certified canine behavior consultant: PCT-A , CBCC-KA and CPDT-KA.
PCT-A is a force-free credential so I will never intimidate, frighten, force or harm your dog. I never use shock, prong or choke collars. There are approximately 45 PCT-A dog trainers in the world.
CBCC-KA is Certified Behavior Consultant Canine - Knowledge Assessed. This is a high standard of knowledge of applied behavior analysis, canine anatomy, physiology and biology, ethology, body language, observation skills, health, development, life stages, consulting skills and best practices. There are approximately 127 CBCC-KA professionals in the world.
CPDT-KA means Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed. There are approximately 3,500 CPDT-KA dog trainers in the world, including those who use aversive methods contradicting position statements of American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. My methods are consistent with AVSAB standards.
"Do you maintain professional memberships?"
Yes. I am proud to belong to The Pet Professional Guild. I Chaired the PPG Advocacy Committee, co-Chaired the Shock-Free Coalition and sat on the Steering Committee. Currently I am a member of the Advocacy Panel. I have written dozens of articles for BARKS From the Guild magazine and a monthly PPG blog, and currently write for Pets and Their People, a PPG online publication.
"What methods and equipment do you use?"
I reinforce desirable behaviors to strengthen them. Undesirable behaviors are gently redirected to desirable ones that are then reinforced. My methods are force-free and I use high quality food as a primary reinforcer. I prefer using a body harness and hands-free leash but also work with flat neck collars. I will not use a shock, prong or choke collar or any frightening, harmful or forceful methods.
"Did you ever use aversive methods or equipment?"
Yes. With my first puppy in 1983 I used traditional methods of the day including yelling, scruff shake, rolling and pinning. They did not serve me well. I followed the advice of a trainer who published the best-selling dog training book at that time. I later used a choke collar for a short time with a different Labrador, upon advice of a trainer. I found no help in it and quickly abandoned the choke collar.
When Buddha entered my life I learned from a force-free trainer and saw how easy it was to teach my dog, and how strong our relationship became. When we know better, we can do better. I began studying science-based dog training and behavior modification at that time. That is how I switched to force-free methods and equipment. Now I want to help other pet owners who may have used old-fashioned methods and equipment due to poor advice, frustration or just not knowing about the harmful consequences.
"What about problem solving and behavior modification?"
I am a Certified Behavior Consultant Canine - Knowledge Assessed and will travel to your home to help with these behaviors:
- Dog-Dog Reactivity
- Dog-Human (low-level) Aggression
- Resource Guarding
- Separation Anxiety
- Fearfulness
"Why should I choose in-home training instead of a group class?"
Training in a dog's environment is critical to making the learning experience relevant to real life. Many pet owners find it hard to transfer "obedience" drills in a group class to the real world of their dog. I teach dogs and families in the spaces where they live and play.
"What can I expect from Happy Buddha Dog Training?"
* I will travel to your home to provide humane training and teach your dog good manners, while coaching family.
* I am an experienced and professional trainer who passed three rigid certification examinations and invests in continuing education each month.
* I provide a printed Dog Manners training guide to help you understand the process we will use.
* I provide links to dozens of instructional videos on training, behavior modification and canine body language.
* I provide handouts appropriate for the particular training goals or behavior modification we choose.
* I offer free email and telephone support during our training relationship and beyond.
* I will work to the best of my ability to help you and your dog.
* I make it fun for people and dogs alike. You and your pet will enjoy the process!
* I carry professional business insurance, and provide testimonials.
"Are all trainers alike?"
No. Trainers are not required to prove knowledge or ability and may use virtually any methods they wish in the name of "training". Of approximately 50,000 trainers in the United States some are accredited.
"Do you have professional accreditation?"
Yes. I hold two professional dog trainer credentials and am a certified canine behavior consultant: PCT-A , CBCC-KA and CPDT-KA.
PCT-A is a force-free credential so I will never intimidate, frighten, force or harm your dog. I never use shock, prong or choke collars. There are approximately 45 PCT-A dog trainers in the world.
CBCC-KA is Certified Behavior Consultant Canine - Knowledge Assessed. This is a high standard of knowledge of applied behavior analysis, canine anatomy, physiology and biology, ethology, body language, observation skills, health, development, life stages, consulting skills and best practices. There are approximately 127 CBCC-KA professionals in the world.
CPDT-KA means Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed. There are approximately 3,500 CPDT-KA dog trainers in the world, including those who use aversive methods contradicting position statements of American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. My methods are consistent with AVSAB standards.
"Do you maintain professional memberships?"
Yes. I am proud to belong to The Pet Professional Guild. I Chaired the PPG Advocacy Committee, co-Chaired the Shock-Free Coalition and sat on the Steering Committee. Currently I am a member of the Advocacy Panel. I have written dozens of articles for BARKS From the Guild magazine and a monthly PPG blog, and currently write for Pets and Their People, a PPG online publication.
"What methods and equipment do you use?"
I reinforce desirable behaviors to strengthen them. Undesirable behaviors are gently redirected to desirable ones that are then reinforced. My methods are force-free and I use high quality food as a primary reinforcer. I prefer using a body harness and hands-free leash but also work with flat neck collars. I will not use a shock, prong or choke collar or any frightening, harmful or forceful methods.
"Did you ever use aversive methods or equipment?"
Yes. With my first puppy in 1983 I used traditional methods of the day including yelling, scruff shake, rolling and pinning. They did not serve me well. I followed the advice of a trainer who published the best-selling dog training book at that time. I later used a choke collar for a short time with a different Labrador, upon advice of a trainer. I found no help in it and quickly abandoned the choke collar.
When Buddha entered my life I learned from a force-free trainer and saw how easy it was to teach my dog, and how strong our relationship became. When we know better, we can do better. I began studying science-based dog training and behavior modification at that time. That is how I switched to force-free methods and equipment. Now I want to help other pet owners who may have used old-fashioned methods and equipment due to poor advice, frustration or just not knowing about the harmful consequences.
"What about problem solving and behavior modification?"
I am a Certified Behavior Consultant Canine - Knowledge Assessed and will travel to your home to help with these behaviors:
- Dog-Dog Reactivity
- Dog-Human (low-level) Aggression
- Resource Guarding
- Separation Anxiety
- Fearfulness
Romeo was fearful of visitors a the door. See what we accomplished in a few force-free sessions.
(Thanks to Romeo's family for permission to post this.)