Absolutely not. Our approach to dog training is rooted in evidence-based methods and the latest scientific research. We prioritize your dog’s well-being and advocate for positive reinforcement techniques. Unlike some trainers who may use tools that apply pressure or shocks, we rely on proven methods that foster a trusting relationship between you and your dog. I’m not just passionate about my work but passionate about you and your dog’s experience. It’s not just about the quadrants and “limiting options to only positive.” We understand that genetics, past learning, and your dog’s unique personality play a huge role, and to ignore these factors in training is ineffective and potentially harmful. Our commitment to transparency is reflected in our research studies section, where you can explore the scientific evidence behind our training methods. We believe in empowering you with knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about your dog’s training journey.

Ask questions:

• “Why do you choose to incorporate aversive tools like shock or prong collars into your training approach, despite the availability of proven methods that do not rely on such tools? Evidence-based techniques such as treat retreat, predation substitute technique, behavior adjustment training, LATTE, engage/disengage, relaxation protocols, among others, have demonstrated effectiveness without the need for aversive tools. Can you explain your rationale for using these tools instead of relying solely on positive reinforcement methods?”

• “How do you ensure that your training methods meet the comprehensive needs of the dogs you work with? Considering the 14 areas of enrichment is crucial for providing a fulfilling and balanced environment for dogs. Techniques that induce discomfort for undesirable behavior can lead to suppression or avoidance learning, which may manifest in signs of increased anxiety, such as excessive pacing or panting. How do you assess each dog’s individual needs and behaviors to tailor your approach accordingly?”

• “Do you offer guarantees for the effectiveness of your training methods? Behavior is complex and dynamic, and relying solely on suppression or avoidance learning through fear may lead to compliance out of fear rather than true understanding. Can you elaborate on how you address this challenge in your training programs and ensure that dogs are learning in a positive and constructive manner?”

• Could you share insights into the professional development initiatives you pursue to stay updated in your field? Are the professionals rooted in champion trophies or academic collegiate degrees? It’s important to continuously learn from experts and remain abreast of the latest research and insights. Are there specific professionals or academic disciplines, such as neurology, ethology, or anthropology, that you prioritize in your ongoing education efforts?

Discussions I have held with some of these trainers have led with statements like “why limit yourself to one area?”. A statement like this shows they are only focused on the “quadrants”. they may be passionate about dogs, but they don’t really care about the dog or understanding how to actually help the dog through the difficult emotions they are going through in the highly stimulated environments. They push to a let’s meet and have a conversation but when redirected back to them and asked would you speak with Daniel Shaw, Dr Tim Lewis, Kristina Spaulding…. or highly noted leaders in the industry they shrug it off with a lack of care to know. Stating one is scared to defend a position. My question is Why? Why subject a dog to an uncomfortable feeling when thats not needed with proven methods (that require you to learn some additional things other than pushing a button or popping a collar).

My concerns here lie in my history as a dog trainer. Prior to covid i was cocky thought i knew it all. A dog i trained landed a spot in a dog fancy magazine, when i sat through training sessions at Petco their “new” ways to train were stuff i already learned. this all lead to an inflated ego. During covid it became abundantly clear there is so much more to working with our canine companions and focused heavily on professional development to further deepen my grasp and understanding. training a dog isn’t just about know what the quadrants are. Kim Brophey’s L.E.G.S Model gave clear insight into there is so much more going on that we need to assess to help maintain a long-term happy dog. Not an in the moment right now situation resolved.

I love what I do but even I recognize that I’m just a tadpole in this big ocean of professionals who actually did the research and studies. I am just implementing what they have provided advocating for our learner to have a chance to be understood and figure things out.

We welcome you to call or email to ask any questions. Our home page has an option for you to easily send a quick inquiry or schedule a phone or virtual services inquiry at a time that is convenient for you. Our services inquiry is a free 30-minute q&a that answers any and all questions you may have about the services we currently offer.

No, our website has been set up to allow you the ability to pay and book your desired service. The trainer may call or reach out to you via one of the communication methods you have provided to gain additional information if not enough was provided. Understand that all of our services aim to educate you along with your pet to ensure you are both successful in the training journey.

The Least Inhibitive, Functionally Effective (LIFE) Model: A New Framework for Ethical Animal Training Practices “training ethically matching behavior change to its cause.”

L.I.M.A.’s intended purpose:
What becomes clear in these statements was that LIMA was not intended to be an attempt to minimize the use of aversive stimuli, as many modern force-free trainers have conceptualized. Instead, Lindsay intended LIMA to be a framework to help trainers select their aversive stimuli and tools. As one of the latter statements in the handbook concludes:

“Aversive procedures are legitimate and valuable tools for controlling undesirable behavior…” (p. 725).

Click here to Read about L.I.F.E.
Click here to understand what L.I.M.A. is.

• Balanced Dog Training vs. Positive Reinforcement
• Effective dog training is reward-based not balanced (spca.bc.ca)

• Positive Dog Training Misconceptions
• Why Doesn’t Force-Free Dog Training Work?

Owner Focused sessions are single hour sessions that work on specific goals to strengthen the bond and relationship with your pup/dog. Dogs do not know our rules nor how to live within our home. Its important for us to peer through the lens of L.E.G.S. to help us understand how that can teach our canine companions how to navigate our human world. Whether you just have something simple to a string of undesired behaviors your first step will be booking a consultation.

The consultation is the first step in your journey to help understand how to address your pets undesired behavior. This 90-minute session will devote time into breaking down what our current to future focus will be. Discover whether a package is needed afterwards or if that session helped cover the how to for the behavior that brought you to us. We will breakdown enrichment strategies, assess the current routine pattern, isolate your pet’s needs, build out a plan of action towards success along with implementing the training for your dog.

What we see other trainers market a consultation as:

• Free 30-minute session
• A meet to discuss what you are needing

This is what’s covered under our Services Inquiry

Bootcamp Board and Train: This option is best for those who have a busy lifestyle and limited time. The trainer will do the heavy lifting and help your puppy adjust to the human world. This option is best for those who want their dog to learn quickly and efficiently with minimal involvement from the owner. We prioritize the owners role by educating and spending time with them to help them learn how to reinforce and continue their pup/dogs development

Day Camp Training: This option is a great balance between owner involvement and professional training. It is ideal for those who have a busy schedule but still want to be involved in the training process. The trainer will work with your dog during the day and you’ll follow through with the training at home. This option allows for daily feedback and focus from the trainer as your puppy learns and grows with the training.

Owner-Focused or Group Classes: This option is best for those who have time on their hands, want to learn, and want to be the primary trainer of their dog. These classes are focused on teaching owners how to communicate and get the desired responses from their dog within their home and social life.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your lifestyle, the specific goals you have for your dog, and how much time and involvement you are willing to commit to the training process. It’s important to consider your personal situation and choose the option that will work best for you and your dog.

Yes and no, If you are the hands-on type that enjoys being apart of every moment and doing the teaching yourself then group or owner focused might be the best route for you. For those who have a busy chaotic life yes, the trainer does all the hard work teaching the concepts and you just reinforce when they come home. Enrolling your puppy at 8 weeks sets them up for continued success with constant dog-to-dog socialization. Home and work life can be chaotic and limits the invested time needed to guide an attention craved puppy as they explore and discover all the scents and textures our home and outside world have to offer. Having a professional trainer guiding your pup in a structured environment increases their response to making nondestructive decisions, establishing coping mechanisms such as teaching a leave it (lose interest in the cable cord, pizza/burger on the table, shoes in the closet.) sit for attention instead of jumping and clawing. Polite leash mannerisms compared to excessive arm pulling during walks. Trainers can recognize initial fear responses that sometimes get reinforced within the home environment. A structured training environment focusing on your pets needs can help to avoid reinforcing and developing an avoidance or fear to seeing or hearing the trash can, vacuum, or person riding the bicycle down the sidewalk among other things.

• Who your dog is – Assesses your dog’s needs and helps cater the stay to help them learn and understand how to adapt to our world. High intensity or dogs shy and worried about their surroundings may need more time and a modified plan outside of the base focus of the general board and train.

• Effectively disrupts the rehearsal of undesired behaviors. Through focused training and a structured environment, the program intervenes to break the cycle of negative habits, providing a foundation for positive change in your pet’s decision making.

• Dog-to-dog socialization, which helps puppies and dogs develop social skills and become more well-adjusted companions.

• Constant body handling, which helps prevent paw or tail sensitivities and promotes a positive association with being touched and handled.

• Exposure to different people, places, and things, which helps decrease unexpected fear responses and helps puppies and dogs develop a well-adjusted mindset during the critical fear and socialization stages.

• Learning basic cues such as sit, leave it, come, and proper behavior in different situations such as greeting people, potty training and crate training.

• Teaching your dog to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate objects to chew on and play with.

• Promoting a healthy mindset and behavior towards the house rules and routine, which will make the transition to the new home a lot smoother.

• Consistency in training: Board and Train provides consistent training, which helps dogs learn and retain cues and behaviors more effectively.

• Professional guidance: Led by an experienced trainer who has 13 years of knowledge and expertise to address any issues or concerns that may arise during the training process.

• Time-efficient: Board & Train is an immersive training program that covers a lot of ground in a short amount of time, making it a time-efficient option for busy owners.

• Customizable: Our Positive Creations option can be tailored to fit the specific needs and goals of your dog and your household.

Yes, on the day of drop-off, we will spend between 1 to 3 hours going over everything the puppy/dog has learned, offering demonstrations and answering any and all additional questions you may have. You have a busy life, and we know how excited you both will be to be back together so to help prep you, our focus is to educate you! You’re going to receive vital information within the first week of them starting. Additionally, as part of our commitment to your ongoing success, clients will receive an allotment of emails detailing various topics related to home management, enrichment, how to meet your dog’s needs, and other areas of focus. These emails will provide valuable resources to aid you in being successful upon the return of your dog.

During the final week, we’ll also send out a packet that details all the cues learned; how they were taught, and the temporary adjustments needed in your home environment to ensure success. The puppy/dog will still need follow-up from you when she/he comes home. But this is nowhere near the same as a puppy/dog who has learned nothing and has no clue what your expectations are of them within the home. The difference here is that the puppy has already tackled the learning and figuring-out part, and all you are doing now is building a bond and showing the puppy that it applies in this home as well. Not all breeds are the same, nor do all dogs learn at the same pace. A fearful shy dog will not show the same success as a confident dog/pup but will make success in their own way.

Rest assured, your dog will not lose the bond with you during their time with us. Dogs have a remarkable ability to remember their owners, and our program is designed to reinforce and strengthen the bond between you and your furry companion. Additionally, to support you during your dog’s stay, we provide an allotment of emails covering various topics to keep you engaged in learning and understanding how to prepare for your dog’s return. Your bond will remain strong, and with our guidance, you’ll both continue to grow closer throughout the training process.

Your dog will stay within our family home during their learning process. They’ll live among us, just like our own dogs, with the exception of a few management factors put in place to help them learn how to make appropriate decisions. Dogs who stay with us sleep in wire crates overnight, providing them with a safe and secure resting space while also allowing for proper management during their training. We provide a comfortable and nurturing environment where your dog can thrive and receive personalized attention throughout their training journey.

We want this to be easy for you – Our updated booking system allows you to schedule your start and end dates in advance. Not ready for your dog to attend now select a future date. The scheduler also allows you to automatically add the date to your iPhone or google calendar to make planning and setting reminders smooth and easy. Click here to start

Absolutely – in fact, we encourage it. If however, you would like us to take care of your dog’s food needs, we can gladly do that as well. Any money spent will get added to the end bill. Note due to timing constraints we ask that you provide the full amount if not we will purchase the brand you feed your pet while they are in our care.

Yes, we are more than happy to travel to your stylist to ensure your puppy gets the best care during his/her bath and cut. Note that if your stylist lives over an hour away from us we would require to plan this in advance along with an incurred travel fee.

Dog food is provided by you during training, with all excess returned back with dog upon completion. Any extra food required will be added to invoice upon returning your pup. Brand/type can be selected by pet parent or chosen by us!

Veterinarian visits: We can take your pet to all scheduled vaccine appts and regular wellness checks while in our care. The client can set up appointments at their preferred office or we can take your pet to our partnered vet (Animal Talk, Wentzville MO). We will discuss with you any required vet fees, share all vet recommendations in the situation for you to make the best decision on what you want to spend during those visits. We will cover the cost during the training and add it to the end bill or you can prepay. Whichever is more convenient for you.

At this time we currently are not offering group classes. We have found more success with clients and their dogs when working one on one with a trainer getting focused attention. Check out our Owner Focused Sessions.

Maybe, Day Camp training can be a highly effective method for achieving results with your dog as long as you the pet owner follow through with the nightly training. The program is designed to give your dog focused one-on-one attention with an experienced trainer, working through the desired cues and behaviors set within the curriculum. The program also includes owner-focused sessions that teach you how to follow through with the training at home and reinforce what was taught each day during the night and weekends. The individual lessons are vital for the success of the course as the major element of training is environmental management. This approach allows for the dog to be trained in real-life scenarios and transfer the learned behaviors to their daily life and routine. This comprehensive approach has been proven to be effective in achieving success and happiness for both the dog and the owner.