To me, dog trainers are like great physicians, a surgeon, or even a hair stylist. Pick one that is just run of the mill, or just ok, and you will be screwed. Take this advice, and stop here when you are looking for a positive reinforcement dog trainer who knows her stuff!
I have known Rebecca for a few years when I met her needing a dog trainer for our Betty White, who is leash reactive. I had been through some "meh", and not so great trainers who used fear tactics for my sweet girl, and so I was reluctant to try another, but I knew she needed help. Once I met Rebecca, I knew her philosophy aligned with mine and what i wanted for Betty.
Rebecca came to our home, did an consult/meet and greet, to determine where Betty was with her learning, and what motivates her, ahem, treats. :) Long story short, it was clear that clicker training was best and so Rebecca taught us what we needed to do on our walks to get her to stop jumping at cars passing by, or people on bikes going by. Note, we had homework.
If a trainer tells you that he/she can "fix" your dog and doesn't have you involved nor give you things to work on, run! Also needing to be said, if you don't do your homework and work with your pet, then training won't work for you. It is great to have a trusted trainer who is part of our "it takes a village" mentality when it comes to our sweet girl. We couldn't be more thrilled to have found Rebecca Andrews! read more