I think that labels are a double-edged sword, and that while they can help identify community, they also can become toxic. I am a positive reinforcement based trainer - to me, that means that I believe that positive reinforcement is the best way to influence behavior and the least harmful to our relationship with our animals. I do not use “tools” or aversives in my training. I believe the most important thing in a training relationship is being kind and clear, and to foster a sense of security and companionship on both ends of the leash.

The important questions for pet professionals, in my opinion, are:

1.) What happens when my dog does something right? When training with me, your dog will be set up to make correct choices, and be rewarded for making them. A reward may mean food, a toy, or access to something they want.

2.) What happens when my dog does something wrong? In the moment, we act as the guardians of our dogs and remove them from a situation where they are making a wrong choice. Within a training plan, it means that we asked for something beyond the scope of the dog’s abilities - something going wrong is a reason to re-evaluate the skills we’ve taught and the challenges we’ve presented.

3.) Is there a less invasive approach to solve the problem behavior? Quite possibly! I’m committed to continuing education and certainly don’t think I know everything yet. I am always adjusting and fine tuning my methods. In the moment, I want to use the method that is least invasive to both you and your dog’s lives - and the answer to what that approach is may differ both from dog to dog, but also from human to human. I want to find a behavior solution that is sustainable and positive for everyone involved.

Training methods inform what’s valued in a program. When looking for a trainer, consider the answer to those three questions and how they align with your philosophy and the relationship you would like to build with your dog.

There are wonderful trainers out there who use only positive reinforcement - who may be “more positive” than I am in what they consider limiting or aversive. There are also phenomenal trainers who use corrections in their training, and do so fairly and to great effect.

You should always feel comfortable asking for solutions with your trainer, and comfortable expressing what will or will not work with your family to your trainer.

My certifications currently include CPDT-KA and FFCP.

CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed) means that I have accumulated a number of hours of hands-on teaching, coaching, and training, as well as passed a written test on behavior theory, husbandry, and training skills. It also means I commit to continuing education that has been vetted as valuable to the CCPDT to maintain my certfication. I have signed agreement with the organization to pursue the least invasive, minimally aversive training route in any given training situation.

FFCP (Fear Free Certified Professional) means I have completed a course and assessment on how to reduce Fear, Anxiety, and Stress during training visits as well as veterinary, husbandry, and care tasks.

In pursuance of continuing education requirements, I have also taken a Master Course regarding Dog Aggression, as well as courses on kids and dogs from Family Paws and The Dial Guide.

My goals over the next year is to apply and confirm my CCPDT Behavior Consultant certification to codify my skills and focus on behavior consultation and modification as well as taking the Treat and Retreat Certification Course from Suzanne Clothier to broaden my skillset with anxious and fearful dogs.

In my opinion:

It is unethical, and irresponsible, to guarantee results from any training service. Dogs are individuals, and like any other individual, respond to unique environments with unique behaviors. Their behavior is influenced not only by their training but also by genetics, emotions, physical sensation, and many other factors that cannot be unilaterally controlled for.

Training is a process and doesn’t necessarily reach an “endpoint” - even less are those endpoints or milestones the same from family to family. What I do guarantee is that I can introduce skills that form a bedrock for you and your dog’s relationship and inform improved behavior choices to make your lives together more comfortable - and that you have someone in your corner to help and support you on that journey.

Virtual learning has been a buzzword for the past several years across most professions and subjects. As much as I do enjoy in person work, I recognize that there are additional distractions that can make that more complicated.

During our first session I’ve found the best thing I can do is listen to what you and your family need. By taking the time to listen to the challenges you’re having, your experiences with your dog, and the training needs you’re seeking, I’m better able to tailor your training program to meet those needs.

I’m also better able to position you as the source of interest and excitement for your dog’s training plan. In Session Zero, we will discuss the challenges you’re having, identify where easy changes can be made to prevent bad behavior and encourage good behavior, and introduce skills and working with your dog without the distraction of a new person present. Your dog learns that a training session with you means that the two of you are going to have fun together. Not that they’re going to have fun with a new person with meatballs.

Following the session I’ll update the notes and resources on a personalized webpage for you, nested in my community portal Guild Hall, which also includes resources and recommendations of it’s own. I’ll send over my recommendation for next steps taking into consideration our conversation and your goals, and we can plan next steps from there.

Guild Hall is your client portal available to all Like Magic clients past and present.

As well as your personalized webpage, you’ll also find resources and information there including basic orientations and behaviors for skill building, recommendations for fun things to do with your dog in the area, and classes or events only available to Guild Hall members.

Past and present clients also access their discounted services and boarding requests through Guild Hall.

Learning online can be a great way to learn at your own pace! I love taking classes online for my own continued learning as well as my training with my personal dogs. Group classes and even private training sessions can be challenging to give full attention to - depending on the time of the day or week, you may be preoccupied with other things, your dog may not be in the best mood, and training may not always line up. Self-led classes give you the opportunity to choose when you train, with the information always available to you.