It's an effective and humane approach to training that uses positive reinforcement to teach dogs the behaviors you want them to engage in, rather than using pain, punishment, and force to correct a dog's behavior.

In either case, it depends on the dog and it depends on you. Dogs are individuals, just as people are. Through training I will help you find what motivates your dog and teach you how to use conditioning and positive reinforcement to change a behavior, or to teach a new behavior. It will take practice and consistency on both your part as well as the dog's to master a new skill or change a behavior, but I will coach you on the best route to get there.

Please see the Packages and Rates page for info about costs and services. But if you find that you are at your wits' end with a dog's behavior and you're considering rehoming your dog or taking him or her to a local shelter: please contact us. We will try to work with you to find a solution at a cost you can afford.

Best In Dog, LLC does not support the use of these forms of punishment. Not only can the use of these techniques backfire, but they are ineffective tools for teaching a dog. A dog learns best through positive reinforcement. Positive forms of training help you and your dog develop a bond, a close relationship, and trust; therefore, Best In Dog, LLC only utilizes postitive forms of training.

We do not guarantee our work; no reputable trainer will suggest that they can. Patience and consistency are key. Some dog behaviors are inherent to being a dog or to a specific breed, such as barking or having a heightened sense of prey drive, and can only be managed rather than be "fixed." Some behaviors that dogs exhibit have been reinforced for years, and have become an integral part of the dog's personality. Some dogs were never socialized properly and may exhibit fearful behaviors for life as a result. Best In Dog, LLC will give you the tools to work with your dog to learn a new behavior or to change one, including conditioning and positive reinforcement, as well as understanding triggers and body language, and what motivates your dog. We will also give you tools you can use to control your dog's environment to help manage behaviors.

My husband and I are both strong supporters of rescue organizations and shelters that have a goal of saving lives and placing dogs in good homes. If you work for a rescue or shelter that needs help with specific dogs, or help training your volunteers and fosters, please contact us. As a certified traininer, I am not only comfortable working with and training individual dogs, but I can teach classes and work with fosters and volunteers, too. If you are interested in putting together a class for fosters, volunteers, and/or the dogs on basic skills using positive reinforcement—or if you're interested in offereing a puppy class or a class on enrichment activities or a specific topic such as dog introductions in a foster home, leash reactivity, or fearful dogs—please communicate with us about that. I would love a chance to work with you and your organization to come up with a plan to support your dogs and your people. Enrichment activities with a focus on mental stimulation, and other brain games, are great for heartworm positive dogs. And a puppy class for fosters and new adopters will provide guidance to ensure proper puppy socialization and fewer returns when the puppy turns into a teenager.