Deborah L.
Deborah L.
Virginia Beach, VA
Dogs will learn to love learning!
I am the sole owner and trainer of Playful Pups. My many years as an English teacher in Virginia Beach have given me insights into learning theory, student/teacher/parent interactions, and individualized instruction. These experiences have influenced my past sixteen years of teaching people how to teach their dogs by using patience, clarity, and humor. My classes are personal and FUN! Why? As a member of the Pet Professional Guild I promote their credo: "We train with patience, not pain!" So I that's the way I teach my clients how to use force-free methods to attain their training goals!
What to expect
Consultation
I often spend time on the phone consulting with people who have called to inquire about training. These conversations are free and may or may not lead to paid enrollment.
Sessions
In each class I will introduce a number of behaviors, using their dogs to demonstrate. However, I do not teach their dogs...I teach the clients how to teach their dogs! That means clients must be prepared to teach their dogs at home, which takes commitment and patience. But I always send a follow-up email, explaining in depth and detail exactly how to practice what was introduced in class each week. And I'm always available by phone, email, and text.
Reviews
Experience
As a trainer, I rely on every dog’s innate understanding that “if A occurs, then B will follow,” and I use this understanding not to correct but to reward. and that "B" response is always a reward: we do not punish mistakes! Instead, we set the dog up for success by teaching in small step-by-step increments, so mistakes are less likely to occur. If a learner is successful 85 percent of the time, he will quickly! I also allow the dog to make choices, since he will continue to make the ones that are rewarded. The dog becomes empowered, as he realizes that “If I DO A, I can make B follow!”
Training skill set
Services
Includes 11%booking fee
Consultations
Sessions
Availability
Most people find that enrollment in a six-week group class is most effective. Our group classes are typically limited to no more than 4 dogs and are held weeknights and Saturdays during the day. As the fee for six weeks of class is $180, that works out to $30 a hour. Make-ups for a missed class are encouraged! The best option for a private session is the 90-minute one-on-one lesson at my training center (near Mt. Trashmore.) Private training held at your home is offered as well; however 2 sessions at the training center for about the same fee would be much more productive, I assure you!
Days available to train
What to expect
Consultation
I often spend time on the phone consulting with people who have called to inquire about training. These conversations are free and may or may not lead to paid enrollment.
Sessions
In each class I will introduce a number of behaviors, using their dogs to demonstrate. However, I do not teach their dogs...I teach the clients how to teach their dogs! That means clients must be prepared to teach their dogs at home, which takes commitment and patience. But I always send a follow-up email, explaining in depth and detail exactly how to practice what was introduced in class each week. And I'm always available by phone, email, and text.
Reviews
Experience
As a trainer, I rely on every dog’s innate understanding that “if A occurs, then B will follow,” and I use this understanding not to correct but to reward. and that "B" response is always a reward: we do not punish mistakes! Instead, we set the dog up for success by teaching in small step-by-step increments, so mistakes are less likely to occur. If a learner is successful 85 percent of the time, he will quickly! I also allow the dog to make choices, since he will continue to make the ones that are rewarded. The dog becomes empowered, as he realizes that “If I DO A, I can make B follow!”
Training skill set
Deborah L.
Deborah L.
Virginia Beach, VA