Natassia E.
Natassia E.
Fairfax, VA
63 repeat clients
63 repeat clients
Training that's fun and helpful!
I've been in pet care for the past 11 years (taking care of over 400 dogs) and it all started when I worked with a dog trainer for my 7 month puppy. At 4 years old he became a certified Canine Good Citizen. One year later we rescued a mutt with no training and used the same positive reinforcement and enrichment techniques to build her confidence and create stronger bonds. Both of my dogs lived in Europe and are able to travel and enjoy many novel experiences only service dogs in the US would be able to enjoy. Though I can't change the legislation I can help your dogs be better behaved overall.
Behavior experience
Training skill set
What to expect
Consultation
During our first one hour meeting I will conduct a consultation where I will observe your dog's behaviors and listen to your concerns and behavior goals. We will discuss management techniques as well as discover what baseline your dog will be starting at by demonstrating clear knowledge of what the dog may already know fluently such as their name, sit, come, etc. These will be the building blocks for training. Don't worry if your dog is starting at square one. I can help with that too. Whatever time we have left over will be used to get straight into positive reinfforcement/clicker training.
Sessions
The client will need to provide plenty of low calorie training treats or if the dog is highly motivated, just a small baggie of their kibble to reward heavily and reinforce the behaviors and create more positive experiences. I also refuse to work with prong collars, vibration collars, and retractable leashes. I recommend a front clip harness properly fitted or a head harness for dogs who need help with leash manners. Clients should expect homework assignments to practice with their dog what we started consistently every day in between training sessions.
More info
Dogs are usually quite simple to understand. They want praise, affection and additional motivators like treats, toys and playtime to different extents based on their personality and age. They don't have complex emotions like humans but they do want to be good and please their owners so it's our job as the smarter species to communicate with them lovingly, clearly and consistently to set them up with success to face their world. We start in small steps to create a solid foundation and then continue to expand their world through more experiences, locations and distractions over time.
Reviews
Services
Includes 11%booking fee
Consultations
Sessions
Availability
I'm in pet care full time so I generally have availability any day of the week, including weekends. I'd like to keep training sessions between 10 am - 4 pm if possible. I can train with the owner and dog or just the dog if they are on a regularly scheduled walk plan with me. Training works better with the owner directly involved but due to scheduling that may not always be possible so videos and notes will be sent after sessions to model behaviors that were covered in the training session if the owner is unable to be present.
Days available to train
What to expect
Consultation
During our first one hour meeting I will conduct a consultation where I will observe your dog's behaviors and listen to your concerns and behavior goals. We will discuss management techniques as well as discover what baseline your dog will be starting at by demonstrating clear knowledge of what the dog may already know fluently such as their name, sit, come, etc. These will be the building blocks for training. Don't worry if your dog is starting at square one. I can help with that too. Whatever time we have left over will be used to get straight into positive reinfforcement/clicker training.
Sessions
The client will need to provide plenty of low calorie training treats or if the dog is highly motivated, just a small baggie of their kibble to reward heavily and reinforce the behaviors and create more positive experiences. I also refuse to work with prong collars, vibration collars, and retractable leashes. I recommend a front clip harness properly fitted or a head harness for dogs who need help with leash manners. Clients should expect homework assignments to practice with their dog what we started consistently every day in between training sessions.
More info
Dogs are usually quite simple to understand. They want praise, affection and additional motivators like treats, toys and playtime to different extents based on their personality and age. They don't have complex emotions like humans but they do want to be good and please their owners so it's our job as the smarter species to communicate with them lovingly, clearly and consistently to set them up with success to face their world. We start in small steps to create a solid foundation and then continue to expand their world through more experiences, locations and distractions over time.
Reviews
Natassia E.
Natassia E.
Fairfax, VA