Tracy M.
Tracy M.
Mineral, VA
Glad you're here! How can I help?
I have trained pet dogs and their people professionally since 2012, pursuing multiple industry approved certifications, teaching both in person privates, group classes, and virtual classes. I have experience and success with the challenges pet guardians face with their dogs and I will support you in fostering a relationship that serves both the human and the dog needs, with humor, caring, and progress.
What to expect
Consultation
During a separation anxiety assessment, we would meet via video conferencing (likely Zoom) to have you leave the home while I'm watching your dog live, via video. I'd be looking for indicators of alone stress and I'd bring you back if/when their stress ramps up. We'd use the information from that "test" absence to decide what the best forward course would be. If we decide to move forward with working together to modify home alone distress, then two requirements of training with me are: 1. A minimum initial commitment of 4 weeks. 2. Suspension of absences.
Sessions
From the initial assessment, I'd begin creating your first absence assignment (called a Mission), using a Google spreadsheet that we'd each have access to. I'd be ascertaining your dog's body language during live sessions and from notes you take during solo missions, allowing me to set ongoing criteria for the desensitization plan. I'd adjust the plans daily based on their response to each mission. We would meet live once a week (for what we call a reassessment) and I'd ask you to do a minimum of 4 to a max of 5 solo missions each week, in addition to our weekly live mission.
Reviews
Experience
I am a force free, science based trainer. I teach new behaviors by reinforcing (treats, toys, praise, pets) and modify existing behaviors with desensitization and counter conditioning. I teach and reinforce alternative behaviors for behaviors that the guardian finds challenging. I give, and encourage guardians to give, as much choice, agency, and enrichment to pet dogs. I strive to include joy and fun into training so that the dog and the people come back for more.
Training skill set
Services
Includes 11%booking fee
Consultations
Sessions
Availability
I am available for virtual training sessions Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday morning from 8am to 12pm EST and Monday afternoon/evenings from 1 to 6pm EST.
Days available to train
What to expect
Consultation
During a separation anxiety assessment, we would meet via video conferencing (likely Zoom) to have you leave the home while I'm watching your dog live, via video. I'd be looking for indicators of alone stress and I'd bring you back if/when their stress ramps up. We'd use the information from that "test" absence to decide what the best forward course would be. If we decide to move forward with working together to modify home alone distress, then two requirements of training with me are: 1. A minimum initial commitment of 4 weeks. 2. Suspension of absences.
Sessions
From the initial assessment, I'd begin creating your first absence assignment (called a Mission), using a Google spreadsheet that we'd each have access to. I'd be ascertaining your dog's body language during live sessions and from notes you take during solo missions, allowing me to set ongoing criteria for the desensitization plan. I'd adjust the plans daily based on their response to each mission. We would meet live once a week (for what we call a reassessment) and I'd ask you to do a minimum of 4 to a max of 5 solo missions each week, in addition to our weekly live mission.
Reviews
Experience
I am a force free, science based trainer. I teach new behaviors by reinforcing (treats, toys, praise, pets) and modify existing behaviors with desensitization and counter conditioning. I teach and reinforce alternative behaviors for behaviors that the guardian finds challenging. I give, and encourage guardians to give, as much choice, agency, and enrichment to pet dogs. I strive to include joy and fun into training so that the dog and the people come back for more.
Training skill set
Tracy M.
Tracy M.
Mineral, VA