Cara Armour, the owner of
Active Paws Dog Training
, started her pet care business in 2003 with her husband. They initially consulted with trainers for their own dogs’ recall and reactivity issues, but found the training methods to be corrective and not effective. Cara then discovered positive reinforcement training and was introduced to the world of positive reinforcement training by Martha Francis from Fetch Dog Training. This approach resonated with her, and she found success in helping client dogs learn desired behaviors. Cara’s passion for dogs led her to breed Boxers and participate in dog sports, particularly agility. She and her Boxer, Debbie, achieved significant success in agility competitions, including becoming the first Boxer team to win the lifetime award of Agility Grand Champion (AGCH).
Training Philosophy
Active Paws Dog Training uses safe, Force-Free training that is based on a scientific approach to learning and its application in training dogs. They use positive reinforcement methods to teach people how to live the best life with their dogs.
Services
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Puppy Training:
Includes email/phone support for 2 weeks after the last session.Initial 1-hour session is $150, subsequent 1-hour sessions are $120.
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Common Dog Problem & Manners Training:
Includes email/phone support for 2 weeks after the last session. Initial 1-hour session is $160, subsequent 1-hour sessions are $130.
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Dog Training Session – Specific Issues:
Includes email/phone support for 2 weeks after the last session. Initial 1-hour session is $175, subsequent 1-hour sessions are $140.
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Agility Classes & Private Coaching:
Held at Gemini Dogs in Littleton, MA. 6 weeks of classes are $225. Private coaching is $60 for a 1/2 hour session.
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Puppy Board & Train:
Includes a personalized action plan & email/phone support for 30 days after the dog returns home. Price varies.
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Better Vet Visits:
Teaches tips and ways to make vet visits less stressful for both human and pet. Price varies.
Certifications
- Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP)
- Fear Free Certified Professional (FFCP)
- Certified Canine Fitness Trainer (in progress)
- AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator
- AKC Trick Dog and virtual manners evaluator
- AKC S.T.A.R. puppy instructor and evaluator
Specializations
- Puppy Training
- Common Dog Problem & Manners Training
- Specific Dog Training Issues
- Agility Training
- Puppy Board & Train
- Better Vet Visits
Training Methods
Positive reinforcement training, Force-Free training
