D Michael Burk

History:
D Michael Burk is a graduate of the Balu Academy for Dog Trainers where he obtained certifications as both a Professional Dog Trainer and a Protection Dog Trainer. He has over 35 years of experience in training dogs.

Training Philosophy:
D Michael Burk uses positive reinforcement methods and focuses on building a strong bond between the dog and owner.

Services

D Michael Burk offers a variety of dog training services, including:

• Group Training: 6 to 8 week courses, depending on course taken, with classes meeting once per week. Each week's lesson is explained and demonstrated to the class, which then practices the exercises in the class. Printed handouts are given to each participant at the end of the lesson. Participants are then required to, ideally, practice twice daily during the week for no more than 10-15 minutes per practice sessions.
• Private Sessions: Four month contract. For both puppies (8 weeks and older) and adult dogs. All training begins in the comfortable and safe environment of the client's home. When the dog reaches the point in training where more advanced distractions are required, the training is then moved to prearranged convenient locations for both North and South ends of Imperial Valley. Additionally, the client training privately, is entitled to attend any or as many Basic Group Obedience classes, with the dog that was trained privately, free of charge, for the life of that dog. Exercises are taught to help deal with problem behaviors such as: jumping, digging, biting, etc…
• Puppy Kindergarten 1: For puppies 8 weeks to 11 weeks. Using the latest in research and positive training, the puppies and their owners are carefully introduced to socialization skills, housetraining, the benefits of crate training, feeding, grooming, handling exercises, games that the entire family can play to help the puppy & family learn, dealing with and avoiding problem behaviors, and obedience basics such as: sit, down, and come when called.
• Puppy Kindergarten 2: For puppies 12 weeks to 15 weeks. More socialization, training skills, games, and continued obedience learning to walk quietly on a leash without pulling using minimum distractions. Kids Doggie Obedience Class - Kids 10 - 13 years old learn how dogs learn and how to train their dogs through positive reinforcement.
• Basic Obedience 1: For dogs 4 months or older. Using the latest in research and positive training, the dogs and their owners are carefully introduced to socialization skills, housetraining, the benefits of crate training, feeding, grooming, handling exercises, games that the entire family can play to help the dog & family learn, dealing with and avoiding problem behaviors, and obedience basics such as: sit, down, and come when called. Walking quietly on leash without pulling and sitting automatically when stopping.
• Basic Obedience 2 (CGC): On-leash obedience skills are challenged with more difficult distractions. All skills required to test for the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen (CGC) requirements are taught. Test will be administered at the end of the course. CGC is a pass or fail test.
• Crate Games: New positive training games to teach your dog control through the simple use of a crate. Sit, stay, get in your crate, release, and more will be taught.
• Trick Training: Did you ever wonder how dogs learn to do certain tricks? Learn to teach your dog tricks such as sit-up, speak on command, roll over, shake hands, high five, touch, and hand signals for tricks.
• Outdoor Adventure 1: Take your knowledge from the classroom out into the 'Real World'. Join Mike, as you and your canine companion are introduced to the 'Hidden Wonders' throughout the Imperial Valley on weekly excursions. Continue to expand your knowledge as well as that of your canine companion, as you both are challenged with new types of sights, sounds, footing, smells, and water etc…as well as introduction to some basic agility obstacles.
• Outdoor Adventure 2: The 'New Frontier' beyond Outdoor Adventure 1. Join Mike as he continues to challenge both you and your canine companion with even more 'Hidden Wonders'! Have fun, while at the same time continuing your canine's education.
• Intermediate, Advanced, & Competition Classes: Tailored to individual owner's and dog's goals and abilities. Skills taught include: Off-leash, hand signals, retrieve on the flat, retrieve over jump, directed retrieve, high jump, bar jump, broad jump, scent discrimination, walking stand, down in motion, etc…
• Pet Sitting: While you are away, your pet/s are cared for in the comfort of their own home. They are fed the same food, out of the same bowl, at the same time, and all in the comfort of their own secure environment.
• Specialty Training: These classes will focus on socialization skills, handling exercises, sit, down, come when called, and skills to prevent or correct problem behaviors such as jumping up on people, biting, chewing, digging, barking, etc… Dogs must be at least four months old and current on all required vaccinations to attend this class.

Certifications

D Michael Burk is a graduate of the Balu Academy for Dog Trainers where he obtained certifications as both a Professional Dog Trainer and a Protection Dog Trainer. He is a Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, Pet Care Services Association, Therapy Dogs International, German Shepherd Dog Club of America, and the Imperial Valley Kennel Club. Mike has obtained the level 2 certification as an Advanced Pet Care Technician, through Pet Care Services Association and he is also qualified/trained for the American Red Cross Pet First Aid Course. Mike and his wife Kathy are both certified evaluators for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test.

Specializations

D Michael Burk specializes in obedience training, puppy training, and protection dog training.

Training Methods

D Michael Burk uses positive reinforcement methods and focuses on building a strong bond between the dog and owner.