Reale Dog Training

Reale Dog Training is owned by Phil Reale, who previously worked as a technician at a veterinary office. He decided to step away from that position to start a dog training company.

Training Philosophy

Reale Dog Training emphasizes positive reinforcement training methods, believing that aversive training can be harmful to dogs. They use clicker training and focus on understanding dog body language and meeting their needs.

Services

Reale Dog Training offers a variety of services, including:

• Board & Train: Dogs stay at the training facility for engaging, positive reinforcement training. Programs are tailored to individual needs, ranging from basic obedience to more serious behavioral issues.
• In-Home Training: Trainers work with owners to teach them how to train their dogs. This is ideal for dogs who are reactive, aggressive, or fearful.
• Group Training: Classes are held in a social training environment and cover topics such as basic socializing skills and obedience training.
• Home School: A trainer comes to the client's home Monday-Friday to provide daily training. This is a good option for dogs who are more comfortable in their own environment.
• Training Tools: Reale Dog Training also sells a variety of training tools, such as treats, chew toys, harnesses, and mats.

Certifications

Reale Dog Training is made up of Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partners.

Specializations

Reale Dog Training specializes in a variety of areas, including:

• Puppy training
• Basic obedience
• Behavioral issues such as reactivity, aggression, and fear
• Clicker training

Training Methods

Reale Dog Training uses positive reinforcement methods, including clicker training. They emphasize understanding dog body language and meeting their needs.

Customer Reviews

Lisa Hricisin: We had a great experience with Reale Dog Training and I would highly recommend them to anyone. We first met Phil when he came to our house for in-home training sessions. He took the time to explain his training methods, worked patiently with us and our puppy to teach us, and included my kids in the training process too. We then attended puppy kindergarten classes and did a week-long board and train program. The staff was very helpful, flexible and accessible during the time our dog was staying with them. They responded to calls and texts with updates and pictures to let us know how he was doing.
Phil and all the staff were professional, knowledgeable, friendly, patient, and took the time to get to know us and our dog to best work through the issues we were dealing with. We would highly recommend it!

Deb Logan: Reale Dog Training has worked with my dogs both in our yard/neighborhood and at their training center. Reale Dog Training came to me with the highest possible recommendations from a rescue group with high standards and from veterinary professionals. To the words, professional, reliable, and responsive, I would add knowledgeable, effective, and caring. My dogs began making progress immediately. Because of the positive approach, both dogs love each member of the team and are thrilled to see them for each session. I appreciate that they listen to me and that my observations are used when they make training decisions. Their business practices are professional and the pricing is fair. I feel safe working with them with their stringent pandemic safety protocols. Reale Dog Training has my highest recommendation.

Greg Williams: As much as we love our dogs, we were having major issues with their behavior that we could not get under control. Having tried a few dog trainers, reading countless articles on the internet, and virtually everything else, we could not find a solution to improve their behavior. Whether it was jumping on people, asset guarding, incessant barking, urinating in the house, and/or the potential to bite, we were at a complete loss.
A friend referred us to Phil Reale, owner of Reale Dog Training. At first I was reluctant, as we had tried other recommended trainers, yet with our situation I was willing to give it “one last shot”.
From the onset, I noticed an immediate difference in Phil’s process compared to other trainers. The initial meeting was consultation and evaluation. Following Phil’s assessment of our dogs “issues”, he mapped out a detailed plan to address and correct our dog’s behavior.
Our dogs have made incredible progress over the past 3 months. Phil’s plan, coupled with ongoing training which he taught us, has resulted an incredible change in our dog’s behavior. Again, Phil takes the time to create a detailed plan to address each situation. I am incredibly happy with the progress our dogs have made in a relatively short period of time. If you follow Phil Reale’s process you will get the same exceptional results with your dog(s).

Kristin Mckenzie: I have known Phil for years as a technician at our vet. When I heard that he was stepping away from that position to start a dog training company I had no doubt that he would be exactly what a lot of dog owners would need! Fast forward to when we found ourselves needing a trainer. (FYI…when you lose a 17 year old Shih Tzu and your husband has a great idea to get a German Shorthair Pointer you will definitely question your sanity!)
Phil is a very patient, understanding and dog-loving human. He has an ability to convey “why” things are happening the way that they are and gives solutions for change. His method of training never includes fear or infliction of pain on the animal. That is HUGE for me. I want our dog to behave because he is rewarded in a positive way, not because he is afraid of the consequences.
Max (our GSP) is just a work in progress by nature of the breed. We were not surprised, we did our research on his personality/energy level and disposition… but I think that asking for Phil’s help was a necessity.
In theory everyone wants a well behaved dog. But not everyone is willing to put the time and energy into making that happen. So you need to be realistic. This training with Phil is the tools that you need to start the process. It won’t happen overnight but with consistency and effort, I think that Phil (and his associates at Reale Dog Training) are the perfect starting point. I would recommend them to anyone.

Kyle Washburn: I worked with Phil on how to train my extremely high drive field lab. He was patient, and continuously adapting his approach to help my dog. Today, I couldn’t be happier with how my dog turned out – and it all wouldn’t be possible without the foundation that Reale Dog Training helped me create.

As a dog trainer based in Missoula, MT, and beyond, the focus is on providing homeschool training, in-person coaching, and virtual coaching. Utilizing reward-based, fear-free methodologies in all training sessions, the main specialization lies in over-arousal and puppy training, while also addressing a variety of other behaviors.

The ultimate mission is to facilitate an understanding of pet behavior, thereby fostering a happier and stress-free relationship between owner and pet. With a background in education and psychology, a distinctive approach is taken to training, avoiding emphasis on pets' mistakes and refraining from punitive measures. This approach aims to create a more enjoyable and less stressful learning environment for both owner and pet.

By employing a constructionist approach, training becomes more manageable, yielding positive results and nurturing a trusting relationship with the pet. This approach results in joyful and enthusiastic learners, making the training process more engaging for both parties involved.

If your pet needs to learn the basics, brush up on some 'forgotten' skills, or modify an existing behavior, the Humane Society of Western Montana can help. They offer a variety of training options, including small group classes and private lesson packages tailored to meet training goals, even addressing more complex concerns like reactivity or resource guarding.

The organization uses rewards-based training with an emphasis on scientifically proven techniques and building a healthy relationship between dog and owner. To discuss the best plan for you and your dog, contact them at [email protected].

Blue Sky Behavior, LLC provides private training and behavior consultations either in-person in Missoula, Montana, or online from anywhere.

Mariah is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant with the IAABC, a Fear Free Certified Professional Trainer, and a Professional Behavior Responder with the ASPCA.

She specializes in rehabilitating dogs that have undergone extreme stress and trauma from scenarios such as dog fighting, hoarding, and puppy mill cases.

Mariah's expertise lies in working with dogs that exhibit signs of aggression, fear, and anxiety.

Welcome to Sit Happens Dog Training Center, where a well-behaved pup is just around the corner. With a focus on positive reinforcement, patience, and consistency, our center provides top-notch training for dogs of all breeds and ages.

Whether your furry friend needs basic obedience training or behavioral modification, our experienced trainers are here to help. From leash manners to socialization, we offer a range of classes to cater to your dog's specific needs. Join us in creating a harmonious relationship between you and your four-legged companion.

Heidi L. Kerr

Heidi is a professional dog trainer with a certification from Animal Behavior College and Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, as well as a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. She has been a valued volunteer at the Agoura Animal Shelter since 2004 where she serves as a critical member of the Evaluation and Canine Coaching Teams. She was a Behaviorist/trainer at The Humane Society Western Montana until May of 2019. She worked with many dogs in the shelter as well as people in their homes.

Training Philosophy

Heidi's philosophy is simple: By understanding how a dog thinks and learns, you can use clear communication and positive reinforcement to teach, prevent, and modify behavior. Research proves that reward-based training delivers faster results in less time while enhancing the human-animal bond. Best results come when each desired behavior is rewarded with a reinforcer, something the dog likes (treats/praise), and the inappropriate behavior is not rewarded at all. Reward the good; ignore the bad.
Training should be fun. When a pet is scared or anxious, learning is impossible. When he is happy and engaged in positive training, the sky is the limit!

Services

Heidi Paws offers a variety of services, including:

• Basic Obedience: Sit, Stay, Leave it, Wait, Walk nicely on a leash, Recall (coming when called), Jumping on, Down, Settle, Go to Place/Bed
• Puppy Training: Set up for a new puppy, Socialization with people and dogs, problem prevention, problem-solving (housetraining, biting, jumping, chewing), and foundations for training using positive methods (leash walking, name, come, targeting puppy nose to the human hand, focus, leave it, sit, down, etc.).
• Behavior Modification: Separation Anxiety, Chewing, Nuisance Barking, Reactivity and Aggression, Fear, Leash Aggression/Walking on Leash
• Private Training / Behavior Modification

Certifications

Heidi currently holds the following credentials:

• Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
• Certified Dog Trainer from Animal Behavior College (ABCDT)
• Professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
• Certified by the American Red Cross in canine CPR and first aid

Specializations

Heidi Paws specializes in basic obedience, puppy training, and behavior modification.

Training Methods

Heidi uses positive reinforcement methods to train dogs. She believes that training should be fun and engaging for both the dog and the owner.

Media Appearances

Heidi Paws Dog Training took first place at the 2013 Canine classic runway competition. Check out my Fox 11 coverage!