Nora Jean Birt

History
Nora Jean Birt was born in Indiana and spent most of her early years in Wisconsin. She moved to Colorado in 1977 and earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the Business College at CSU. She also spent 5 years in Thailand teaching English at Rangsit University. She has owned and trained several dogs throughout her life, including Meissa, a German Shepherd mix, Taylor, a Labrador Retriever mix, Buddy, a chow mix, Ginger, a heeler mix, Ember, another heeler mix, Jasmine, an American Pit Bull Terrier, Rowdy, a pit bull mix, and Winter, a Shiba Inu. Her experience with these dogs, particularly with Jasmine, who was rescued from a dog fighting bust, inspired her to start Best Dog Ltd. in October 2014.

Training Philosophy
Nora Jean Birt is an all-positive, certified trainer who believes in building a strong, but not dominant, relationship between dogs and their humans. She uses positive reinforcement methods to help dogs learn and improve their behavior.

Services
Nora Jean Birt offers a variety of dog training services, including:

• Puppy Class: A 6-week class for puppies up to 18 weeks of age that focuses on socialization, basic obedience, and common puppy concerns.
• Basic Obedience Class: A 6-week class for dogs over 18 weeks of age that covers basic obedience commands.
• Reactive Rover I: A class for dogs who are not aggressive but act up toward other dogs on leash. It teaches owners how to get their dog to settle down around other dogs and provides a safe environment to practice new skills.
• Reactive Rover II: A class for dogs who have completed Reactive Rover I and are ready for more practice, improving their technique with other dogs, and taking it to the next level in being relaxed around other dogs.
• Best Dog Nosework I: A class that teaches dogs to find the source of an odor with their favorite sense - smell! It helps build the bond between you and your dog and focus for your dog.
• Best Dog Nosework II: A class that teaches dogs to search for odors, starting with Birch and introducing Anise and Clove. It is appropriate for any age and requires completion of Best Dog Nosework I or permission from a Best Dog instructor.
• Stick Around Class: A class that helps owners train their dog to COME and to STICK AROUND when they're on a walk or hike.
• Rattlesnake Avoidance Class: A 4-week class that teaches dogs to avoid snakes and come to their owner instead. It uses positive reinforcement methods and builds the skills needed to make the behavior as automatic as possible.
• Private Sessions: Customized sessions that allow owners to work on specific issues with their dog, such as stopping jumping on people, coming when called, loose leash walking, or any other behavior they choose.
• Separation Anxiety Training: A one-month, 1-on-1 remote training protocol with CSAT that helps dogs with separation anxiety.

Certifications
Nora Jean Birt is certified by:

• Jean Donaldson's Academy for Dog Trainers CTC (Certified in Training and Counseling)
• The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers CPDT-KA

Specializations
Nora Jean Birt specializes in:

• Puppy training
• Basic obedience training
• Reactivity training
• Separation anxiety training
• Nosework

Training Methods
Nora Jean Birt uses positive reinforcement methods, which means she rewards desired behaviors and ignores or redirects unwanted behaviors. She does not use any aversive methods, such as shock collars or choke chains.

Customer Reviews

Theresa P. (5/5 STARS)
2020-9-9 Basic Obedience Class
We have trained three of our pups and a foster with Best Dog. Recommend Best Dog and Nora highly. Nora uses positive training techniques. Classes are reasonably priced. Nora makes it fun for both you and the pup.

Renee C. (5/5 STARS)
2020-8-16 Basic Obedience Class
Nora is the best dog (and human!!) trainer I have ever had. She is knowledgeable, kind and patient. I will never take my dogs anywhere else. I highly recommend her

Davonne J. (5/5 STARS)
2020-8-6 Puppy Class
Our experience has been lifechanging. We have two puppies that were not getting along. Very quickly we received the tools we needed to allow us to begin to make them part of the family. The puppy experiences and basic obedience have been incredibly valuable. Thank you.

Robert H. (5/5 STARS)
2020-8-2 Puppy Class
Nora does a great job providing an environment that allows the puppies to socialize and learn to play correctly and also the basic obedience techniques. She explains the puppies behaviors and what those behaviors mean or signal. She encourages positive reinforcement training and our Aussie has responded very well. We are going to move to her obedience class after we finish the puppy classes. We are very happy with Best Dog.

Suzanne F. (5/5 STARS)
2020-7-30 Intermediate Obedience Class
Nora is the best owner/dog trainer I have ever found. I learn something new at every class. Nora is open to all your questions and concerns. Her response is always insightful.

Theresa P. (5/5 STARS)
2020-7-30 Puppy Class
Nora offers positive training in a wonderful setting.

Mel B. (5/5 STARS)
2020-7-22 3-Pak Private Sessions
Nora is a fabulous trainer. Private lessons have offered a wealth of knowledge on how to manage our seven month old for the issues he specifically displays. Life at home with him becomes easier with each lesson.

Mel B. (5/5 STARS)
2020-7-22 Basic Obedience Class
Nora is easy to understand, keeps class sizes small, has loads of helpful suggestions and is a joy to learn from.

Doug H. (5/5 STARS)
2020-7-14 Puppy Class
We are loving the Best Dog puppy class. Nora has created a great mix of socialization, obedience training, and discouragement of improper behavior. She does all this in a positive manner and ensures that all puppies are socialized at their own comfort level. We have seen great progress in all areas after 4 weeks and expect that we will continue into the beginning dog training class after we finish the puppy class. This is truly a wonderful program.

Renee C. (5/5 STARS)
2020-6-15 Puppy Class
Nora is by far the best dog trainer we have ever had! She is extremely knowledgeable and patient. I love that she lets the puppies socialize many times during the class. I will never use another trainer except Nora for all my dogs.

Carolyn B. (5/5 STARS)
2020-3-29 Private Session
I have used Best Dog Private Sessions a couple of different times with different dogs. Nora is always very helpful in working with whatever the dog's issues are. Her methods are positive reinforcement and help with building a relationship with the dog. SHe is clear in her instructions and very helpful in demonstrating what we need to practice as well as informative on why the behavior is happeneing. I would recommend Nora to anybody wanting to train their dog with basic obedience, reatcivity or any other behavior.

Gail G. (5/5 STARS)
2020-03-15 Puppy Class
I've learned more about effective puppy training with Brody at Best Dog than any other puppy class I've attended since 1971 with my first Labrador Retriever. Now with only one dog for the first time Brody really needs the socialization. Having his initial experience in a controlled environment was critical. So glad I decided to drive from Woodland Park to Monument for the classes. Thanks Nora.

Adam E. (5/5 STARS)
2020-2-1 Agility for Fun Class
This class has been fun for our 13yr old foster son. Nora has a great approach and calm style that creates a relaxed, fun but structured activity.