Rougemont, NC
Ann Christmas, CPDT-KA, FDM, has been working in the veterinary field for over 30 years. She is currently a Fear Free Certified hospital manager at North Paw Animal Hospital in Durham, NC. She started Souly Dog in 2022, making a commitment to advocate for dogs, and promote the human-animal bond.
Training Philosophy
Ann believes that every dog deserves an opportunity to just "be a dog". She advocates for ethical, science-based professional dog training and promotes the human-animal bond.
Services
Souly Dog offers a variety of services, including:
- Puppy Life Skills: Private coaching for new puppy families, as well as group puppy classes.
- Souly Out & About: Classes that work collaboratively with dogs in various environments, such as local parks and pet-friendly locations.
- Intro to Cooperative Care: Techniques that empower dogs to be willing participants in their own care, such as veterinary and grooming procedures.
- Deaf Dogs: Training for deaf dog families to strengthen their communication and relationships.
- Australian Cattle Dogs: Understanding the breed's natural instincts and learning how to fulfill their needs.
- Family Dog Mediation®: Moving beyond dog "training" and getting to know your dog as more than just a "pet".
- Beyond Fences: No cost dog training and behavioral support to families and dogs served by Beyond Fences.
Certifications
Ann is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), a Certified Family Dog Mediator (FDM), and a student at The Academy for Dog Trainers.
Specializations
Ann specializes in ethical, science-based professional dog training, with a focus on:
- Puppy training
- Deaf dog training
- Australian Cattle Dog training
- Family Dog Mediation®
Training Methods
Ann uses force-free training methods, which are based on positive reinforcement and reward-based training. She believes that punishment and aversive methods are not effective and can be harmful to dogs.
We've got the answers for your questions
Seriously, if you have any questions about training your dog, we have the answers.
We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.
Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.
All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.
Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.
Yes, they are. Our trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.
Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.
Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.
All our trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.
Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.
Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.
