Wooster, OH
Maggie
Maggie acquired her first dog, Blue, an Australian Shepherd, when she was eleven. She studied the Shepherd's Guide Book by John Holmes while learning to train Blue to help her with her small flock of sheep. At age thirteen she apprenticed with stock dog trainers Pat Welsh and Dave Jenkins and subsequently trained numerous Border Collies as livestock herding and geese control dogs. From 1990 to 1997, she raised, trained and raced her own mid-distance sled-dog team with her late father Richard Barker as her assistant, based out Upper Peninsula Michigan. She trained her sled-dogs using motivational methods rather than coercion and the result was a competitive team who placed out of the top three only once in seven years of racing. She twice received the Cooley Challenge Humanitarian Award, awarded to the team who received the best husbandry during the race. In Montana, she learned to skijor from German Olympic skier, Michaela Endler-Probst, and raced in Alberta, British Columbia, and Montana. She currently skijore when she's able to with her German Shorthaired Pointer, Skipper.
She was employed by Guide Dog for The Blind (in Boring, Oregon) completed the Assistance Dog Institute (six week seminar) and the High Schooled Assistance DogProgram, working with at-risk youth in the training of assistance dogs under Dr Bonnie Bergin in Santa Rosa, CA. She received her Dip.PDT ( Professional Dog Trainer) 2019 and Dip. CPDT 2021 (Canine Behavior Science and Technology) from Dr James O'Heare, Companion Animal Science Institute where she graduated with honors.
Training Philosophy
Maggie's training philosophy is based on science-backed methods and focuses on positive reinforcement and motivation. She emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation for training and creating a positive relationship between the dog and owner.
Services
- Puppy raising
- Basic obedience training
- Behavior modification for issues such as biting, house soiling, socialization, home alone training, leash walking, coming when called, impulse control, jumping on people, pulling on leash, object stealing, barking, lunging at dogs while walking on a leash, food bowl and toy guarding, and fearful dogs.
- One-on-one coaching
- In-home training
- Virtual training
Certifications
Maggie is a certified member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and a member of Pet Professional's Guild. She is CPDT-KA through The Certification Cousin for Professional Dog Trainers. She holds a Dip.PDT ( Professional Dog Trainer) and Dip. CPDT (Canine Behavior Science and Technology) from Dr James O'Heare, Companion Animal Science Institute.
Specializations
Maggie specializes in puppy raising, basic obedience training, and behavior modification for a wide range of issues. She has experience working with sled dogs, assistance dogs, and livestock herding dogs.
Training Methods
Maggie uses force-free, science-backed training methods that focus on positive reinforcement and motivation. She emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation for training and creating a positive relationship between the dog and owner.
Media Appearances
Maggie was featured in Mother Earth News in September/October 1987 for her work training Border Collies as livestock herding and geese control 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.
