Apple Valley, MN
Ashlee Nicole Meyer
Ashlee is a wife, mom, wine lover, hiker, and dog trainer in Rochester, MN. She has loved dogs since she was a little girl and discovered her passion for dog behavior and psychology with her first dog, Adam, 6 years ago. With a background in engineering, she understands the delicate balance of work and family life, especially with dogs and young children in the mix. Transitioning to full-time dog training was a natural choice for her. She is dedicated to helping families achieve harmony and regain control of their homes with the perfect canine companion.
Training Philosophy
Ashlee believes that dogs are part of the family and that training should be fun and rewarding for both the dog and the owner. She uses positive reinforcement methods to help dogs learn and build a strong bond with their families.
Services
Fetching PETential offers a variety of dog training programs, including:
- Fundamental Fido: For dogs who need help with the basics.
- Polite Pup: For dogs who need help with manners around people and other dogs.
- Delightful Doggo: For dogs who have more serious behavior problems.
- Dogs and Baby Class: An online course to help families prepare for the arrival of a new baby.
Certifications
Ashlee holds the following certifications:
- VSA-CDT – Victoria Stilwell Certified Dog Trainer (2019)
- CPDT-KA – Certified Professional Dog Trainer Knowledge Assessed (2021)
- FDM – Family Dog Mediator (2022)
- Dial Method Guide (2024)
Specializations
Ashlee specializes in training family dogs, particularly those with children. She also has experience working with dogs who have behavior problems such as reactivity, resource guarding, and fear of strangers.
Training Methods
Ashlee uses positive reinforcement methods to train dogs. She believes that dogs learn best when they are rewarded for good behavior. She also uses a variety of other techniques, such as shaping, clicker training, and desensitization.
Customer Reviews
“I came to Ashlee with an immediate need: get Milo to stop biting me and my sister as we walked around the apartment. It was so bad that I was concerned I might have to return him to the rescue. We did a few private sessions with Ashlee that were super helpful in understanding how to offer rewards and corrections to Milo for basic commands and I’m happy to say that Milo is nip-free now! Working with Ashlee opened a lot of doors for me and Milo – Milo and I both feel more comfortable in spaces that previously caused anxiety. Working with Ashlee didn’t just set Milo up for success, it also set me up for long-term success on the dog training journey!”
“Ashlee went above and beyond to help us get prepared in advance, find ways to introduce our dog to the strange behaviors of kids, and how to keep both her and us calm when things are stressful. Now, a bit over a month in, baby and dog are happy partners in crime, and the adjustment has gone more smoothly than we could have hoped.
We can’t thank Ashlee enough for her help in preparing us and our hound for the adventures ahead. We are so grateful that she took the time to understand our dog’s specific needs and to provide insightful ways for us to be prepared not only at the outset, but also for as our baby grows and our dog has to continue to adapt. We would strongly recommend Ashlee to anyone with a baby on the way, or any other dog training needs.
She is a natural with dogs, and equally important, is a natural at training we humans as well.”
John and Kristen
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.
