Valley Center, CA
Bethany R. Cunningham is a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) who works through science-based, humane training methods. After college, she found herself in a job with no animals. With a degree in Animal Science from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and a lifetime of working with, loving, training, and photographing animals, she knew she needed something more. She threw herself into animal behavior, the human-animal bond, and photography.
Bethany's Training Philosophy
Bethany's focus has always been behavior modification with an emphasis on the dog-human relationship. She is fascinated by the love many people share with their dogs and is dedicated to helping people heal a relationship that is less than perfect with their dogs. She wants people to understand each other, learn to “speak dog”, and have fun together.
Services
- Professional in-home dog training and behavior consultations
- Basic manners to fear or reactivity
- Fearful dogs, reactive dogs, dogs who have experienced trauma
- Working with families to ensure safe child/dog dynamics
- New Family Package ($545): Initial virtual consult of 1.5-2 hours and four additional follow-up sessions. Includes phone and email support in between sessions and up to a year after the initial consult.
- 5 Session Package ($500): 5 1-hour virtual training sessions. Includes phone and email support in between sessions and up to a year after the initial consult.
- Initial Consult ($165): Virtual evaluation lasting 1.5-2 hours. Includes review of a detailed behavior history for your dog, discussion of dog body language and how dogs learn, and development of a customized plan for your dog and your family.
- A La Carte Virtual Training Sessions ($110): For quick questions or to try out virtual training.
- Family Paws Parent Education: Presents both the Dogs & Storks and the Dogs & Toddlers programs.
Certifications
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) through CCPDT
- Graduate of both levels of the Marin Humane Society’s Canine Behavior Academy taught by Trish King, CPDT-KA, CDBC
- Licensed Parent Educator through Family Paws
Specializations
- Fearful dogs
- Reactive dogs
- Dogs who have experienced trauma
- Working with families to ensure safe child/dog dynamics
Training Methods
Science-based, humane training methods
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.
