Columbia, SC
Brenda Gayle Watson is a certified professional dog trainer through the Animal Behavior College and the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. She has apprenticed with and worked as an assistant for Teoti Anderson, a CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP dog trainer in the SC Midlands. She has always had a love for dogs and it has always pained her to hear of how people had to rehome or euthanize their dogs due to unwanted behaviors. She also realized the disparity between true science-based training and learning and language behaviors of canines and what the public was learning about canine behavior on popular television.
So with the passion and love she has for dogs and the success she has had training her own dogs, she jumped head first into teaching people to understand and train their dogs with love and respect through reward-based training methods that are true and proven science-based methods. These methods are not those that punish dogs for unwanted behavior but rather reward dogs for wanted behavior (positive reinforcement.) Dogs learn to love training because it's rewarding and fun for them and the entire family!
Training Philosophy
Brenda Gayle Watson believes in using reward-based training methods that are based on actual science. She teaches her clients how to train their dogs through force-free positive reinforcement techniques, focusing on building a strong bond between the dog and owner. She emphasizes that dogs should be rewarded for desired behaviors, rather than punished for unwanted behaviors.
Services
Brenda Gayle Watson offers private in-home training sessions for dogs of all ages. She specializes in obedience training, puppy training, and behavior modification. She also offers special 1.5 hour sessions to deal with different and challenging behaviors. Her services include:
- Obedience Training: Teaching your dog to sit calmly, leave things alone, wait patiently, come when called, walk politely on leash, and more.
- Puppy Training: Laying a proper foundation for having a good dog who listens to you as they grow older. Preventing bad behaviors from the start.
- Behavior Modification: Addressing issues such as fear, aggression, resource guarding, potty training, and more.
- Special Sessions: Addressing specific behaviors that you may want to teach your dog.
Certifications
Brenda Gayle Watson is certified as a professional dog trainer through the Animal Behavior College where she graduated with honors and she is also certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed. She is also a professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and The Pet Professional Guild. She is constantly continuing her education and keeping up to date on the modern science-based reward training techniques and theories. She has worked as a Pet Nutrition Specialist and is also certified in Dog and Cat First Aid/CPR.
Specializations
Brenda Gayle Watson specializes in obedience training, puppy training, and behavior modification. She has experience working with fearful dogs, dogs with resource guarding behaviors, and dogs with disabilities.
Training Methods
Brenda Gayle Watson uses force-free positive reinforcement techniques based on actual science. She teaches her clients how to use treats, toys, and praise to train their dogs. She also uses classical conditioning, operant conditioning, counter-conditioning, differential reinforcement of alternative and incompatible behaviors, and long line and whistle 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.
