Greater Fredericksburg, VA
Dr. Caryn LLC specializes in the art and science of animal behavior and training. She has been assisting dogs and their owners since 2010, offering a range of services including private in-home sessions, day training, puppy socialization, behavior modification, consulting, workshops, and seminars.
Dr. Caryn employs aversive-free, positive reinforcement methods such as Clicker Training and TAGteach. Her certifications and designations include Ph.D., KPA CTP, AKC-CGC, OSCT, TAGteach, and K9 to 5. As a Certified Trainer and Behaviorist, Dr. Caryn uses various training equipment including event markers, food treats, toys, and other high-value reinforcers. Management tools encompass nylon leashes, flat buckle or martingale collars, harnesses, the Baskerville Ultimate Muzzle, and physical barriers.
Her training philosophy is force-free, focusing on positive reinforcement and proactive management. All techniques are aversive-free and rooted in animal behavior science. Dr. Caryn serves various locations including private homes and dog-friendly public spaces within a 30-mile radius of Fredericksburg, Colonial Beach, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Orange, Caroline, King George, and Westmoreland Counties in Virginia, as well as Charles County in Maryland.
She emphasizes that training should be enjoyable and aims to help pet owners communicate effectively with their dogs to instill good manners, desirable behaviors, and engaging games. Dr. Caryn also focuses on eliminating bad manners, undesirable behaviors, and altering a dog's emotional response to triggers, all while ensuring that the process remains enjoyable.
In her training approach, Dr. Caryn teaches pet owners to mark and reward desired behaviors, subsequently putting each behavior on cue. She also educates them on extinguishing undesired behaviors using force-free, hands-free methods and proactive management. Dr. Caryn advocates the use of the Karen Pryor 'Clicker Training' method, based on animal behavior science, which can be applied to train a wide range of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, gerbils, rabbits, and some reptiles.
Modified methods such as TAGteach are also employed to enhance desired behaviors in children and spouses. She explains the process of capturing and marking a pet's desirable behavior, followed by rewarding and eventually adding a cue. This technique can also be used to extinguish unwanted behaviors and train new behaviors, while maintaining an enjoyable experience for both the pet and owner.
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.
