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Certified dog trainer
Courtney Sanossian
Courtney Sanossian

Gainesville, VA

Courtney Sanossian

Courtney grew up in Orange County, California until the winter of 2017, where she, her husband, and their three dogs moved to Virginia to be closer to family.
In the summer, Courtney registered her Pit Bull, Athena, for a board-and-train program with a local trainer. Unaware that e-collars were used during the two week program, and having little knowledge of its power and purpose, Courtney saw her one-year-old Pittie change into a reactive, fear-driven canine. After working with Athena to correct these behaviors, it became clear that she unearthed a new passion and talent in the dog world.

Training Philosophy

Freedom Tails Dog Training follows reward-based, science-based training methods by using clickers as a bridging stimulus for quick and accurate learning. Through classical & operant conditioning by means of positive reinforcement, Freedom Tails will teach you how to train your dog in a fun and safe environment, where your dog will behave not because they have to, but because they want to!

Services

  • Puppy Kindergarten (6 weeks, $170)
  • Puppy 2.0 (6 weeks, $175)
  • Doggone Obedient (6 weeks, $180)
  • Expert Canine (6 weeks, $180)
  • Private Training

Certifications

  • CPDT-KA certified

Specializations

  • Puppy training, obedience training, working with reactive dogs, working with families and babies

Training Methods

  • Reward-based, science-based training methods, clicker training, classical & operant conditioning, positive reinforcement

Customer Reviews

Harley - Mini Aussie
We absolutely love Courtney with training our puppy. We love seeing our Harley learn so quickly...

Joy - Ridgeback
We did the puppy KG class with Freedom Tails. It was a great experience and our pup benefited from the socialization.

Daisy - Basset Hound
I highly recommend this business! Courtney was excellent and really helped us with our cute, but stubborn basset hound. Extremely professional trainer!

We've got the answers for your questions

Who are the dog trainers listed on this page?

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.

How can I select the right trainer for my dog?

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.

How do I ensure these trainers are competent?

All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.

Why is positive reinforcement emphasized, and what is it?

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.

Are these trainers equipped to address specific behavioral problems?

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.

How do I initiate a training program with a trainer?

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.

How do group sessions differ from private ones?

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.

Which training techniques do these trainers abstain from?

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.

When can I expect to see results using positive reinforcement training?

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.

Can I attend a training session to observe before committing?

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.

Want to train your dog independently?

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