Newfane, VT
Cynthia D. Wilmot
Cynthia has always been drawn to animals and knew from a young age that she wanted to work with them. She joined the assistance dog training program and graduated with a new understanding of the enormous and diverse capabilities of dogs. Over the next few years, she gained experience in many canine training situations. She worked with a second chance shelter program to help dogs learn skills to give them a better chance at being adopted. She even tried her hand at retail training. She wasn’t satisfied with that position and craved something with more depth and creativity. In 2015 she decided to open her own business. In 2017, she teamed up with a new non-profit service dog organization. She completed their thorough training program and officially became an Atlas Assistance Dogs Certified Trainer.
Over the past few years she’s seen an increase in reactivity and aggression in dogs and it seems to be a nationwide trend. Since these issues require a deeper level of understanding than traditional training can offer, she began to broaden the scope of her work. She sought out experts in the field and discovered a robust trove of educational materials and coursework focusing specifically on aggression. She completed Michael Shikashio’s Aggression Master Course and studied under Dr. Amber Batson, Veterinary Surgeon and Behaviorist, completing her phenomenal year long Professionals in Aggression course.
Training Philosophy
Cynthia believes that choice-based learning is beneficial to the dog/human relationship because it builds and promotes trust in ways that other methods cannot. When you give your dog a choice, you are telling him that he has the freedom to choose not to participate in something that is scary or unpleasant. She emphasizes that dogs depend on us to guide and coach them through a sometimes scary and confusing world. Her job is to provide structure in a way that helps dogs make sense of the environment in order to feel safe and confident. It’s not about control. It’s about helping them learn by providing clear information, teaching and marking behaviors, motivating and reinforcing them in ways that promote active engagement. Force has no place in a healthy relationship.
Services
Incredible Canines offers a variety of services, including:
- Private in-home training
- Puppy Prep Program
- Canine Enrichment
- Assistance Dog Training
- Cooperative Care Training
- Aggression Assistance
- Consulting services for shelters and rescues
Certifications
Cynthia D. Wilmot is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants - Accredited Dog Trainer (IAABC-ADT), Fear Free Certified, and DogNostics Canine Enrichment Technician.
Specializations
Cynthia specializes in mitigating aggressive behavior and has studied under some of the world’s foremost specialists in the field. She also offers assistance dog training and enrichment services.
Training Methods
Cynthia relies on science-based, positive and ethical practices that put the dog’s physical, emotional, and mental welfare first. She uses choice-based learning methods and emphasizes clear communication and building trust between dogs and their owners.
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.
