Saint Charles, IL
Dana Nelson
Dana Nelson has been training dogs for over 25 years and teaching people to train their dogs using reward-based methods for over 20 years. Her first love affair with training started when she was the age of eight with a lovely 9 month old Great Dane puppy named 'Tasha.' Through the years she has been priviledged to share her life, heart and home with a Beagle Terrier mix named Shargo, a Doberman Pinscher named Raven and an All - American Border Collie mix named Champ. Her teaching career began with a Golden Retriever puppy named Jasper (a.k.a. Jazz) and to this day he is the inspiration of Affinity Dog Training's teaching and training philosophy. Cameo was next in her long line of companions. Currently Dana trains, actively competes with and has titled her Golden Retrievers, Napa, Jamaica and Kaia in various competitive performance venues - with Agility, Obedience and Rally Obedience being her main concentrations.
Training Philosophy
It is Dana's belief that the relationship between dog and owner should be based on mutual trust and respect and not fear and intimidation. A “toolbox” approach to training is taken, realizing that each dog and its human family are unique. Training methods are based on her years of experience and extensive study of various professional animal training and behavior counseling methods.
Services
- Affinity Dog Training offers small group dog training classes, puppy kindergarten classes, in-home behavior consultations and behavior modification, in-home obedience training, pre-sports puppy/dog training and Mini Workshops.
Certifications
- She is a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), and is a 2001 graduate of Purdue University’s DOGS! Course: Principles and Techniques of Behavior Modification offered by the Animal Behavior Clinic at the School of Veterinary Medicine.
Specializations
- Agility, Obedience and Rally Obedience
Training Methods
- Reward-based 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.
