Wheat Ridge, CO
Danielle Winkelman
Danielle is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, an Associate Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, a Fear Free Certified Professional, Family Dog Mediator, and Puppy Start Right Instructor. After serving in the military as an Army medic, Danielle graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of North Carolina. Her career with animals began in shelters and sanctuaries, then moved into veterinary medicine which led her to work with board-certified veterinary behaviorists. She is now dedicated to behavior full-time and owns Intrepid Animal Learning, working with all species. Danielle contributed as a relief Senior Training and Behavior Consultant and in Puppy Club at Humane Society of Boulder Valley before recently moving back to Clyde, NC.
Training Philosophy
Danielle’s training philosophy is centered around the fact that animals learn most effectively when they are rewarded for good behavior rather than punished for bad behavior. She strives to create a positive and nurturing learning environment for dogs, cats, horses and all of her animal clients, using rewards such as treats and play to encourage desired behaviors. Her ultimate goal is to strengthen the bond between pets and their guardians, help them communicate effectively and build trust through positive reinforcement training, all while creating results that will last a lifetime.
Services
Intrepid Animal Learning offers a variety of services for dogs, cats, horses, and other small animals. These services include:
- Dog Board and Train: This program is designed specifically for behaviorally sensitive dogs to receive safe and consistent training in a structured environment.
- Dog Behavior Consulting: Danielle can help with a variety of dog behavior issues, including counter-surfing, aggression, reactivity, and fearfulness.
- Horse Behavior Consulting: Danielle can help with a variety of horse behavior issues, including trailer loading, veterinary or farrier concerns, stall weaving, cribbing, and aggression to humans and other horses.
- Small Pet Behavior Consulting: Danielle can help with a variety of small pet behavior issues, including litter box problems, furniture scratching, aggression, and fearfulness.
- Farm Animal Behavior Consulting: Danielle can help with a variety of farm animal behavior issues, including aggression, handling problems, and husbandry issues.
Certifications
Danielle is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, an Associate Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, a Fear Free Certified Professional, Family Dog Mediator, and Puppy Start Right Instructor.
Specializations
Danielle specializes in positive reinforcement training for dogs, cats, horses, and other small animals. She has experience working with a variety of behavior issues, including aggression, reactivity, fearfulness, anxiety, and training for husbandry tasks.
Training Methods
Danielle uses only scientifically proven, positive reinforcement training methods to promote a healthy and positive relationship between animals and their guardians. She does not use punishment-based training methods as they can have serious risks and negative consequences.
Customer Reviews
- - Becky F.: Hiring Danielle was the best thing I ever did. I had tried so many different trainers and approaches with no success, but with Danielle it never felt like work. Training was so enjoyable and rewarding. Phoebe wouldn't let any human approach her, but after the first visit I had a better hope for the future. Now we have a stronger bond, easier walks with minimized reactivity, and confidence!
- - Amelia Wieber, Certified Behavior Consultant: Danielle is an educated, experienced and compassionate dog trainer and caretaker. Dogs staying with her will receive personalized attention and meticulous safe keeping. I have no doubt that Danielle is the best choice for your canine companion's boarding and training needs. Enjoy your vacation knowing your dog is enjoying theirs!
- - Dr. Natalie Maffeo, DVM: I would highly recommend Intrepid Animal Learning for anyone looking for animal training/behavior modification or boarding. Danielle is knowledgeable, experienced, and most importantly, effective. I have used Intrepid for training and boarding of my own pets and frequently refer to her on a professional level. Her empathy and kindness toward all species is evident in her interactions, care, and training methods. She is the best!
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.
