Williamsburg, VA
Diana J. Marahrens
Diana has a B.S. in Ornamental Horticulture from Virginia Tech. She has professionally trained dogs and other pets since 2000 and has been internationally certified as a trainer since 2003 by the Certification Council of Pet Dog Trainers. She holds additional professional certifications from the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and Do More With Your Dogs.
Diana attends professional seminars and conferences to stay up to date with the most current research and training trials. She is currently studying new training methods that aim to reduce stresses on both the owner and pet. She is also evolving model action plans to treat problem behaviors in both pets and people alike. Much of her on-going training focuses on promoting strong bonds between pet and human by encouraging inter-species communication.
Prior to becoming a professional pet trainer Diana was a Certified Landscape Designer and Horticulturist. Throughout her life she always kept a special spot in her heart for animals. For almost two decades she has turned that passion into a career helping others enjoy meaningful, rewarding bonds with their pets.
Training Philosophy
Diana's training philosophy is to use positive reinforcement to modify your pet's behavior and create a communication system between you and your pet. The goal is to build a long-term relationship between your family and your pet. To build this bond an understanding must be gained of your pet's behaviors and how they communicate with humans. Pets don't speak English but they communicate using body language. Learning a pet's body language helps us communicate effectively with them. With patience, practice, and consistency you will soon have a happy pet whom you can enjoy and communicate with!
Services
- Private, At-Home and Off-Site Training Instructions available in the Greater Williamsburg Virginia area
- Private Dog Training Instructions
- Basic, Intermediate, Advanced Dog Training Lessons
- (K9) Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
- Therapy Dog Preparation
- Dog Behavioral Assessment and Recommendations
- New Puppy Introduction
- New Kitten Introduction
- Adopting A Pet Into Your Home
- Education for children on how to behave with a cat or dog
- Private, At-Home and Off-Site Dog Training
Dog Training includes:
- Basic/Intermediate/Advanced Lessons with Personalized Curricula
- Preparations for Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog Certifications
- Behavioral Assessments
- Pet Introduction Seminars
New Puppy Introduction
- Includes email documentation and at home session
New Kitten Introduction
- Includes email documentation and one at home session
Adopting A Pet Into Your Home Seminar
Certifications
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
- Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI)
Specializations
Dog training, Cat training, Puppy training, Kitten training, Canine Good Citizen (CGC), Therapy Dog Preparation, Behavioral Assessments, Pet Introduction Seminars
Training Methods
Positive reinforcement
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.
