Chebanse, IL
Elesa M. Hilsheimer-Smith
Elesa lives on a small farm with her husband, five rescue dogs, a few cats, a horse, and fosters.
Training Philosophy
Elesa Smith K9 offers positive reinforcement manners and behavior training. She wants to strengthen the bond between owner and companion. She trains based on a reward system and does not use aversive training methods.
Services
Smith K9 offers a variety of services, including:
- In-Home Pet Manners
- Private Lessons
- Group Classes:
- Basic Puppy Class (10-16 weeks): 6 weeks, $150, covers basic commands, leash walking, polite greetings, and common puppy behaviors.
- Beginner Foundation (5 months and older): 6 weeks, $150, teaches sit, down, come, leash walking, polite greetings, leave it, stand, stay, wait, and more.
- Intermediate Life Skills (6 months and older): 6 weeks, $150, builds on previous skills and introduces distance, distraction, and duration. Prerequisite: successful completion of Beginner Foundation or Puppy Class.
- Trick Class 101 (6 months or older): 4 weeks, $100, teaches a variety of fun tricks to build confidence and strengthen the bond. Prerequisite: basic manners recommended.
- Loose Leash Walking (6 months or older): 4 weeks, $100, focuses on leash handling skills, dealing with distractions, and improving communication between handler and dog.
- Tennis Camps
Certifications
Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), Certified Trick Dog Instructor, CGC evaluator, APDT Member, CCPDT
Specializations
Positive reinforcement training, manners and behavior training, puppy training, basic obedience, trick training, loose leash walking
Training Methods
Positive reinforcement, reward-based training
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.
