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Certified dog trainer
Elizabeth Widmer
Elizabeth Widmer

West Bloomfield, MI

Elizabeth Widmer

Elizabeth Widmer began her professional dog training career in 2003. Prior to that, she had a career managing corporate training and development for a large, privately held, international company where she learned a great deal about how people learn and are motivated.

Training Philosophy

Elizabeth Widmer's approach is very gentle and loving. Her demeanor is low key, professional, and she really takes the time to understand her clients' goals and how best to accomplish them. She seems to take a holistic view - it's not just the dog, it's breed and temperament, and the owners, but the environment and how we all live together as well.
Her approach is centered on creating and reinforcing positive behaviors in a fun way for all of us. She takes the time to answer questions and, more importantly, to help clients understand the importance of how and why the dog winning the “game” reinforces the desired behavior.

Services

Bloomfield Dog Training provides private lessons, day training and group classes. They offer packages for puppies, including Puppy Essentials, Puppy Essentials Zoom, Elimination Training, Puppy Basics, Puppy Adventurer, and Puppy Socialization. They also offer packages for dogs of all ages, including Elementary Manners, Good Manners, and Therapy Dog Evaluation Prep. They also offer behavior consultations.

Certifications

  • KPA Certified Training Partner (CTP)
  • Fear Free Certified Professional
  • American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen evaluator
  • PetTech-certified in Pet First Aid and CPR
  • member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers

Specializations

  • Puppy training
  • obedience training
  • behavior modification
  • therapy dog training

Training Methods

  • Positive reinforcement
  • least intrusive minimally aversive (LIMA) training

Customer Reviews

Kelsey Meske with Rodney: “Jeff and I were talking yesterday about how awesome training was and how attentive you were to our needs. Each lesson was packed with great things to work on. The mat especially has been a game changer for us!”
Christopher G. Brochert: “I have known Liz for almost three years. She exercises and trains my two young male Golden Retrievers, Charlie and Junior. I have noticed a marked improvement in their behavior both indoors and outdoors on walks since Liz began working with them. they both have reliable stays and are able to walk together politely on leash.
Liz is dependable and dedicated. She teaches my dogs with patience and genuinely cares about their well-being.
She helps me keep my dogs happy and healthy!
I would recommend Liz Widmer to anyone who is looking for a dog trainer.”
Dale and Karen: “Liz’s approach is very gentle and loving. Her demeanor is low key, professional, and she really takes the time to understand our goals and how best to accomplish them. She seems to take a holistic view – its not just the dog, it’s breed and temperament, and the owners, but the environment and how we all live together as well.
Her approach is centered on creating and reinforcing positive behaviors in a fun way for all of us. She takes the time to answer our questions and, more importantly, to help us understand the importance of how and why Beck winning the “game” reinforces the desired behavior.
Happy dog is happy family!!”
Deb Pinkham: “I enrolled my 5 month old male German Shepherd in Puppy Kindergarten Class. I had never took a dog training class in my life and wasn’t sure what to expect. Liz Widmer was the instructor and I was so impressed with the way she taught and her knowledge on all breeds of dogs that I took all the other classes she taught after Puppy Kindergarten.
When Troy was having some behavior issues Liz was always able to help me out as to what to do and what not to do. She always answered my questions no matter how silly they might have been. Liz’s positive attitude always made me feel I could do this, so much so that I started competing in Obedience Trials.
There is no doubt that Liz loves working with dogs! I feel that anyone who participates in her classes will be extremely pleased as long as they follow her guidance.”
Lori Misch: “So excited. I took my car in for repair. When it was ready for pick up I walked over with Skye to get it. Greeted by five different people while we were there and she sat each time – no jumping. Go figure. Yay”

We've got the answers for your questions

Who are the dog trainers listed on this page?

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.

How can I select the right trainer for my dog?

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.

How do I ensure these trainers are competent?

All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.

Why is positive reinforcement emphasized, and what is it?

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.

Are these trainers equipped to address specific behavioral problems?

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.

How do I initiate a training program with a trainer?

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.

How do group sessions differ from private ones?

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.

Which training techniques do these trainers abstain from?

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.

When can I expect to see results using positive reinforcement training?

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.

Can I attend a training session to observe before committing?

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.

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