Sandy Spring, MD
Elizzette Rivera, also known as Elly, is a certified dog trainer with over 15 years of experience. She earned her master's degree researching the impact of housing on horse learning during training. This experience led her to focus on the importance of exercise, socialization, and training for dogs, believing that these fundamentals are crucial for a dog's well-being and ability to learn.
Elizzette's training philosophy is rooted in positive reinforcement and focuses on building a strong bond between dogs and their owners. She emphasizes the importance of patience, consistency, and love in training, believing that dogs are capable of learning and thriving with the right guidance.
Services
Pork Chop's Way offers a comprehensive range of services, including:
- Daycare: Provides a safe and stimulating environment for dogs to socialize and play, with options for off-leash group hikes. Prices start at $40 and include pick-up and drop-off from your home for added convenience if they fit in our route. Packages are non-refundable and dogs on packages must come once a week and preferably on the same day. Packages are subject to change by PCW.
- Boarding: Offers cage-free boarding in a loving home environment with 24-hour supervision. Dogs have access to a secured, fenced backyard for fresh air and play, and off-leash group hikes are also available. Boarding rates vary depending on the number of days and dogs.
- Training: Provides a variety of training programs, including basic obedience, behavioral problem resolution, training daycare, board and train, and online training. Training rates start as low as $53 and include options for in-home private sessions, small group sessions, and Zoom training sessions.
- Puppy 101: A program designed for puppies 2-4 months old, offering 4 in-home private hours to be used within 2 months. This includes tips for choosing the right pup, preparation, nutrition, potty training, off-leash and on-leash training, age-appropriate behavioral training, and unlimited texts. Weekend socialization play time or 3 weekday hikes are included. We charge $525 for this package.
Certifications
Elizzette Rivera is a certified dog trainer and a member of several industry organizations, including:
- Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT): Member & Certified
- The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT): Full Member
- National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS): Member
- Professional Pet Boarding Certification: Certified
- Certified in Pet First Aid
Specializations
Elizzette Rivera specializes in positive reinforcement dog training, addressing behavioral problems, and providing a safe and loving environment for dogs through daycare and boarding services.
Training Methods
Elizzette Rivera utilizes positive reinforcement training methods, focusing on rewarding desired behaviors and building a strong bond between dogs and their owners. She emphasizes patience, consistency, and love in her approach.
Customer Reviews
Pork Chop's Way has received numerous positive reviews from clients, highlighting Elizzette's expertise and dedication to providing excellent care for dogs. Here are some examples:
- Tony: "My rescue dog, Luke, was terrified of everything, even noises like setting down a coffee mug at home. Elly had the patience to let Luke come out of his shell at his own pace. I can't express how great it feels to watch videos of Luke happily playing with other dogs, and even initiating play, on their hikes. Luke can still be skittish, even at home, but he's calmer than I ever expected he would be, and happier. Hike days are his favorite days! He and his sister, Phoebe, both come home from hikes tired and happy."
- Chris K.: "Ellie has a wonderful way with dogs - they instantly fall in love with her. I am so relieved that I can leave Bear at Ellie's and travel without worrying about him."
- Erin & Brian M.: "Ellie came to our house (super helpful, considering the kid and my demanding work schedule) but also the cat issue was very much in our home. She seemed to get along well with our dog immediately and she insisted she was actually quite smart. She figured out the issues and helped us learn how to address them directly by getting Evie used to things in small steps and rewarding her appropriately, in ways that enforced the behaviors we wanted. In a lot of ways-- WE were the ones getting trained! Once we understood how to change what we were doing, Evie was super adaptive and changed in a matter of days. Evie has also done the hikes a number of times and boarding. We wouldn't trust anyone else with Evie when we are away."
- Cheryl I.: "I felt like I found a goldmine! The staff sincerely LOVES my dog, I can just tell. The staff are well trained in ALL dog behaviors as well as what my dog needs. The large open area of social play among the dogs, while being supervised, is so unique. And then the guided hikes to stimulate all of her senses, are just what she needs. Boarding her at PCW is just more of the same and unlike nowhere else. When Elly met my rescue, she knew exactly what she was doing and how to help. I knew right then that this isn't a doggy daycare where your dog is just kept safe while you are at work. This is a doggy daycare where your dog will be loved and nurtured while you are at work. We love Elly and all the staff at Pork Chops Way. They helped our rescue become a lovable and well loved family member!"
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.
