Ypsilanti, MI
Ellen Balanecki
Ellen Balanecki believes in positive reinforcement training. This means setting up a pattern of your dog working for a reward, then moving toward working to please you without treats in hand. She believes training should be fun for everyone involved - you and your dog. To that end, she includes some games to play at home that build on skills learned in class. She believes training has a purpose beyond just a few parlor tricks to pull out whenever people visit. She believes training teaches you how to enhance your communication with your dog - and vice versa. When you understand your dog and your dog knows what behaviors are acceptable and pleasing to you, both of you are able to focus more on enjoying each other.
Services
Ellen Balanecki offers group classes and private training.
Group Classes
- Basic Obedience Course: 7-week course for $150, covering basic obedience cues (sit, down, stay, touch, focus, come, leave it, heel, stand) and dog-related topics such as training equipment, body language, socialization, and loose leash walking. Puppies must be at least 16 weeks of age and all dogs must be current on their vaccinations. Maximum of six dogs per course.
- Big Breed Basic Obedience Course: 7-week course designed specifically for dogs with an estimated adult size over 60 lbs. Maximum of five dogs per course.
- Bitty Breed Basic Obedience Course: 7-week course designed specifically for dogs with an estimated adult size under 25 lbs. Maximum of six dogs per course.
Private Training
- 5-week package: Meets once a week for an hour and costs $250. It covers sit, down, stay, focus, come, heel, and other behaviors (everything in the group classes) and has time for you to ask about specific behaviors you're wanting help with (choose from jumping, excessive barking, loose-leash walking, mouthing, chewing, and house training).
- Single sessions: Available at $65 per session.
Specializations
Basic obedience, puppy training, big breed training, bitty breed training, loose leash walking, jumping, excessive barking, mouthing, chewing, and house training.
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.
