Madison, WI
Emma Cross
Emma has been with Teacher's Pet since March of 2016, and holds a B.S. from UW - Madison in Conservation Biology, Environmental Studies, and Community & Environmental Sociology. She has had a lifelong love of animals and became especially interested in animal training after becoming a puppy raiser for the seeing eye dog organization, Leader Dogs for the Blind. After adopting her own dog, Copper, and beginning to work through his socialization and training challenges with the help of Teacher's Pet, she became interested in learning to help others with their furry friends. The bond between Emma and her dog was fostered and strengthened through science based training methods, and she is passionate about helping others build pawsitive relationships with their own pets using these meaningful tools. She earned her CPDT-KA in 2019, and her training partners are Copper the energetic German Shorthaired Pointer, and Hazel the spunky coonhound mix puppy.
Training Philosophy
Emma firmly believes that training should be a fun, low-stress experience for all involved (humans & pets), and she focuses on methods rooted in positivity. She strives to find what motivates our pets (food, praise, petting, play, etc), and then we give them access to those things when they offer "good" behaviors. She will not use or recommend aversive techniques (choke chains, shock collars, etc.), as these have the risk of creating stress, fear related behavior problems and/or physically harming the dog. Instead, she will work with you on finding out your pet's favorite activities or items, and she will coach you on using those to your advantage! You and your pet(s) should enjoy training as you reach your goals.
Services
Emma offers a variety of services including:
- Group Classes: Puppy Kindergarten, Doggy Elementary School, Doggy High School, Doggy College, Gym Class
- Private Training: Initial consultation (virtual), Traditional Training (in-person or virtual), Day Training (in-person)
- Off On The Right Paw Package: Includes two private sessions, a group class, a training pouch, and a package of high-value training treats.
- Smart Walks: 30-minute or 60-minute walks with training and socialization elements.
- Homeschooling: Intensive training program with multiple sessions per week in the client's home.
Certifications
Emma is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA).
Specializations
Emma specializes in positive reinforcement training methods and is passionate about helping people build positive relationships with their pets. She has experience working with a variety of dogs, including puppies, adult dogs, and dogs with behavioral challenges.
Training Methods
Emma uses force-free, positive reinforcement methods. She focuses on finding what motivates each dog and using those motivators to reward desired behaviors. She does not use aversive techniques such as choke chains or shock collars.
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.
