Chester Springs, PA
Joanie Forry is a dog trainer who has a Ph.D. in Philosophy with a specialization in applied ethics. She was a Philosophy professor before becoming a full-time dog trainer. She adopted a puppy named Mulligan in 2010, whose challenging behavior prompted her to learn more about dog training. She has since expanded her dog family and now lives with her husband and seven dogs.
Training Philosophy
Joanie believes in using training to help people cultivate friendships with their dogs, to craft meaningful experiences in learning and enrichment, and to help people seek ways to flourish together over a dog's lifetime. She believes that training enables humans and dogs to discover the very best in one another. She emphasizes positive reinforcement and minimizes the use of punishment in her training methods.
Services
Joanie offers a variety of online dog training classes, including Trick Dog, Canine Fitness, and Fun-size Skills. She also offers Trick Dog title evaluations. Her classes are offered in different lengths:
- Sparkle Sessions (single session classes of 35 minutes each)
- Fun Size Skills classes (two or three weekly sessions of 30 minutes each)
- Full Size Classes (five or six weekly sessions of 45 minutes each).
Certifications
Joanie Forry, Ph.D., CPDT-KA, CTC, CCFP-Trainer. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, a Certified Training and Counseling (CTC) graduate from the Academy for Dog Trainers, a Fear-Free Certified Professional (Trainer), an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, and an AKC FIT DOG Level 1 and Level 2 Instructor.
Specializations
Trick Dog, Canine Fitness, Scentwork, Rally, Comfortable Care (grooming and husbandry procedures), and various other skills such as sends, wraps, go to mat, paw targeting, back up, pivots, leg weaves, retrieve, bow, stand, peekaboo, penguin, happy heeling, identify objects by name, teach your dog to read, raise your paw, prance with me, teach your dog to paint.
Training Methods
Joanie uses positive reinforcement, classical conditioning, and counterconditioning in her training methods. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the why behind training methods and ensuring they are supported by scientific research and proven industry best practices. She does not use fear, force, pain, or electric shock to train or modify behavior.
Customer Reviews
- Charlotte B.: If you are thinking about doing training with Joan - just say YES. Joan got our pup Hubble through some of the hardest heart-worm treatment by stimulating his brain with trick training. She was so receptive to accommodations we needed to make for his restrictions, and went above and beyond to help support not only Hubble but us as doggo human owners. We have learned about scent work, basics like "go to mat" and cutest tricks like High-Five with Joan, AND cooperative care. If you have the chance to have Joan on your team consider yourself in the category of the luckiest!
- Oleg S.: My senior dog Sadie and I have taken 3 classes with Joan, and have loved every single second. Joan is a phenomenal teacher, and her classes are so much fun! It's like therapy. Sadie and I look forward to our set-aside time every week to learn and have a blast together, with Joan leading the way. I cherish this time and all the fun memories. Thank you so much, Joan!
- Kathleen M.: What a fantastic experience!! Joan is a phenomenal teacher. Whatever challenge we were having she was able to offer a solution. She is so knowledgeable, but also so kind and encouraging. Taking a class at The Dog Abides was such a positive experience! We will definitely be back. If you have been on the fence about taking an online dog training course, do not hesitate!
- Vanessa M.: I've done a couple of Joan's online trick classes with my dog and we always have a great time! After teaching our dogs new tricks we get to show them off if we want and there's no shame in bloopers. Really friendly atmosphere and great way to spend time with your dog. Joan's dog are also super cute to watch during the demos!
- Sami T.: I recently took an online group class over zoom- my pup and I had so much fun!!! We learned so many great techniques on how to build focus and attention, even around big distractions. The instructor, Joan, was a great teacher and broke down each exercise for everyone to do, even if dogs in the class were at different skill levels. We can't wait to sign up for another one! I highly recommend her classes to anyone looking to work with their pup!
- Saundra C.: I have taken several of Joan's classes with my dog, Cache. Joan is such a wonderful trainer and makes learning so much fun for both the human & the dog. Highly recommend her online classes!
- Jessica R.: Joan is a brilliant trainer! She's extremely skilled, highly educated, great with people, and whole lot of fun. Check out her online classes. You won't regret working with Joan at The Dog Abides.
- Tom D.: Joan is the BEST dog trainer ever! She got our dog and us through a really difficult time in his life. Thank you so much, Joan! Everyone in our family loves you!
- Jennifer F.: Best of the best! A brilliant trainer that can relate to the novice dog trainer as well as those who have more experience.
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.
