Lutz, FL
Courteous Canine
For more than 20 years full time, Angelica Steinker, Owner of Courteous Canine, Inc., has specialized in dog training methods that create, “Results the Fun Way.” Using Consent Testing and Empowerment Training Angelica and her team of 16 trainers have successfully trained thousands of puppies and adult dogs in basic manners/obedience, trick training, problem behavior modification, agility, dock jumping and other skills, all while increasing the bond of trust between dogs and their human companions.
Training Philosophy
Courteous Canine is committed to providing the best dog training and pet care available - and it’s all about positive reinforcement! We believe that all training should strengthen the bond between the dog and their parent. That means, rather than using fear or intimidation to train the dog, we use positive reinforcement, games, and fun! This approach is just as effective, if not more so, than the punishing alternatives, and it builds the trust that is so important in the life of a family pet.
Services
Courteous Canine offers a wide range of services, including:
- Group Dog Training Classes: A variety of classes for different training goals, including puppy training, basic manners, agility, dock jumping, scent games, lure coursing, trick training, pet therapy preparation, and a class for dogs with reactivity.
- Private Dog Training: One-on-one training sessions for dogs of all ages and skill levels, covering basic obedience, manners, trick training, dog sports, and behavior modification.
- Dog Behavior Consulting: For dogs with more complex behavior issues, such as aggression, anxiety, fear, and separation anxiety. Consultations are available on-campus or in-home.
- Dog Daycare: A safe and fun environment for dogs to socialize and play with other dogs, with trained staff supervision.
- Dog Boarding: Boutique-style boarding with small groups of known dog friends, five customized play times a day, and board and train options.
- Cat Behavior Consulting: For cats with behavior issues, such as litter box problems, aggression, and more.
- Snake Avoidance Training: Private training sessions to help dogs and their owners learn how to avoid snakes and respond safely in an emergency situation.
Certifications
Angelica Steinker, the founder of Courteous Canine, holds a Master’s degree in Education, is a CASI dog behavior program graduate, is accredited as a Canine Behavior Consultant through the Pet Professional Accreditation Board, and is certified through Applied Animal Behavior Professionals and International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She is also a former AKC agility judge and a current North American Diving Dogs judge.
Specializations
Courteous Canine specializes in aggression, fear-related problems, barking, and house training. They also have a strong focus on positive reinforcement training methods and offer a variety of dog sports, including agility, dock jumping, scent games, and lure coursing.
Training Methods
Courteous Canine uses positive reinforcement training methods, which means they focus on rewarding desired behaviors rather than punishing unwanted behaviors. They also use clicker training, lure-reward methods, and consent testing.
Customer Reviews
Here are some customer reviews:
- Laura and Jason Yoba: “Our time with Courteous Canine over the years always surpasses expectations. Every staff is trained at a level unmatched throughout Tampa Bay. We feel blessed to have found a place that we can trust whole-heartedly in their recommendations to vets, training, etc for our fur babies.”
- Jeannine Thompson: “During my consultation with Courteous Canine I learned a lot about my dog, developed a new appreciation and respect for the challenges my dog faces, and felt hope for the first time in a long time. I look forward to continuing our training here.”
- Maryann Bishop: “My dog and I both love our experience at doggy day care! I am grateful to have someplace safe and fun to take her to every week. She literally knows when it is her day to go, and she is so happy!”
- Stacey Saundry: “I would definitely recommend Courteous Canine to anyone looking for a great dog training facility. I originally took my dog to Courteous Canine for agility training. I signed up for the Intro to Jumps and Tunnels with Alex and my dog and I absolutely loved the class!”
- Cherie: “Adie and I took a swimming class, Fast Cat and 6 private lessons. I have been extremely happy with your personnel and all classes. We will be signing up for more classes! I recommend Courteous Canine to my dog owning friends.”
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Social Media Links
The website includes links to the following social media profiles:
- X (formerly Twitter)
- YouTube
- TikTok
Media Appearances
Angelica Steinker is a published author in the field of dog training and agility. Her books, Agility Success: Training and Competing with Your Dog in the Winning Zone and Click and Play Agility, address the handler of the agility team and the use of clicker training techniques in the sport respectively, and emphasize the importance of playing and bonding in order to train agility behaviors to the highest level. She co-authored the Pet Trainers and Consultants Lexicon with Niki Tudge, and Louise Stapleton-Frappell. Her newest writing project is on play and dog aggression, which is something she is particularly passionate about.
She has been published in the Journal of Applied Companion Animal Behavior and the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, both of which are peer-reviewed professional journals. She has been published as a regular columnist in BARKS from the Guild, the APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers) Chronicle of the Dog Newsletter, Dog & Handler, Animal Trainer Magazine, Dog Sport Magazine, Dalmatian Quarterly, and Clean Run, the dog agility magazine.
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.
