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Certified dog trainer
Julie F. Smith
Julie F. Smith

Granville, OH

Julie Fudge Smith, CPDT-KA, is the owner of A Positive Connection Dog Training. She has been training dogs professionally since 2003 and started her business in 2007. Before starting A Positive Connection, she worked for All About Dogs in Woodbridge, Virginia.

Training Philosophy
Julie Fudge Smith is a positive reinforcement trainer who believes in humane, dog-friendly training techniques. She uses reward-based methods, primarily food, to make a behavior more likely to reoccur.

Services
Julie Fudge Smith offers a variety of dog training services, including:

  • Beginning through advanced obedience classes
  • Family dog training
  • Behavior modification
  • Zoom call consults

Certifications
Julie Fudge Smith is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and an AKC Canine Good Citizen® evaluator. She is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, The Pet Professional Guild, American Kennel Club, and the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association.

Specializations
Julie Fudge Smith specializes in family dog training as well as behavior modification.

Training Methods
Julie Fudge Smith uses reward-based methods, primarily food, to make a behavior more likely to reoccur. She also teaches owners how to use their dog's food, reduce the amount of food as training progresses, and add in other rewards for desired behaviors.

Customer Reviews
Here are some customer reviews and testimonials:

  • "We really appreciate everything you taught us and thank you for your continued support." - Rebecca Gassman
  • "You are fantastic! Your training style is easy to follow. Your enthusiasm is unsurpassed!" - Quincy's family - The Cramers
  • "Julie had lots of information and really cared about my puppy. She was very helpful with all of my questions. The animalcentric cards she sent were really cute!" - Lennon's mom - C. Sheward
  • "You were accessible and seemed to genuinely care about helping us, and our dogs. We appreciated the ability to speak with you by phone or email." - Molly, Ollie, Oscar, Penelope, Lilly and CiCi's family - The Idlemans
  • "...not only the home visit for FIVE dogs but your help at my pet grooming shop. I use your techniques during grooming sessions. YOU ROCK!!!" - S. Bennett
  • "...a great experience for a busy family, you accommodated all of us well!" - Sophie's family - The Thompsons
  • "All of the progress that our dog has made has been possible due to the work we all did together early on. That work laid a foundation that made future learning possible." - Elaine B, Bob's mom.
  • "Thank you Julie! By far hiring you was one of the best decisions I made! I am seeing progress with Olive all the time. Although she and we are a work in progress I believe we will get to a place we can all enjoy." - Beth Fenton

Media Appearances
Julie Fudge Smith has written for several publications, including The Chronicle of the Dog, and Professional Pet Sitter. She is a regular columnist for a local newsletter, and she blogs on a variety of canine topics. She also co-hosts the Your Family Dog podcast with Tina Spring.

We've got the answers for your questions

Who are the dog trainers listed on this page?

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.

How can I select the right trainer for my dog?

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.

How do I ensure these trainers are competent?

All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.

Why is positive reinforcement emphasized, and what is it?

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.

Are these trainers equipped to address specific behavioral problems?

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.

How do I initiate a training program with a trainer?

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.

How do group sessions differ from private ones?

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.

Which training techniques do these trainers abstain from?

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.

When can I expect to see results using positive reinforcement training?

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.

Can I attend a training session to observe before committing?

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.

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