Vinton, VA
Karen Hough
Karen has been training dogs for over twenty years. Field of Dreams has been at 223 W. Jackson Ave, Vinton for over 10 years and prior to that rented space from St. Francis of Assisi Service Dogs.
As I reached my 20's, I became interested in dog training. Pursuing my life's passion of dog training enticed me to explore some interesting paths and rewarding opportunities working with exceptional people and dogs. I am immensely grateful for those opportunities.
Since co-founding Star City Canine Club in 1995 and devoting four and a half years to the inspiring mission of Saint Francis Service Dog Foundation as Director of Training - developing the service dog training program, puppy classes, recipient training classes and the prison-pup-partnership - I discovered that miracles usually happen in unexpected ways!
In 2005 I was provided an opportunity to pursue Field of Dreams on a full-time basis.
Training Philosophy
Field of Dreams believes that learning must always be engaging and fun for the learner and should never require the use of aversive tools.
Services
- Agility lessons for all levels
- Puppy and Teenager Life Skills classes
- Levels classes which teach standard skills such as sit, down, stay and loose leash walking
- problem solving and behavior issues consults
- Doggie Day School
Certifications
Karen Hough is a nationally ranked competitor with her own dogs and excels at teaching the sport to others. She is also a NADAC judge.
Specializations
- Agility training
- Puppy training
- Teenager Life Skills
- Obedience training
- Doggie Day School
Training Methods
Positive reinforcement methods
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.
