Poolville, TX
Laurel A. Summerfield
Laurel Summerfield, the founder of Aretas, has been involved in the dog world her entire life. She grew up with show dogs, spent years teaching household manners, puppy, advanced puppy, and CGC classes, and provided private lessons in basic training skills and behavioral issues. She ran an in-home boarding business for her clients' dogs and, after moving to rural New Mexico, fostered over 100 dogs in a high-need area. She found a niche in rescue work, fostering pregnant dogs, whelping the puppies, and adopting them out to loving families. This experience led to the unique program Aretas offers, where puppies are trained from birth as potential service dogs.
Laurel has attended service dog training courses at Service Dogs Inc. in Texas, Canine Assistants in Georgia, and Bergin University in California. She holds a Master's Degree in Canine Life Science from Bergin and is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KSA).
Training Philosophy
Aretas uses science-based positive reinforcement methods to produce happy and reliable working dogs. They are committed to treating both clients and dogs with respect, compassion, and fairness, and aversive and punitive methods are not part of their training methods. Choke collars, prong collars, shock collars, and forced ear pinches are never used in their training programs.
Services
- Service Dog Training: They train dogs to assist individuals with physical, developmental, and psychological disabilities. Their program includes professional training, owner training, and a dual model that combines best training practices with early owner bonding.
- Puppy Raising: They raise puppies from birth using PuppyCulture (TM) methods to ensure the most extensive experiential learning environment during the critical socialization window.
- Breed Selection: They offer consultations to help clients select the right breed or type of dog for their needs.
- Owner Training: They offer owner training packages to help clients learn how to train and care for their service dog.
- Apprenticeships: They offer apprenticeships to pre-teens, teens, and adults who are interested in learning about service dog training.
- Evaluations: They offer evaluations of owner's dogs or puppies and initial training sessions.
- Consultations: They offer consultations to select a breed or type of dog.
Certifications
Laurel A. Summerfield is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KSA) and holds a Master's Degree in Canine Life Science from Bergin University.
Specializations
Service Dog Training, Puppy Raising, Breed Selection, Owner Training, Rescue Dog Training
Training Methods
Science-based 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.
