Denver, CO
Lauren Zimniski
Lauren is a professional dog trainer with a Certificate in Training and Counseling (CTC) from The Academy for Dog Trainers. She never knew what she wanted to be when she grew up, but if you asked her when she was 6 she would have said, “a dog!” Although that dream didn’t come true, she now works with dogs on a daily basis and that’s just as amazing.
Training Philosophy
Lauren's methods are Force-free, humane and backed by modern scientific research. She uses positive reinforcement (R+) or reward-based training, which means she rewards behaviors we want more of. For behaviors we want less of, she will either cancel the reward and try again, or she will purposely train and reward a mutually exclusive behavior in its place. You won’t see any electronic collars, prongs, choke chains, dominance/alpha theory (it’s been debunked), or any other “tool” that hurts, scares or punishes dogs. Afterall, dogs are only with us for so long, so why not train using modern, scientifically-proven, force-free methods?
Services
Lauren offers a variety of services, including:
- Puppy Socialization Program: This program is designed for puppies 8 to 16 weeks old and will expose them to the city of Denver, people, sounds, and more in a safe way. It includes four sessions covering socialization, dog body language, troubleshooting behavior, and beginning basics.
- Wildflower Puppy Program: This program is for puppies 1 year or younger and includes 12 training sessions condensed into a three-week period. Lauren will come to your home while you’re at work and train your puppy one-on-one. The program also includes two follow-up sessions with you and your puppy to refine skills, apply skills in real-life settings, and troubleshoot any issues that have popped up.
- Puppy Prep Zoom: This is a virtual session designed to prepare you, your home, and your family for life with a new puppy. It includes one 60-minute virtual session during which you will cover the 3 Keys to Puppy Prep: potty training, puppy-proofing, and socialization. You’ll also receive a summary of your discussion including any relevant handouts or resources.
- Dog Training: This program includes one consultation, followed by a customized training package based on your goals and needs. Lauren will provide you with homework and summaries of training sessions, as well as a Google Drive with notes, handouts, and videos. She will also provide you with management strategies to relieve stress from behavior issues and email support during and 30 days after training.
- Goal Setting Session: This session is designed to help you set your training goals, make a list of your dog’s biggest motivators, make a ladder of your dog’s distractions from easiest to hardest, decide on a number of training sessions, and more.
Certifications
Certificate in Training and Counseling (CTC) from The Academy for Dog Trainers
Specializations
Puppy training, socialization, obedience training, behavior modification, leash reactivity, house training, destruction, good manners
Training Methods
Positive reinforcement (R+), reward-based training, force-free, humane, modern, scientifically-proven
Customer Reviews
Laura & Ella: Lauren is an incredible trainer. She has been formally trained by experts in her field and it shows in her knowledge and approach. She was very easy to work with, all sessions started in my home where my dog was comfortable and less distracted. Her method for training was easy to practice in between sessions with her detailed directions.
Elie & Jack: Lauren was instrumental in training my new puppy. Her program designed specifically for puppies was great for both us and the carryover has been exciting to see. She tailored the training to traits important for us and was an amazing resource for all of my questions as a new dog mom. Jack and I can’t thank Lauren enough for her help!
Missy & Scout: My fiance and I got our first puppy and had no idea where to start. Lauren was able to provide us with resources and guidance for us to navigate the first few months. She was easily accessible so I can ask all of my questions and always gave thoughtful and impactful responses. She took away all my fears made the adjustment so much easier!!
Paige & Ramsey: Lauren helped us integrate our puppy into our multi-dog household. Our older dog has quirks and we wanted to make it a positive transition. She was very patient and took slow, steady steps. She was knowledgeable about behavior and helped us feel at ease with training. We plan to use her again when we need dog training in the future!
Sarah & Ella: Lauren was amazing training our rescue Berner, Ella. Ella was so timid and scared it was hard to do any training. Lauren came in with compassion and patience. She provided helpful tips, videos, and homework. It was truly incredible to see Ella's transformation. I would highly recommend Wildflower Dog Training!!
Missy & Joe H.: Lauren helped us integrate our puppy into our multi-dog household. She was knowledgeable about behaviors to look for and helped us feel completely at ease with training them together. We plan to use her again when we have dog training needs in the future!
Elie N.: Lauren was instrumental in training my new puppy. Her program designed specifically for puppies was great and the carryover has been exciting to see. She tailored the training to us and was an amazing resource for all of my questions as a new dog mom. Jack and I can’t thank Lauren enough for her help!
Paige N.: My fiance and I got our first puppy and had no idea where to start. Lauren provided us with great resources and guidance for us to navigate the first few months of having a puppy. She was easily accessible so I can ask all of my questions and always gave thoughtful and impactful responses. She completely took away all my fears about getting a new puppy and made the adjustment so much easier!! Would recommend Lauren to anyone!!
Social Media Links
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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.
