Sandusky, OH
Lesley A. Sinwald
Lesley Sinwald started Riley's Angels after the loss of her first therapy dog, Riley. She had witnessed the positive impact Riley had on nursing home residents and decided to honor her by training therapy dogs to work in hospice. She adopted Grace and Chance, who became certified therapy dogs and worked in hospice, with veterans, and in local schools. Chance was born deaf, so Lesley taught him sign language (ASL).
Training Philosophy
Riley's Angels focuses on positive dog training methods to teach both dogs and their owners how to better communicate with each other. They believe in building a strong human-canine bond and providing an educational approach to training.
Services
Riley's Angels offers a variety of dog training services, including:
- Puppy Classes: AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy class, designed for new puppies to socialize and learn basic obedience.
- Adult Dog Classes: Focus, Fitness, and Friends (FFF) class, designed for dogs of all ages and obedience levels to work on focus, fitness, socialization, and impulse control.
- Canine Good Citizen (CGC): AKC Canine Good Citizen course, which focuses on basic obedience and comfortability with other dogs, people, and distractions.
- Therapy Dog Prep: A short prep course that introduces dogs to the beginning stages of therapy dog training requirements.
- Therapy Dog Course: A 12-week course that focuses on experiential learning and provides hands-on training with certified dogs and trainers.
- Therapy Dog Outreach and Community Service: Riley's Angels is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit organization that offers therapy dog teams for community events and programs.
Certifications
Lesley Sinwald holds the following certifications:
- EMBA (emphasis in Servant Leadership)
- MEd (concentration in Adult Learning Theory)
- Certificate in Animal Assisted Therapy from the University of New Hampshire
- CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed)
- AKC Evaluator for several programs, including S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, CGC Advanced, and CGC Urban
- AKC Temperament Test Evaluator
- Trick Dog Certification Evaluator
- Member of the Association for Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
- Certified Pet First Aid Instructor
Specializations
Therapy dog training, puppy training, basic obedience, Canine Good Citizen (CGC), service dog coaching, and advanced classes for therapy dogs.
Training Methods
Positive reinforcement methods are used to teach dogs and their owners how to communicate effectively. The training is designed to be educational and engaging for both the dog and the handler.
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.
