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Certified dog trainer
Leslie Miller
Leslie Miller

Santa Cruz, CA

Leslie Miller
Leslie has a veterinary medical background combined with animal training experience.

Training Philosophy
Leslie is committed to helping people create the type of relationship they want with their pet through humane positive reinforcement based training. She is passionate about training cooperative care with dogs and cats and spreading awareness that our pets can be voluntary participants in their husbandry and medical care.

Services
Leslie offers a variety of dog and cat training services, including:

  • Dog Training Classes:
    • Vet Prep Classes: A two-part training series designed to prepare dogs for low-stress veterinary visits. (Level 1 and Level 2)
    • Foundations for Cooperative Care: Builds the foundations needed for dogs to be successful in preparing them for their personal care. (Nail trim, eye medicating, brushing, etc.)
  • Private Dog Training: Personalized training for happy dogs and humans. Covers skills to medicate your dog, how to prepare for vet visits or the groomer, cooperative care training, calm walks, and harmony in the home.
  • Cat Training Classes:
    • Cat Tricks: Learn how to train your cat a few tricks such as sit, go to a mat, and more!
    • Kitten Kindergarten: Helps set kittens up for success in their new home, prepare them for veterinary visits, nail clipping, taking medication, and much more!
  • Private Cat Training: Personalized training for happy cats and humans. Covers skills to medicate your cat, how to prepare for vet visits or the groomer, cooperative care training, litterbox skills, carrier training, and inter-cat conflict.

Pricing:

  • Vet Prep Classes: $150 per 6-week session
  • Foundations for Cooperative Care: $175 (Includes class and 1/2 hr private virtual follow up 1 month after 6 week session)
  • Cat Tricks: $60 for 4-week session
  • Kitten Kindergarten: $130 (Includes Kitten Pack)
  • Private Consult: $125 for 1 hour
  • Private Lessons: $90 per hour

Certifications

Specializations
Cooperative care training, veterinary preparation, puppy training, kitten training, behavior modification

Training Methods
Positive reinforcement based training

Customer Reviews
Hannah Hausman: "The most important thing for me is how Leslie teaches me how to train my dog with respect, work cooperatively with him, and not force or compel him into complying."
Jill Duran: "Leslie's classes helped me and my dogs become more adaptive and resilient learners. The lessons improved my ability to detect subtle emotional and physical changes in my dogs. I highly recommend the classes for anyone looking to gain valuable cooperative care skills as well as basic training skills."

Social Media Links
Follow Paws First on Instagram

Media Appearances

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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