Willard, MO
Canine Connection LLC is managed by a Certified Professional Dog Trainer. With a master's degree in adult education and a background in healthcare as a registered nurse, she brings over 30 years of experience to the table.
She is also a Karen Pryor Academy graduate and Certified Training Partner, having contributed to APDT Chronicle of the Dog and authored the 2010 book, 'Top Tips From Top Trainers.' She has reviewed the 2014 book, 'Getting to Know Dogs' in Australia.
Offering a wide range of services including pet and service dog training, therapy dog evaluation, American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen (CGC) testing, behavior evaluation and modification, bite prevention presentations, and workshops on clicker training, she is well-versed in animal handling for photo shoots and advertisements.
Her training philosophy eschews the use of force, pain, or intimidation. She tailors her methods to the needs of individual dogs and their owners, employing evidence-based best practices. Her training equipment includes clickers and head halters, but she avoids choke chain collars, prong/pinch collars, and shock ('e') collars, preferring harnesses over neck collars.
Her expertise extends beyond standard training methods. She is a graduate and Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP) of the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior and has attended the Purdue University Principles and Techniques of Behavior Modification course. She continuously updates her knowledge by attending seminars and workshops offered by top professionals, and has completed post-grad coursework in dog and wolf behavior, as well as pet nutrition.
With a background that includes working as a field representative/service dog instructor with Paws with a Cause in Michigan for 3 years, as well as studying graduate level wolf ethology, she brings a wealth of experience to the field. She has also founded the first Dog Scout troop in Iowa.
Her professional teaching career spanning 50 years, a master's degree in higher & adult education, a bachelor's degree in natural science, and 45 years of experience as a licensed registered nurse uniquely qualify her to perform professional assessments using the medical model, as well as applied behavior analysis.
Her tools and techniques are compliant with the Joint Practice Standards of the APDT, IAABC, CCPDT, and KPA, and are in agreement with the recommendations of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. She works collaboratively with general practice veterinarians as well as board-cert
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.
