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Certified dog trainer
Lucy Bailey
Lucy Bailey

Portland, ME

Lucy Bailey has been training dogs since 1965. She started her journey with her Welsh terrier, Owen, winning first place in an obedience trial at the Greater St. Louis Training Club.
Lucy's passion for animal training extended beyond dogs, as she volunteered at the Humane Society of Missouri, trained chinchillas at the Central Institute for the Deaf, worked at the Saint Louis Zoo, and worked with horses in southern Missouri.
She later pursued a career as a zookeeper, training various animals, including wolves, bears, big cats, great apes, antelope, camels, skunks, raccoons, ferrets, foxes, owls, and parrots.
After becoming a full-time mother, Lucy returned to the Zoo and established a training department within human resources.
She is a long-time member of the Greater St. Louis Training Club, holding office on multiple occasions and receiving the Gaines Good Sportsmanship Award.
She was instrumental in forging a training partnership with the Humane Society of Missouri, which allowed the club to update its training program.
In 2003, Lucy partnered with Dixie Tenny Lehmann to launch Dogs Unleashed, a dog training business, and became its sole owner in 2009.
In 2014, she launched her new company, Come Click! LLC.

Lucy Bailey's Training Philosophy
Lucy Bailey's training philosophy emphasizes early training for puppies and lifelong training for all dogs. She believes in consistency, preventing unwanted behavior, and reinforcing desired behavior.
She also stresses the importance of selecting a dog carefully to ensure a good match for your lifestyle and being prepared to invest time, effort, and money in the relationship.

Services
Lucy Bailey offers a variety of dog training services, primarily delivered through video conferencing.
She provides a free 30-minute phone consultation to discuss training challenges and options.
Private lessons by video conference are available, with initial appointments lasting 60 minutes and subsequent meetings ranging from 15 to 45 minutes.
Fees are $100 per hour, invoiced through PayPal.
Her most popular offerings include:

  • Training Skills: A five-level course designed to teach you the skills to train your dog to do anything it is capable of doing. The focus is on the trainer's skills rather than on what the dog is learning. The skills practiced in these classes can be used in any type of training. Pet owners enjoy learning how to communicate more effectively with their dogs, while those involved in dog sports can fine-tune their training skills for greater success. The curriculum is supported with written materials, and students progress at their own pace.
  • New Puppy Basics: This program is for puppies up to 12 weeks old, ideally starting before the puppy comes home. It focuses on setting up the learning environment, crate training, introduction to clicker training, socialization goals, and successful exposures to novel stimuli.

Other options available include:

  • Introductory Seminar: Learn more about clicker training and solving common behavior problems. This single visit program is charged as an hour, although it may go a bit longer.
  • Specific Problems: How to use clicker training to reduce jumping up, pulling on leash, barking, etc.
  • Finding the right dog for you: Advice and assistance in deciding what to look for in your next companion.
  • Preparing for a new dog: Suggestions on how to set up your home, select equipment, establish a routine, and begin training for success.
  • AKC Tricks evaluations by video: Find out more here: https://www.akc.org/sports/trick-dog/

In-person options are available in the Anchorage, Alaska area only:

  • Aptitude Testing for 7-week-old puppies: Geared to breeders and foster raisers to help make decisions about placing puppies in homes where they are most likely to succeed.
  • AKC CGC Evaluations: For individuals or groups in need of an evaluator.

Fees for in-person services are individually negotiated.

Certifications
Lucy Bailey holds the following certifications:

  • Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner #38919 – since 2008
  • Certified Professional Dog Trainer Knowledge Assessed – since 2003
  • TAGTeach Level 1 – since 2009
  • AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
  • AKC Breeder of Merit

Specializations
Lucy Bailey specializes in clicker training, puppy training, and behavior problem-solving. She has extensive experience working with dogs of all ages and breeds, and she is particularly passionate about helping dogs with unique training challenges.

Training Methods
Lucy Bailey primarily uses positive reinforcement clicker training methods. She believes in building a strong bond between the dog and handler through clear communication and positive reinforcement. She avoids punishment-based methods and emphasizes creating positive associations with new experiences and situations.

Customer Reviews
Boo and the Bride to Be.wmv - YouTube

Social Media Links

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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