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Certified dog trainer
Maida Barbour
Maida Barbour

Austin, TX

Maida Barbour is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and has a background in psychology and communication technologies. She has been training dogs for many years and has a deep understanding of canine behavior. She is passionate about helping dogs and their owners build strong, trusting relationships.


Training Philosophy
Maida Barbour's training philosophy is based on positive reinforcement and humane methods. She believes in building a strong bond between dogs and their owners through communication and understanding. Her methods include operant conditioning, pack work, and relationship building.


Services
Maida Barbour offers a variety of services, including:


  • Private training in your home
  • Dog-walking workshops in local parks


She also specializes in working with dogs with a variety of behavioral issues, including:


  • Obedience skills
  • Canine Good Citizen behaviors
  • Service dog behaviors - mobility, hearing, and PTSD
  • Therapy dog behaviors
  • Potty-training
  • Bringing up puppies
  • New dog in the home
  • Leash-pulling
  • Over-exuberance
  • Shyness
  • Dog-to-dog reactivity
  • Stranger reactivity
  • Prey drive
  • Anxieties and phobias


She works with all breeds, including:


  • Small dogs
  • Big dogs
  • Purebreds
  • Mutts


And abilities:


  • Deaf dogs
  • Blind dogs
  • Physically disabled dogs


Pricing:


  • Private training in your home:
    • $30-50 for initial evaluation.*
    • $110-$125 per 90-minute session.
    • Small travel fee for distances more than 25 miles.
  • Dog-walking workshop in local parks:
    • $30-$50 for initial evaluation.*
    • $75 for 60-minute session
  • *One evaluation needed per household. No additional fees for two or more dogs.


Certifications
Maida Barbour is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), a Professional Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, and is Pet First Aid and CPR Certified.


Specializations
Maida Barbour specializes in working with dogs with a variety of behavioral issues, including obedience, Canine Good Citizen behaviors, service dog behaviors, therapy dog behaviors, potty-training, bringing up puppies, new dog in the home, leash-pulling, over-exuberance, shyness, dog-to-dog reactivity, stranger reactivity, prey drive, anxieties and phobias.


Training Methods
Maida Barbour uses positive reinforcement methods, including operant conditioning, pack work, and relationship building.


Customer Reviews
Here are some customer reviews and testimonials:


  • George and Donna Ferrie & Joplin: “The best thing about working with Maida is her compassion for dogs and owners. She’s very patient, willing to try different techniques and adapt to unique situations.”
  • Kristy Marsillo & Guinness: “My dog walks well on the leash, listens better and is overall happier and calmer and barks less at the fence. [We found] ways to communicate well with my dog while maintaining a loving healthy bond.”
  • Aaron Grabein & Ulysses: “Uli has really become a nice, mellow puppy. It was noticed after the first class. Very happy/thankful.”
  • Janet Fowler & Ranger and Vivee: “Maida listens! She listens to you and she listens to the dogs. Maida spends time talking to you. She listens to your concerns, asks questions, and provides you with information drawn from a wide breadth of knowledge and experience. But not only does she address the human, she is constantly aware of the dog and what she/he is saying, interpreting the canine communication to the human! I also enjoyed her calm, relaxed, yet authoritative presence. Just a pleasure!!”
  • Paula Gordon & Duke: “Maida has excellent insight to dog behavior and demonstrated compassion to my problem with my dog’s behavior toward my cats. She helped ease my anxieties as we worked on the steps toward improving the situation between my pets.”
  • Lucy W. & Chocco and Petunia: “Maida really knows how dogs respond and learn, and she is patient with them (and with the owner) in training. I liked that she would tell you why certain things work better than others. And when you are getting training in your home, she can look around and help with the problems you may have, such as when the dogs go crazy when they hear someone at the front door.”
  • Ramon and Maria Arizpe & Pumkin: “Very informative and friendly. The pace of the class was perfect. It allowed for everyone to achieve their goals. Everything was awesome.”
  • Chip Senkbeil & Pepper: “Maida was very patient, provided corrections to dogs (and trainers!) calmly with detail.”
  • Joolie Bracken & Willa: “The tools Maida gave us to work with Willa ended up being just as valuable as the training itself. Maida is funny, focused, and interested in a good outcome for both the dog and the owners.”
  • Michaela Burgman & Tank: “We can never thank you enough for your extraordinary care and concern for our baby, Tank. Your knowledge and skills with dogs is a special gift.”

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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