Villanova, PA
Mary F.S. Remer
Mary Remer, the founder of What A Good Dog, began her journey over 35 years ago by applying her extensive equine skills to dog training. Her success spread through word of mouth, leading to a formal training program that has served over 35,000 dogs and their families. Over time, her clients requested additional services, prompting the opening of the Frazer location in 2010, offering boarding, daycare, grooming, swimming, and continued training.
Training Philosophy
Mary Remer's training philosophy is based on positive reinforcement and relationship-building techniques. She believes in understanding the behavioral nuances of each breed and mix, combining genetic and environmental factors to set dogs up for success. Her approach emphasizes communication, mutual respect, and supporting the human family's understanding of their dogs' needs.
Services
What A Good Dog offers a wide range of services, including:
- Boarding: Providing a social atmosphere with visually open housing, allowing dogs to interact with each other and staff. Individualized care based on age, gender, temperament, and needs.
- Daycare: Small, supervised playgroups structured for safety and sociability, with a focus on canine-canine interaction and enrichment.
- Grooming: Services include bathing, brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning.
- Swimming: Private and group swim sessions, water therapy, and swim lessons are available in a salt-chlorinated pool with a gentle ramp.
- Training: A variety of classes and private lessons are offered, including:
- Puppy Kindergarten
- Manners (Levels 1, 2, and 3)
- Canine Good Citizenship (CGC) Testing
- Rally
- Agility
- Obedience
- New Fun Classes (CGC & TDI Preparatory, Focused Heeling Games, Tricks, Tunnels, Hoops & Platforms, Dog Parkour, Canine Sports)
- Behavioral Consultations: Experts assess dogs' needs, abilities, and challenges, creating customized game plans for one-on-one or small-group training.
Certifications
Mary Remer is a nationally renowned Certified Pet Dog Trainer, breeder, and a licensed American Kennel Club judge.
Specializations
Mary Remer specializes in dog training, particularly in understanding and working with challenging canines. She has extensive experience in various dog sports, including Conformation, Agility, Rally, Obedience, Nose Work, and Barn Hunt.
Training Methods
Mary Remer utilizes positive reinforcement-based techniques, focusing on building a strong bond between dogs and their owners. She emphasizes communication, mutual respect, and understanding the dog's needs.
Media Appearances
Mary Remer's work has been featured in regional and national media, including Main Line Today, Philadelphia Magazine, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Forbes, and Dog Fancy. She has also appeared on Animal Planet, FOX Sports, Channel 3’s Better Pet Behavior with Carol Erickson, and several other local affiliate stations around the country.
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.
