Concord, CA
Stacy Totten, the proprietor of Meadow Run, has a lifelong love of animals. She gained valuable experience working with animals in various roles, including participating in the Dayton Museum of Natural History's "Raise and Release" program for wild animals, acting as "Kennel Maid" for the Miami Valley Hunt, managing boarding facilities at Dayton's Old Stage Kennel, and working as a veterinary assistant at Miami Valley Animal Hospital. After graduating from Ohio University in 1984, she pursued a career in veterinary pharmaceutical sales, introducing new drugs and procedures to veterinarians in Northern Ohio. Stacy is currently involved in the sport of nosework/scentwork, competing successfully at the upper levels with her dogs, Dash and Stella. She teaches classes and private lessons in scent work and is a certified C-WAGS Scent Work Judge.
Training Philosophy
Stacy Totten believes in positive training methods, focusing on preventing unwanted behaviors and positively reinforcing desired behaviors. She emphasizes creating a happy dog who wants to behave, rather than one who has to.
Services
Meadow Run offers a variety of services, including:
- Dog Boarding: Dogs are housed in their own indoor areas with access to private outdoor areas. Playtime, socialization, individual attention, and treats are included. Owners can opt for additional exercise and training.
- Dog Training:
- Private Lessons: Owners and their dogs learn to work together on new skills, problem-solving, or brushing up on old skills. In-home lessons are available for an additional fee.
- Puppy School: For puppies 8 weeks to 6 months old, this program helps set up a successful puppy-raising environment. Topics include house training, enrichment, socialization, biting, chewing, and leash walking.
- Nosework/Scentwork Lessons: This fun sport, based on bomb/drug detection, can be used to prepare dogs for competition or simply boost their confidence and provide mental stimulation.
- Boarding with Training: Combines boarding with training to address any training issues and enrich the dog's stay.
- Extra Exercise: Includes walks through woods, fields, and meadows or extra play and wrestle time in the play yard.
- Grooming: Offers a bath and brush-up service for dogs.
- Scentwork Classes: Stacy teaches classes and private lessons in scent work.
Certifications
Stacy Totten is a certified C-WAGS Scent Work Judge and a graduate of the Karen Pryor Academy.
Specializations
Stacy Totten specializes in positive reinforcement training methods, scent work, and behavior modification. She also has experience with puppy training and working with dogs with special needs.
Training Methods
Stacy Totten uses positive reinforcement training methods, including clicker training, which she incorporates into her training programs.
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.
