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Certified dog trainer
Stephanie Gerken
Stephanie Gerken

Las Vegas, NV

Michael's Angel Paws

Michael's Angel Paws was founded in 2011 by Stephanie Gerken, who was inspired by her son Michael Charles Gerken, who passed away shortly after birth. Gerken was determined to honor his memory by helping others through the power of dogs. The organization is dedicated to helping individuals and the community through the hope and magic that dogs can bring.

Training Philosophy

Michael's Angel Paws training philosophy is based on positive reinforcement while adhering to the ethical standards of training with Least Invasive Minimally Aversive techniques (LIMA). They focus on rewarding the behavior you want while ignoring the bad behaviors through reward-based training. They believe every dog is unique and tailor their training to fit each dog's personality and needs.

Services

  • Service Dog Program: 18-24 month program includes basic to advanced levels of obedience, public access skills, and skills specific to your needs. Pricing: $75/session upon acceptance.
  • Therapy Dog Program: Guide you and your dog to become a Certified Therapy Dog Team through Michael's Angel Paws. Pricing: $75/session upon acceptance.
  • Dog Obedience Training: Learn how to pawsitively communicate with your dog and strengthen the bond through fun training in a group or one-on-one session.
  • Group Dog Obedience Classes: Fun and interactive training in a group setting. Classes include Foundation for Obedience, Therapy Dog Training, Advanced Obedience, Agility Training Level 1, AKC Canine Good Citizen, and Rally.
  • Private Dog Training Lessons: Basic manners, potty training, loose leash walking, door manners, and reactive behavior. Options include Virtual Session, Single Session, and Package Sessions.

Certifications

  • Certified Service Dog Trainer at Bergin University of Canine Studies
  • Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
  • American Kennel Club CGC Evaluator
  • Certified Fear Free Professional Animal Trainer
  • NePoPo® Gold School Graduate
  • Graduate of Arizona Sport Dog Academy

Specializations

  • Service Dog Training
  • Therapy Dog Training
  • Dog Obedience Training
  • Agility Training
  • AKC Canine Good Citizen Training
  • Rally Training

Training Methods

  • Positive Reinforcement
  • Least Invasive Minimally Aversive techniques (LIMA)

Customer Reviews

  • "Best organization to take obedience, therapy dog certification, rally-o classes from." - Holly E.
  • "To say that your visit was appreciated is an understatement. What you must know is that your visit brought smiles to students who struggle to smile. Your visit allowed our teachers and staff to see a different side of students that were not able to be seen before. Your visit was the highlight of some of those students' months.
    The lives that you touch each day with your efforts of providing therapy service to so many in the Las Vegas community are greatly appreciated.
    We look forward to having your teams visit again soon." - Missy G.

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.

Want to train your dog independently?

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