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Certified dog trainer
Steve Cullnan
Steve Cullnan

Burlington, IL

Steve Cullnan is a certified dog trainer who has been training dogs and shaping behaviors for 10 years. He started out volunteering at a local humane society and it soon turned into his passion, wanting to help dogs find their forever homes. He has worked with multiple breeds of all ages, sizes, and a wide variety of temperaments. He has worked with three different Humane Societies, helping dogs get their Canine Good Citizen certifications. He studied under a master dog trainer and professional dog training consultant whom also founded his own non-profit organization: Dogs Helping Heroes. He helped train shelter dogs for this non-profit to become service dogs for soldiers with PTSD. He also trained therapy dogs under his guidance as well.


Training Philosophy
Steve Cullnan believes in building positive relationships with dogs through training. He is committed to helping you find the best way to communicate with your dog and have a stronger bond through training.


Services
Steve Cullnan offers a variety of training services, including:


  • Puppy School: In home lessons once a week until the desired results are achieved. We educate the owner on everything puppy related to set them up for success. We go over crate training, potty training, house breaking, proper exercise, as well as proper introductions and socialization with other dogs, people, and new environments. Any problems or concerns are covered completely with this popular lesson plan. Each session is 1 hour.
  • 5 Manners Lesson: In home once a week lessons which lay a solid foundation of success for real life situations inside the home and in public. This lesson builds focus and value to whoever is holding the leash. We teach self control and eliminate any unwanted behaviors including: jumping, nipping, biting, barking, lunging, pulling on the leash, picking up dropped items and possible choking hazards, and of coarse running out of doorways. This lesson sets your dog up to be off leash around distractions and temptations, without being bothersome or getting into any mischief.
  • The Formal Commands: In home weekly lesson designed on teaching the five most important commands: Heel, Sit, Down, Stay, and Come. We help create reliability with these commands by going through three phases of training for each one. The Teaching Phase, the Reinforcement Phase, and the Proofing Phase to ensure your dog is solid around real life scenarios and distractions.
  • Behavior Modification Lesson: This program is designed to instill self control into the dog so that it won't just react to instinct.We will teach the dog that there are better options than the undesired behaviors it has been showing us.
    For example: we will teach the dog to live by a trade out system such as...you can't chase that squirrel, but you can chase this ball!, or even just building the dog's confidence around someone or something that it may feel insecure around.
  • Customized training to achieve your goals: We work to build your confidence and make you more comfortable to build a stronger bond with your dog.


Pricing Options:


  • 1 lesson: $150
  • 3 lessons: $375 ($75 savings)
  • 5 lessons: $600 ($150 savings)


Certifications
Certified Dog Trainer


Specializations
Steve Cullnan specializes in confidence building with fearful dogs, aggression management and self-control, handling manners (for safety), and unwanted behaviors as well as basic and advanced obedience.


Training Methods
Steve Cullnan uses positive reinforcement training methods.


Customer Reviews
Man, Steve is amazing! He helped me and my wife so much with our new born German Shepard. From basic potty training, manors and commands. Steve really is the Dog man!!

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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