Chesterfield, VA
Tala Castro | CPDT-KA, AKC Evaluator
Tala Castro, a disabled service dog handler, has a natural talent for working with animals. She developed her childhood passion for dog training through time, research, and practice. She has apprenticed with mentors who have over 50 years of experience in obedience, scent work, service and therapy dogs. Tala received accreditation from a well-known, commercial dog training school, where she learned to develop training plans for a variety of clientele and gained valuable hands-on experience with dogs. She has worked with a variety of breeds and ages. She continues her passion in her free time by volunteering at her local AKC Obedience Club, volunteering at a local non-profit ADI Service Dog Organization, as well as working with her own animals at home.
Training Philosophy
Tala Castro believes in relationship-based training, highlighting teamwork, communication and compassion. She utilizes a least intrusive, minimally aversive (LIMA) approach, grounded in science, relationship-reward based, and effective. She is a Certified Fear Free professional, dedicated to reducing fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) in pets. She values inclusivity and accommodations, catering to a variety of disabilities and ensuring that her clients are safe and supported throughout their training journey.
Services
Helping Howls offers a variety of services, including:
- Group Programs:
- Foundation Level Programs:
- Puppy S.T.A.R Course: Designed for puppies 6 months old & under, focusing on Socialization, Training, Activity, and Responsibility (S.T.A.R.)
- Beginner Obedience: Designed for dogs 6 months old and older, providing a solid foundation for good manners and essential obedience skills.
- Teen Dog Training: Optional program for dogs between 8 - 15 months old, helping navigate the challenges of adolescence with confidence, skills, and enrichment.
- Level 1 Obedience: Designed for dogs who have completed a Level 1 program (or equivalent), taking skills to the next level.
- Level 2 Obedience: Designed for dogs who have completed our L2 level or have permission from an instructor, refining cues and improving walking manners.
- Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Preparation Class: Preparing dogs to pass the CGC test.
- Current Specialty Programs:
- Mat Work Training Group Class: Helping dogs develop essential foundation skills for calmness in the home & in public.
- Therapy Dog Program Level 1: Equipping dogs with essential skills and behaviors needed to excel as a therapy dog.
- Psychiatric Task Work Class: Designed for service dogs in training, teaching common psychiatric tasks.
- Foundation Level Programs:
- Private Sessions: Working one on one with the trainer to focus on specific goals.
- Board & Training: Accelerating a dog's learning and understanding in a home environment, using L.I.M.A & Fear Free based methods.
- Service Dogs:
- Fully Trained Service Dogs: Providing fully trained program service dogs to assist individuals with disabilities.
- Owner-Trained Service Dogs: Assisting handlers in training their own service dog with in-person and virtual lessons.
- AKC Fit Dog Club: Inspiring handlers to engage in regular exercise with their dogs through group walks, hikes, and fit dog courses.
Certifications
Tala Castro is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and an AKC Evaluator.
Specializations
Helping Howls specializes in obedience training, puppy training, service dog training, therapy dog training, and AKC Fit Dog training.
Training Methods
Helping Howls utilizes a least intrusive, minimally aversive (LIMA) approach, grounded in science, relationship-reward based, and effective. They are Certified Fear Free professionals, dedicated to reducing fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) in pets.
Customer Reviews
Allie G. & Family with Nala: When we contacted Tala, Nala had horrible separation anxiety when we were not home and world tear up furniture, clothes, etc., would very frequently jump on us to get eye level, would not cooperate with a feeding schedule, would pull on her leash to the point that she has dragged me across the yard, the list goes on. Knowing we were trying to conceive, we felt it was best to enroll in Tala's board & train program. Although it was difficult being away from her, Tala was very reassuring that Nala was okay and progressing well with daily photos, text conversations, tic tok/instagram posts, emails, progress reports, etc. the entire time she was boarding.
From the moment Tala brought Nala home to us, we noticed a significant, positive change in Nala's behavior. In a short amount of time, she had learned and perfected at least 5-10 commands and was on a perfect feeding schedule that Tala had formed with her, based on our existing day to day life. Since, Tala comes to our home once a week for an hour to follow up. She has taught us, our kids, and Nala how to coexist peacefully to say the least.
Social Media Links
Media Appearances
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.
