Porter, TX
Tracy Martin-Waterfallen
Tracy began competing with her first dog in 1993. She has been teaching training classes since 1995. Particularly interested in positive reinforcement training, Tracy joined the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) in 1996. The Association of Professional Dog Trainers, APDT, is a professional organization of individual trainers who are committed to becoming better trainers through education.
Tracy became a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT) in 2006. Although Tracy's main focus is teaching group obedience classes, she has enjoyed training her own pets for all types of things; Agility, Canine Good Citizen, Carting, Competitive Obedience, Conformation, Flyball, Freestyle, Frisbee, Herding, Packing, Pet Therapy, Rally Obedience, Tracking and Tricks.
Tracy loves all types of animals and has a background in veterinary technology. She has worked in many animal fields such as: exotic animal park, boarding, grooming, horse stables and veterinary clinic.
Training Philosophy
At South Paw, we believe in a 'no force' approach to training. We teach owners to train their dogs using positive reinforcement or clicker training.
Positive reinforcement is based on the premise that rewarded behavior is repeated. We use a clicker device to produce a sound, to mark the behavior we want. We find that the clicker is distinct and consistent, and the timing is more accurate than our voice. The clicker is a secondary reinforcer that is paired with a primary reinforcer (something the dog naturally likes; food, play, toy or praise). By clicking a behavior we are giving the dog information 'I liked that' and you're going to be rewarded for it! Consequently, the dog will repeat the behavior again to get rewarded (rewards are slowly faded as training progresses).
Instead of forcing your dog to do behaviors with traditional methods (squishing, choking or pulling), you are setting up a win/win situation. Positive reward training helps build a strong trusting relationship with your dog. It also helps make your dog a happy, confident and obedient pooch!
Services
South Paw offers doggie daycare, overnight boarding and group training classes.
Daycare
- One Day Pass: $25
- Each additional dog from the same household adds $15 per day
- Five Day Pass: $115
- Each additional dog from the same household adds $15 per day
- Ten Day Pass: $200
- Each additional dog from the same household adds $15 per day
- Monthly Pass: $300
- Each additional dog from the same household adds $15 per day
Boarding
- Regular Den- 5'x5': $55/Night
- Each additional dog from the same household adds $20 per night
- Large Den - 5'x10': $65/Night
- Each additional dog from the same household adds $20 per night
Training
- 6 Week Introductory Group Training Class: $175
- 6 Week Intermediate Group Training Class: $150
- Ongoing Class: $60 per month
Training Classes
- 6 Week Introductory Group Training Class
- 6 Week Intermediate Group Training Class
- 6 Week Advanced Group Training Class
Certifications
Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT)
Specializations
obedience training, puppy training, agility training
Training Methods
positive reinforcement, clicker training
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.
