Alexandria, VA
Positive Dog Solutions was founded by behavior consultants Jackie Maffucci and Vivian Levén. Jackie is a neuroscientist and Vivian is a mediator with a degree in conflict resolution. They have a combined 30+ years of experience working with dogs and people.
Positive Dog Solutions specializes in addressing more serious behavior challenges and is committed to improving behaviors in dogs using science-based techniques while enhancing awareness, knowledge, and compassion in the families and the communities in which they live. They follow the LIMA approach (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) and do not believe in using choke chains, electronic collars, or any other equipment that will create stress and suppress behaviors by adding threat or discomfort.
Positive Dog Solutions offers a wide range of services, including:
- Behavioral Consultations: In-home or remote consultations to address challenging behavior problems in dogs. They provide a road map to address those behaviors and provide the support needed to enact that plan.
- Family Consultations: Consultations for families with dogs and children, including those with new babies or toddlers. They are licensed Family Paws Parent Educators and offer programs like Dogs & Storks and Dogs & Toddlers.
- Fear Free Handling Consultations: Consultations for dogs who are anxious or fearful of vet or groomer visits. They are licensed Fear Free Certified Professionals and work with clients to change their dog's experience of these visits.
- Remote Behavior Consultations: Behavior support anytime/anywhere via phone or videoconference.
- Shelter & Rescue Consultations: Services to support shelters and rescues, including behavioral assessments, behavior modification plans, and coaching for staff and volunteers.
- People Coaching: Coaching programs for individuals, shelters, rescues, veterinary, grooming, and other pet care businesses, and apartment buildings.
- Mediation: Mediation services for disputes related to dogs in the community.
- Court Evaluations & Expert Witness: Behavior assessments and expert testimony for legal matters involving dogs.
- Research & Operations Consulting: Services to help organizations improve their data collection and business practices.
Certifications
Jackie Maffucci:
- Professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)
- International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
- Graduate of Susan Friedman's Living and Learning with Animals Course
- Ken Ramirez's Animal Training Seminar
Vivian Levén:
- Certified Behavior Consultant Canine - Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA) through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge & Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA) through the Certification of Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
- Fear Free Certified Professional through Fear Free Pets
- Certified Family Paws Parent Educator through Family Paws
- Holds the status of TAGteach Primary through TAGteach International
- Professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)
- Professional Member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG)
- Associate Member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
- Currently serves on the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers Examination Committee as subcommittee member for the KSA exam.
Positive Dog Solutions specializes in addressing more serious behavior challenges in dogs, including fear, anxiety, reactivity, aggression, and other challenging behaviors. They also specialize in working with families with dogs and children, and in helping dogs who are anxious or fearful of vet or groomer visits.
Positive Dog Solutions uses science-based techniques and follows the LIMA approach (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive). They focus on building positive associations while reinforcing the animal for making good choices.
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.
