Kirsten began her career as a dog trainer over 30 years ago, first learning more traditional methods which relied heavily on punishment and the use of equipment such as choke chains and pinch collars. She found many problems could not be solved using punishment and coercion and most dogs actually seemed to get worse. Thus her journey began researching and questioning alternative methods for changing behavior and improving the human animal bond.
Training Philosophy
Kirsten believes in continuing education and has attended many seminars most notably the benchmark in animal training, all 5 Chicken Workshops given by Bob Bailey in 2002 and repeating them again with Bob Bailey and Parvene Farhoody in the summer of 2015. She believes that using harsh corrections is not the most effective way to teach behaviors to a dog. Through understanding and applying the principles behind behavior and operant conditioning, she knows that old-style techniques aren’t effective and can harm the trust between you and your dog. She teaches you to use the principles of Operant and Classical conditioning to teach & reward the behaviors that you want from your dog and stop the ones you don’t.
Services
Kirsten offers a variety of services, including:
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Puppy Classes:
For puppies as young as seven or eight weeks old.
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Adult Classes:
For young adult dogs and recently adopted adult dogs.
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In Home Board and Train:
An immersion program where your dog lives in home with Kirsten.
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Day Training:
Intensive work on a very specific training challenge.
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In Home Schooling:
Kirsten comes to your home and works with your dog in 1 hour sessions 3 times a week for 3 weeks.
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Consulting:
Private lessons designed to focus on improving your mechanics and observational skills using whatever behaviors and cues you want to teach your dog.
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Individual Consulting for Behavioral Problems:
Kirsten offers private behavior consultations for people seeking help with their dogs’ behavior that they believe is a problem.
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Dog Walking:
Kirsten offers dog walking services, including manners training.
Certifications
Kirsten has earned her CPDT – KA, the first international certification for dog trainers in history. She holds a certificate of completion in animal behavior consulting: principles and practices.
Specializations
Kirsten specializes in obedience training, puppy training, and behavior modification.
Training Methods
Kirsten uses reward-based training methods, including clicker training and lure reward. She believes in building a positive relationship between you and your dog.
Customer Reviews
“I met Kirsten when I took her puppy training class. I thought there was nothing to training a puppy–I mean, how hard could it be? But I soon realized I needed help understanding why my puppy did the things she did. Kirsten helped me to see things from a ‘dog’s point of view’. Now I understand my puppy better and have learned to teach her acceptable behaviors. I really enjoy my dog more since I took classes from Kirsten “
“We really learned a lot in our few visits with you. Just being able to understand why Lexie did things she did was a great comfort and an eye opener to me. When I first contacted you I was really at my wit’s end and afraid you were going to tell me that we were in over our heads, but we have really seen a change in her and I thank you so much for that. She is actually laying at my feet and letting me pet her now. And earlier tonight she was sitting side-by-side with one of the cats, taking treats from Roland’s hand!! Can you believe that? Thanks for all your help and enlightenment.”
