Laurel Summerfield, the founder of Aretas, has been involved in the dog world her entire life. She grew up with show dogs, spent years teaching household manners, puppy, advanced puppy, and CGC classes, and provided private lessons in basic training skills and behavioral issues. She ran an in-home boarding business for her clients’ dogs and, after moving to rural New Mexico, fostered over 100 dogs in a high-need area. She found a niche in rescue work, fostering pregnant dogs, whelping the puppies, and adopting them out to loving families. This experience led to the unique program Aretas offers, where puppies are trained from birth as potential service dogs.
Laurel has attended service dog training courses at Service Dogs Inc. in Texas, Canine Assistants in Georgia, and Bergin University in California. She holds a Master’s Degree in Canine Life Science from Bergin and is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KSA).
Training Philosophy
Aretas uses science-based positive reinforcement methods to produce happy and reliable working dogs. They are committed to treating both clients and dogs with respect, compassion, and fairness, and aversive and punitive methods are not part of their training methods. Choke collars, prong collars, shock collars, and forced ear pinches are never used in their training programs.
Services
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Service Dog Training:
They train dogs to assist individuals with physical, developmental, and psychological disabilities. Their program includes professional training, owner training, and a dual model that combines best training practices with early owner bonding.
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Puppy Raising:
They raise puppies from birth using PuppyCulture (TM) methods to ensure the most extensive experiential learning environment during the critical socialization window.
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Breed Selection:
They offer consultations to help clients select the right breed or type of dog for their needs.
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Owner Training:
They offer owner training packages to help clients learn how to train and care for their service dog.
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Apprenticeships:
They offer apprenticeships to pre-teens, teens, and adults who are interested in learning about service dog training.
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Evaluations:
They offer evaluations of owner’s dogs or puppies and initial training sessions.
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Consultations:
They offer consultations to select a breed or type of dog.
Certifications
Laurel A. Summerfield is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KSA) and holds a Master’s Degree in Canine Life Science from Bergin University.
Specializations
Service Dog Training, Puppy Raising, Breed Selection, Owner Training, Rescue Dog Training
Training Methods
Science-based positive reinforcement methods
