Peg Dawson Harrington is a dog trainer located in Nashville, TN. She is a graduate of Peaceable Paws Academy, Levels I & II. She is also an APDT member, an Associate Member of IAABC, and an AKC CGC Evaluator.
Training Philosophy
Peg Dawson Harrington is a positive trainer grounded in behavioral science. She believes in building trust with the dog, deciding what you want your dog to do, rewarding your dog for doing good, preventing your dog from doing “bad,” teaching your dog to learn, helping you solve problems creatively and gently, encouraging your dog to think and make good choices, and learning how to have fun. She does not use or approve of any of the following tools or methods with respect to the family dog:
- Prong collars
- Choke collars
- Shock collars
- Shake cans
- Spray bottles
- Alpha rolls
- Dominance or pack theory
Services
Peg Dawson Harrington offers a variety of services, including:
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Private Lessons:
Private lessons work well for people and dogs who have just one or two issues. Lessons work well in instances of on-leash aggression, management of mild fears/anxieties, or learning how to recognize and encourage good doggie play (whether with humans or dogs). Lesson packages are available in blocks of 4 one-hour sessions, spread out over 2 months. The format for packages is tailored to your needs–it can be a class syllabus or focus on one or two particular problems. Private lessons are billed hourly at $75.
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Board and Train:
Peg Dawson Harrington believes that a Board and Train can be a positive experience for everyone, including your dog. She sees a Board and Train as an opportunity to interrupt a family pattern that isn’t working. Among the most common reasons dogs come to her for a board and train are: house training problems, loose leash walking/on-leash aggression, and fearfulness. While you and your family are having a break from doggie drama, your dog and Peg are busy unraveling the mysteries behind the behavior that brought all of you to this point. Your dog is introduced to a life of structure and boundaries while, at the same time, Peg finds new and productive ways to exercise and train your dog so that all of you can have a much better life together at the end of our visit. Dogs stay in Peg’s home and live with her and her crew. Everyone gets four elimination walks/day. Peg searches for unique games and toys to play with each dog individually. Dogs that don’t get along well with other dogs are welcome…she can work with that. Board and Trains for specific behaviors (for house-training, loose leash walking, confidence building for generalized anxiety, etc.) start @ $450 for a seven-day minimum stay and include a mandatory 90-minute exit consultation/training session. Additional days are $40 each.
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Behavior Consults and Phone Consults:
Peg Dawson Harrington has worked with all sorts of behavior issues — separation anxiety, excitement, aggression, fearfulness, barking, house training, etc. Every behavior problem has something to do with the dog’s environment and something to do with the dog’s nature. Because of the interaction of nature and nurture in each dog and dog’s family, every situation is a little different. So her behavior protocols are tailored to fit a given household.
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Classes:
Peg Dawson Harrington offers a four-week class that meets on Saturday mornings at 9:30 in Green Hills. The class is ongoing, so you can start at anytime. If you miss a session, you may attend the next time it comes around. The class is for dogs over 10 weeks of age and open to all friendly dogs. (Dogs that are not friendly need to do a private session with Peg first, to determine if this class is appropriate or not). All family members 8 years of age or older are welcome to attend. The class is $100/dog.
Certifications
Peg Dawson Harrington is a graduate of Peaceable Paws Academy, Levels I & II. She is also an APDT member, an Associate Member of IAABC, and an AKC CGC Evaluator.
Specializations
Peg Dawson Harrington specializes in positive dog training, clear boundaries, appropriate nutrition, and good management. She has worked with all sorts of behavior issues — separation anxiety, excitement, aggression, fearfulness, barking, house training, etc.
Training Methods
Peg Dawson Harrington is a positive trainer grounded in behavioral science. She does not use or approve of any of the following tools or methods with respect to the family dog: Prong collars, choke collars, shock collars, shake cans, spray bottles, alpha rolls, dominance or pack theory.
