Tess Windhauser originally went to Texas Christian University to become an art teacher with a plan to eventually become an art therapist, but a puppy came into her life. As she learned more about how to be the best pet parent she could be, she started realizing that the path she was on was not her own. She changed her major and graduated with a major in Studio Art, a minor in Psychology, and a minor in Educational Studies (Teaching). While art still remains a hobby, her true passion for helping pet parents to also be the best they can be has become a life-long mission.
Training Philosophy
Tess Windhauser believes that training should be rewarding for both the owner and the dog. She uses positive reinforcement methods and avoids any punishment that a dog might dislike. She believes that training should feel like playing, not chores, and that owners should learn their dog’s language in order to communicate effectively. She also emphasizes the importance of using methods that are backed by scientific evidence.
Services
Tess Windhauser offers a variety of services, including:
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Manners (Obedience):
Teaching dogs basic obedience commands like sit, stay, come, and down, as well as how to control their behavior voluntarily.
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Problem Management and Behavior Modification:
Addressing common behavioral issues such as barking, bolting, jumping, leash pulling, resource guarding, and separation anxiety.
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First Puppy/New Puppy/First Dog/New Dog with Existing Pets:
Helping owners prepare for a new puppy or dog, including socialization, house training, crate training, and bite inhibition.
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Training & Behavior:
Working with dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds to teach them new behaviors and prevent unwanted behaviors.
Certifications
Tess Windhauser holds the following certifications:
- Animal Behavior College Graduate (ABCDT), 2011
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), 2013
- Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP), 2015
- Certified Canine Behavior Consultant – Knowledge Assessed (CCBC-KA), 2018
- Fear Free Certified Animal Trainer
Specializations
Tess Windhauser specializes in positive reinforcement training methods and works with dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds. She has experience in addressing a wide range of behavioral issues, including those related to puppies, new dogs, and dogs with existing pets.
Training Methods
Tess Windhauser uses marker/clicker training, which involves using an event marker (like a clicker) and valuable rewards to teach wanted behaviors. She believes this method speeds up the learning process, strengthens the human-animal bond, produces long-term results, encourages creativity and initiative, and is a forgiving training method.
