Delores is the owner and founder of The Learning Dog Academy. Her curiosity is boundless! Her favorite question is, “Why?” Why do dogs do doggie things? Why do those doggie things annoy people? The “why” led her to discover the “how.” Sharing the “how” has helped hundreds of people and their dogs learn to live life well in a multi-species family.
Training Philosophy
The Learning Dog Academy is founded on the principle that developing a strong bond with your dog requires more than training. It’s about getting to know and understand each other. You are both learning. Your dog is learning how to live in a human-centric world. You are learning what your dog needs to be a happy dog. And a happy dog is a good dog.
Services
The Learning Dog Academy offers a variety of services, including:
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1:1 Training:
Personalized training plans for your dog, meeting in your home or at their facility.
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Group Classes:
Flexible class schedule with limited class sizes (4 dogs).
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AARF (Aggressive, Anxious, Reactive, Fearful):
Behavior modification programs for dogs struggling with difficult behaviors.
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Behavior & Enrichment Center:
Off-leash time for dogs to explore safely and engage in natural behaviors like digging, exploring, sniffing, and climbing.
Certifications
Delores is a graduate of Karen Pryor Academy and Family Dog Mediation. She has earned a certificate in Applied Animal Behavior from the University of Washington, completed the Aggression in Dogs master’s course and the Unlocking Resiliency certificate course, and holds an MA in Communication from Michigan State University. All of their trainers are graduates of Karen Pryor Academy and Family Dog Mediation, and have earned a variety of certificates and certifications.
Specializations
The Learning Dog Academy specializes in:
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Behavior Modification:
Helping dogs with aggression, anxiety, fear, and reactivity.
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Enrichment:
Providing dogs with opportunities to engage in natural behaviors.
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Training:
Obedience training, puppy training, and more.
Training Methods
The Learning Dog Academy uses positive reinforcement training methods, including:
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Karen Pryor Academy techniques
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TAG teach
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Ethology
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Humane training principles
Customer Reviews
Jill & Quinn:
Delores has such a powerful connection with dogs and their behaviors. She helped us navigate some troubling adolescent behaviors that were evolving in our dog Quinn and taught us how to help Quinn through triggering events. Her positive training techniques are a game changer. Highly recommend Delores and her team!
Alison & Charlotte:
I just had to send a text to let you know how well things are going. Our summer evenings have been spent tossing toys to Charlotte in our yard, leash-free, fence-free. That was our number one goal. You taught me how to work with Charlotte and train her, fear-free, and it has worked. She doesn’t bolt anymore when we open the door. She trusts. Thank you! You work miracles. :)
Social Media Links
Media Appearances
