Zoe Hawkins-Wells
is a certified professional dog trainer and teacher, care provider, and dog adventure enthusiast. She has a deep passion for animals and art, and grew up with a cat named Rooney. She has a B.A. in Dance/Drama with a Minor in Biology and worked as a choreographer. She also worked in veterinary hospitals as an assistant and technician.
In 2006, she founded P.S. Pet Sit in Philadelphia, a pet care company that offered pet sitting, dog walking, boarding, overnight care, and training assistance. The company won Best Pet Care Company in Philadelphia for three years and Best Business Plan by The Women’s Opportunity Resource Center in 2009. After owning P.S. Pet Sit for two years, she rescued her first dog, Pippin, a field golden. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Social Work, which expands her knowledge in psychology, mental illnesses, communication techniques, therapeutic techniques, and how genetics and the environment influence human and canine behavior.
Training Philosophy
Zoe views dog training as a beautiful blend of art, therapy, and science. Her multi-faceted approach focuses on therapeutic experiences, the pursuit of mastering the art of communication, and by employing methods that are supported by empirical data. She believes that domesticated dogs work in groups/packs/families, and the individuals that gain the most access to resources or can be viewed as “leaders” are the dogs that form the most alliances, i.e. are the friendliest. Her training methods stem from the work of Patricia McConnell, Jean Donaldson, Pat Miller, Ian Dunbar, and Karen Pryor. She is certified as a professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) by the Council for Certified Professional Dog Trainer’s exam. She believes that by specifying each dog’s sense of motivation and discovering what they find rewarding, she can apply operant and classical conditioning to reach your dog’s full potential while fostering a deeper connection between people and their animal family members.
Services
Zoe offers a variety of services, including:
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Private Dog Training Sessions:
In-home sessions designed to build trust and cooperation between you and your dog. Learn how to read your dog’s body language and tune into how he learns, how he feels, and thinks. By using positive reinforcement methods, Zoe shows you how to earn your dog’s focus, cultivate his motivations, and calm his emotions.
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Puppy, Adult & Rescue Dog Training:
Zoe works with dogs of all ages and breeds, including those who have missed puppy classes or have been rescued. She helps dogs learn new tricks and overcome behavioral issues.
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Off-Leash Group Hikes:
Zoe leads off-leash group hikes several days a week in the Asheville, Blue Ridge, and Marshall areas. Each adventure is led by Zoe who practices ongoing reinforcement of recall training while exploring.
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Dog Day Care:
Zoe offers dog day care services, where dogs can socialize and play with other dogs.
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Dog Walking:
Zoe offers personalized dog walking services, where a caregiver comes to your home while you are away or your dog can stay in Zoe’s home.
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Boarding:
Zoe offers boarding services in her home, which includes partaking in daily adventure care activities.
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Pet Sitting:
Zoe offers pet sitting services for cats and other pets.
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Training Philosophy:
Zoe believes that dogs are emotional beings with their own needs, and that training should be based on positive reinforcement and understanding the dog’s individual personality and motivations.
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Gratitude Discounts:
All dogs recently rescued from a local animal shelter earn one FREE 20-minute phone consultation.
Certifications
Zoe is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA).
Specializations
Zoe specializes in positive reinforcement training, puppy training, adult dog training, rescue dog training, and off-leash group hikes.
Training Methods
Zoe uses positive reinforcement training methods, which focus on rewarding desired behaviors and ignoring or redirecting unwanted behaviors. She also incorporates classical and operant conditioning techniques.
