Practical and positive dog training and behavior consulting to enhance the social and spiritual bonds between dogs and their humans. In-home consulting on all issues including aggression.

 

Certifications:

 

Training Equipment: no chain, choke or prong collars, no shock collars, "e-collars" or citronella collars. I only use flat collars, plain leashes, no - pull harnesses and occasionally, head halters.

 

Training Philosophy: Force Free Positive Reinforcement. My methods incorporate the latest scientific research on how dogs learn and experience the world and the best ways of helping dogs and their humans have a mutually rewarding relationship.

 

Locations Served: Tompkins, Cortland and Tioga Counties (NY)

 

The Four Sacred Directions balance the world in many indigenous cultures. Four Paws, Four Directions emphasizes positive dog training that facilitates the social and spiritual relationship between dogs and their human companions. My philosophy emphasizes positive methods that are proven to give dogs confidence and produce an enthusiastic responsiveness to their owners. I train clients in the use of the clicker (although this is not necessary in my training and behavior programs) and offer a reward based training method. My private sessions and group classes teach owners and dogs how to work harmoniously together. Dogs learn life skills and good manners -- everything that a canine good citizen should have -- and humans learn effective ways of communicating with their significant canine. I am a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) through the International Association of Animal behavior Consultants as well as a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner who has more than 15 years of experience training dogs with problem behaviors. In addition, I have completed graduate work in applied animal behavior. Being both a certified behavior specialist and a professional dog trainer gives me unique -- and uniquely effective -- insights into how to help you and your dog achieve your fullest potential as social partners.