FAQ

I call it ”the fun way!”  It’s rewards-based, force- free methods, which allows dogs to think and problem solve. These methods foster trusting relationships between owners and their dogs. Science has proven that all beings can learn with positive reinforcement and that coercion is not necessary.

Yes, I offer private in-home lessons for puppy training, basic manners, therapy dog training, Canine Good Citizen preparation, and show handling.

Yes. I instruct show handling classes on Wednesday nights from 8:15 to 9:15 pm at Port Chester Obedience Training Club in White Plains, NY. Please check the club’s schedule for dates when classes are in session. www.pcotc.org.

Bringing home a new puppy is both exciting and stressful at the same time. I can help you to be prepared so that you and your new puppy will have a smooth transition.  We will discuss puppy proofing and safety, housetraining, crate training, chewing, whining/crying, equipment, etc.

Puppies can start their training at a very early age, but like children, they learn in small doses and at age appropriate levels.

It used to be common knowledge to wait to train puppies until after they have received all their vaccines, however, current veterinary publications infer the importance of early socialization. Please refer to the article on the Resource page of this website from the AVSAB on Puppy Socialization.

It’s never too late for a dog to learn. Please refer to the Scent Game video on this website of an 11 year old dog who has just learned the scent game and you will see how wonderful it is for dogs of all ages to learn and have fun.

It is not necessary to use food for rewarding your dog. If you prefer not to use food, or if your dog is not food motivated we would find other ways to motivate your dog for training. In fact, the home page of this website demonstrates how a dog is motivated to “sit pretty” on the beach while waiting for a tennis ball to be thrown.

Food lures need to be faded out in training rather quickly or dogs learn to always expect the food. These habits can be retrained.

A clicker is basically a small, plastic noisemaker.  It has a unique sound that informs your dog that he has done what you’ve asked, and that a reward is on the way. It is a way to clearly communicate with your dog when training. Clickers are a training tool, which get phased out after a behavior is learned. It is not mandatory to use clickers when we train together.

Breed and show handling are both the same. It is the act of exhibiting your purebred dog in a certain way, to a qualified judge at a dog show. Dog shows are competitive canine events.

Training can start when your puppy is young. The American Kennel Club (AKC) now offers 4-6 Month Beginner Puppy Competition.  It’s a great way to get your pup started in shows without the stress. Plus it’s a great way to socialize him.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) offers a Pee Wee Special Attraction class for children from the ages of 5 to under 9 years old. It is a non-competitive, pre-Junior Showmanship class. An adult accompanies the child in the ring, with only one dog at a time being shown to a judge. Junior Showmanship is a competitive event for youngsters between the ages of 9 and under 18 years old. Junior’s compete for rankings and can be rewarded with scholarships.

Yes. We would first have a consultation in your home and agree on a training plan. Then I would go to your home 2-3 times a week to train your dog either when you are home or away. At the last training session we will train together in order to transition the training over to you.

I do not offer this service.

I charge either by a single lesson, or packages, which include discounted rates.

CPDT-KA stands for Certified Professional Dog Trainer- Knowledge Assessed.  That means that I have met all the requirements of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) to be a certified professional dog trainer and that as a trainer I am committed to ethical standards and continuing education.  My certificate number is 3164454.