Behavior Consulting & Training

Why are you more expensive than some other trainers in the area?

My work is almost exclusively behavior consulting, not training. This means I don't only help you change your dog's behavior, I also help change your dog's underlying emotions to a stimulus. All services include a Bachelor's Degree, (human) teaching certification, 15+ years' professional experience, multiple animal training certifications, and an in-depth understanding of how you and your pet think and learn. I also maintain memberships in multiple professional organizations, and am constantly attending conferences, classes, workshops and webinars to continue my education and stay up-to-date on the most modern, ethical and humane animal training practices.

What makes Courteous Canines different from other trainers in the area?

Aside from offering in-home visits and behavior consulting? We also help you get rid of problem behavior without reverting to punishment so your relationship with your pet remains intact. We understand that dogs are our best friends and we treat them as such.

What is your training methodology?

We use behavior science together with LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) training practices. (See the IAABC's Statement on LIMA here.)

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The effectiveness of a training method is not always enough for us. The chosen training method must be ethical and humane in addition to being effective. We take great pride in creating effective behavior change while protecting the physical and emotional well-being of the animals in our care.

Why don't you have your phone number listed?

I am a mother and spouse and prefer to be mentally available for phone calls with clients or potential clients. Also, my client load often prevents me from being available for phone calls. Scheduling and corresponding through email allows me to efficiently accommodate many clients throughout my day. It also provides me and my clients with a written record of what was discussed. Texting and phone calls are available to existing clients.

Which types of animals does Courteous Canines train?

The type of animal we see most is dogs, but we also work with cats and pigs. (Yes, pigs.)

How many sessions will I need?

The successful resolution of an animal's problem behavior depends on so many different factors like the intensity of the behavior, how long it's been going on, past learning history including prior training, motivation and genetics, your pet's health, and much more.

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Very few issues are resolved in just 1 session which is why I've chosen to provide my clients with customized programs built specifically to address the problem(s) they're having. Each program starts with four basic lessons and allows the client the option to purchase additional lessons at a discounted rate upon completion if they're having fun and wish to continue or if they feel it's necessary.

How will I know if you can "fix" my pet?

Whether a behavior is learned through experience or genetically based, it can't be erased or "fixed" but it can certainly be modified. We have to teach your pet to trust that you will provide something fantastic if he or she makes a more appropriate behavioral choice in a given scenario. Once you've proven yourself trustworthy, your pet's behavior will adjust accordingly. Whether or not your pet's behavior can be modified is completely within your control and depends on how willing and able you are to follow your customized treatment plan.