Did you know that ANYONE can say they are a "dog trainer?" Did you know that there are NO universal standards for the profession? That means that some of the "dog trainers" out there may not have the training and education necessary to help you and your canine companions. Just the other day I got a call from someone inquiring about our services. She received a recommendation for another trainer from a friend. The person on the phone said she felt the trainer had integrity as the trainer returned the friend's money since the trainer was unable to accomplish the goal of not having the dog guard the other human in the household. I told her that although it is wonderful that the other trainer returned the money, an experienced and knowledgeable trainer should have been able to meet this goal and could have done training counter to the goals. Inexperienced trainers, unbeknownst to them, could make the behaviors worsen. You don't know what you don't know.
Although there is no license to be a dog trainer, there are multiple certifications. We strive to continually learn and earn credentials. Beth just completed a 4-month intensive course on canine separation anxiety and is now a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT).
Other credentials we hold are being a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) which is a rigorous written exam through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). Beth also now reviews these exams for trainers who wish to seek that credential. Beth is certified as a Fear Free Certified Trainer and completed a Master Course in Canine Aggression. Beth and Wayne have graduate degrees in behavior and education, respectively, have traveled extensively domestically, and even traveled internationally to attend canine science conferences. They are constantly reading studies and books.
We take our work very seriously and strive to be the very best we can be in our field to help you and your canine companions.
