Group Classes - Why its a better idea to start with personal lessons first

I offer group classes to students who have completed my beginning foundation series. We begin our adventure together in a stress-free environment. This allows me to provide personal blueprints to construct the dog of your dreams

Finding the right dog trainer is essential. A dog trainer would be a good listener, design every lesson to accommodate the progress of each student, and make sure students are comfortable with the pace. The instructor would create a supportive, relaxed learning environment. Students would feel free to ask questions, be inquisitive, and express themselves. Creativity and individuality are encouraged. Many of my new students have had some form of training experience using the first and second way of training dogs. The First Way: Dominance paradigm - punishment and suppression; and The Second Way: Positive Reinforcement lots of treats, arousal-performance-reward model.

What I offer is, THE THIRD WAY: this approach is all about getting the dog to voluntarily perform the desired behaviors and having clear ON and OFF switches. I do not force or bribe the dog to do anything. Instead, I teach you to create situations in which your dog volunteers the desired behaviors because the action itself satisfies their natural instincts and increases their communication, affinity and connection with you. My relationship with dogs is based on keeping dogs feeling safe and satisfied rather than on being the pack leader or the cookie.

The are 3 steps for me to provide you with your personal blueprints to construct the dog of your dreams. The first step in helping to modify the problem is to assess the problem. I will re-educate you about the true nature of canine behavior and thereby change your attitude and approach towards the problem, The second step will convince you that proper management is the only way a problem can be solved. Once committed, then plan the management strategy for your individual dog, and circumstance. And step three… Because it is impossible to teach a canine not to do something, it will always be necessary to replace the problem behavior with some other action.

In Order For A Problem Behavior To Go Away, It Must Not Happen Anymore. The Theory Is That Simple.

I work with first time clients in home privately and then classes are offered to those who have taught their dogs my foundation skills and are ready to have the dog in a real life and group environment.

Every dog is unique and individual; a disadvantage of group classes is the instructor is not able to devote enough personal attention to each person’s individual needs. Often they are forced to work on those issues the majority needs help on. Dogs act very differently when outside their own environment (and so do some humans), which often subdues their natural inclinations; masking the very behavior I need to observe to treat you and your dog successfully.

I see myself as the bridge that will allow you to communicate and co-exist through a balanced relationship with your pet. My charges are by the session not by the hour. I have been paying close attention for many years: students that have the most success with adolescent or older dogs are the ones who work with me privately and then attend group class.

The problem with training initially at unfamiliar facilities is, it does not work at the level that is required to change behavioral problems especially with fearful /timid dogs. Most aberrant behavior is about human-dog relationships. Therefore how could a group class sort these problems out? Personal lessons are extremely beneficial for the adolescent or adult dog and it's human. These dogs often times need a quieter environment and fewer distractions, in order to begin to learn a new behavior. The dog's person wants to spend time teaching and learning, not trying to hang on as their dog searches out reinforcement from other dogs or people.

With personal training the instructor can spend the needed amount of time to ask questions, discuss situations and explain why learning a new behavior is more difficult to learn for a dog that has already practiced inappropriate behavior or exhibits an undesirable habit. The instructor's attention can be directed to the very specific and individual needs of both the dogs and their person. You can then work on the things you and your dog need.

Contact Gina to schedule your Initial Behavior Consultation - Orientation

What we know about dogs grows every day. New knowledge is constantly being added about training, behavior, and dogs in general. Likewise, I continually add to and challenge my body of knowledge, beliefs, and toolset. My expertise derives from both theory and real-world practice. I SEE what works and what doesn't…every day…and I work to continuously expand my understanding of natural dog and human behavior. I use the foundation of THIRD WAY conceived and developed by Chris Bach. No two dogs are exactly the same. Your dog is an individual. Bet you are, too. The training methods used will depend on your dog and you. I customize our lessons to set you up for success, as a balanced team, into a compassionate, dynamic, and intuitive training program. This approach puts the trainer's focus (that would be YOU) on enhancing desired behavior, and managing the dog to stop or prevent undesired behavior or responses.

You are invited to observe Gina in ACTION, to feel if her methods and unique attitude and approach are right for you and your dog. It is always a good idea to observe a trainer "in action" before making a financial investment. This will set you and your dog up for success. Email for observation guidelines and pre-registration papers.