A little bit about me!
My Training Theory:
I train using Positive Reinforcement methods. This includes treats, toys, Gentle Leaders, Easy Walk Harnesses and Clickers
if necessary. I believe in having a healthy partnership with your
dog where you lead and they follow happily. Like any great
relationship, training needs time and dedication to make it work.
I do believe in discipline and structure, however I do not jump to physical punishment as a first move. Not all dogs are the same and neither are their owners.
I evaluate the situation first to assure the use of the most effective methods and then proceed with training the owner along side their dog.
My Mission Top of Page
As a trainer I work to bring understanding and clarity to the humane/canine relationship, and of course I am fascinated with behavior. I educate owners on how dogs think and communicate so that they can speak clearly to their dogs. I also believe in listening to what your dog is telling you. Every chance I get, I let a dog teach me something. I am a firm believer in "walking the walk" so I have fostered several shelter dogs for behavior modification. and rehabilitation. Why not seek out a working relationship with your dog, as opposed to dominating them into submission. It will make a huge positive influence in your relationship with you dog. If that's your goal; to improve your life and the life of your dog(s), then I am the trainer for you.My Credentials Top of Page
I am a fully certified positive reinforcement trainer. I have my degree from Animal Behavior College. I am a certified Canine Good Citizen evaluator for AKC. For almost two years I worked with the Humane Society of Manatee County as their Dog Trainer. In that time I handled over 100 shelter and rescue dogs. We made some drastic changes in the animals lives and made a dent in the unnecessary euthanasia of innocent animals. Working with shelter dogs taught me that you can't always jump in with an agenda. You have to build trust and a working relationship with mutual respect. Dogs love learning and being given direction, you just have to be willing to put in the work to get the result.Why I became a Trainer Top of Page
I had a heart wrenching experience with one of my own animals. I had to return my 1 year old dog "Major" to the Humane Society (the shelter I later worked with) after a year of trying to make things work with him. I did not realize that education and training as a puppy was so crucial, I thought it was just a plus to have a "trained dog". In a short explanation he was severely dog aggressive with one of my female puppies and almost killed her. Unknowingly, I waited until Major’s behavior was so imprinted that I reached the point of no return. I did everything that humans would think to do, which only made things worse. I even sought out opinions from a local behaviorist, but I wasn't in a financial position to hire them. After many grueling days of analyzing the situation I had to make the best decision for Major and my other dogs, so I reluctantly surrendered him. After that experience I promised myself I would do everything in my power to prevent other owners from going through what I went through. And so here I am, a certified dog trainer, working to serve both owners of pedigree and rescue dogs. I love them all!My Family Top of Page
I have been married for almost 6 years to my wonderful husband Todd, who might I add, also
assists me in behavior modification of foster dogs. I have four of my own dogs; Daisy, Skyler, Mercedez and Lilly and a cat named Belle.
See Photo Album for more pics.
Click Pug for training Tip of the Month
Cheryl Brown
