My name is Bre and working with canines is one of my many passions! There's just something about enriching the lives of dogs that calms the soul. I have experience working with a variety of different breeds, sizes and genetics! Dogs are SO much smarter than we give them credit for and you can always teach an old dog new tricks!
I am a CATCH Certified Dog Trainer, Mentor Trainer, and Licensed Family Dog Mediator. I follow the LIMA (Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive) approach with a focus on positive reinforcement. This doesn't mean I simply throw treats at the dog in hopes they figure it out.. it means I use anything the dog in front of me finds rewarding! This could be treats, toys, affection, life rewards (like opening doors, interactions with other dogs, throwing a ball, etc.). We show up to work every day because our paycheck motivates us.. if it didn't, our attention would be elsewhere.. dogs operate the same way. Find what motivates the dog and the possibilities are endless!
Another tool is knowing your dog's genetics! You've heard the old saying "It's all in how you raise them" but there is so much more than just raising a "good dog" and there are some behaviors that you can't just "train out" of certain breeds. Instead, we can give them an outlet for those genetic drives so they don't manifest into destructive, unwanted behaviors. A Collie is going to herd and want to control their environment. It's what WE bred them to do! Try giving her a Jolly Ball to herd around the yard if you don't want her herding the kids around. A Rottie is naturally going to be protective.. make sure at an early age you're conditioning and properly socializing your pup to avoid constant "stranger danger" and build that association that it means good things when new people come to say hi. There are so many great tools out there to help find out your dog's genetic makeup!
When I'm not training with clients, you can usually find me at the Washington County Johnson City Animal Shelter or the Appalachian Highlands Humane Society. I could not ask for a better team of professionals and animal lovers who are passionate about rescue and animal welfare! I love connecting with and rehabilitating aggressive/fearful behaviors and advocating for those that have no voice. I am also a strong advocate in the Autism community, as my daughter has ASD and SPD. She too loves animals, and I have no doubt she will do great things! I also attend numerous conferences and online courses throughout the year to continue my education and keep all information as up-to-date as possible.
I am a CATCH Certified Dog Trainer, Mentor Trainer, and Licensed Family Dog Mediator. I follow the LIMA (Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive) approach with a focus on positive reinforcement. This doesn't mean I simply throw treats at the dog in hopes they figure it out.. it means I use anything the dog in front of me finds rewarding! This could be treats, toys, affection, life rewards (like opening doors, interactions with other dogs, throwing a ball, etc.). We show up to work every day because our paycheck motivates us.. if it didn't, our attention would be elsewhere.. dogs operate the same way. Find what motivates the dog and the possibilities are endless!
Another tool is knowing your dog's genetics! You've heard the old saying "It's all in how you raise them" but there is so much more than just raising a "good dog" and there are some behaviors that you can't just "train out" of certain breeds. Instead, we can give them an outlet for those genetic drives so they don't manifest into destructive, unwanted behaviors. A Collie is going to herd and want to control their environment. It's what WE bred them to do! Try giving her a Jolly Ball to herd around the yard if you don't want her herding the kids around. A Rottie is naturally going to be protective.. make sure at an early age you're conditioning and properly socializing your pup to avoid constant "stranger danger" and build that association that it means good things when new people come to say hi. There are so many great tools out there to help find out your dog's genetic makeup!
When I'm not training with clients, you can usually find me at the Washington County Johnson City Animal Shelter or the Appalachian Highlands Humane Society. I could not ask for a better team of professionals and animal lovers who are passionate about rescue and animal welfare! I love connecting with and rehabilitating aggressive/fearful behaviors and advocating for those that have no voice. I am also a strong advocate in the Autism community, as my daughter has ASD and SPD. She too loves animals, and I have no doubt she will do great things! I also attend numerous conferences and online courses throughout the year to continue my education and keep all information as up-to-date as possible.
Private, the dog that started it all