I am experienced and have a successful track record of helping owners and dogs with puppy training, learning recall and other basic commands, and solving behavior problems such as jumping up, chewing, mouthiness, pulling on leash, barking, fearfulness, body handling issues, guarding food or objects, and other undesirable habits. I tailor sessions to the specific needs of each dog and ensure that you know how to continue progress or maintenance on your own.
I use positive reinforcement methods, which I find to be the most effective, and which are based on proven animal learning theories and science.
Last, but certainly not least, I offer something unique to this region: an effective positive reinforcement based Board & Train service where we board your dog in a loving home environment (not a kennel).
Board & Train is when your dog comes to stay with me in my home, generally for a period of one or two weeks, while I implement an intensive training plan based on your particular needs and goals. (Of course, your dog is having fun while being trained!) At the end of that time, I perform follow-up sessions in your home to ensure that your dog is bringing her new good behaviors back home with her and showing you how good she is, and that you have the tools to maintain her new behavior. While Board & Train is not suitable for every behavior issue, it can be a very effective, fast solution to many common behavior problems.
My home is nestled among the trees on almost 3 acres of land located in the lower Sierra foothills in Placerville. I do offer transportation to and from my location; depending on the location (generally further than a 45-mile radius from Placerville), there may be a nominal fee.
For a more detailed look at Board & Train, and what a typical day looks like for your dog, click here.
3.
If you train my dog without me, will he still listen to me when he gets home?
Most definitely! Part of the training I do is to make sure that your dog behaves well in any environment. In addition, my follow-up sessions ensure that your dog brings his new good behaviors home with him to show to you. I also make sure that you have the tools you need to maintain the "new improved" behavior of your dog at home without me. Sending your dog to me to get training is an effective, practical solution for a busy professional. And you can feel good about the fact that your dog will be getting the best of care in a loving home environment, not a kennel.
4. Do you offer one-on-one training sessions in the client's home?
Yes, I schedule individual consults and training sessions on a case-by-case basis, schedule permitting, for a wide variety of behavior issues. Please contact me for information or an appointment.
For dog training in the client's home, I will travel throughout El Dorado County (e.g. El Dorado Hills, Placerville, Cameron Park, Shingle Springs, Pollock Pines, Camino, etc.) and the greater Sacramento area (including Sacramento, Folsom, Rancho Cordova, etc.). I will also travel further by special arrangement.
For Board & Train sessions, you can drop off and pick up your dog, or if you would like me to pick up and drop off your dog, then my dog boarding and training service area is generally within a 45 mile radius of Placerville (e.g. El Dorado Hills, Folsom, Sacramento, Rancho Cordova, Placerville, Cameron Park, Shingle Springs, Pollock Pines, Camino, Georgetown, etc.) at no extra charge. I will also travel further by special arrangement, although there may be transportation charges. I have a number of dog training clients in San Francisco, for example. If you have any questions, please contact me to discuss them.
I provide a safe, loving,
environment for your dog, with lots of personal care and attention, and lots of safe space to roam and play.
Dogs in my home avoid the stress of a kennel, and owners can return
to a happy, well-loved, and well-exercised pet.
You and your dog should
be comfortable with the boarding environment. You are welcome to schedule a visit so you can see my beautiful home nestled among the trees on almost 3 acres in Placerville. Also, I have excellent
references, both two- and four-legged, and I can proudly say that dogs who stay with me once
will always pull their owners eagerly up to my front door to get here the
second time around!
It depends upon the behavioral
traits of the dogs. I am careful about how I match up dogs -- some
of them definitely need a quieter environment and/or more intense
supervision or training, and may be happiest with just my dog for company. Others
crave being around multiple dogs. Generally, I usually have 1 to 3
dogs staying here, plus my own dogs Luna and Rabbit. If your dog or puppy has special needs, please don't hesitate to discuss those with me.
Your dog will sleep in
my room with me. If he or she sleeps on the bed at home, then they
are welcome to do the same here. If not, I have several comfy dog
beds to choose from. Crates are used only upon owner request
There may be small periods
of time (i.e. 1-2 hours) when I will be away from home without your
dog. Your dog will be safe and comfortable in my home, with my dogs for company.
Generally, the dogs are getting so much exercise and play that they
would simply sleep during that time. For very young puppies or dogs
with special medical needs or behavior concerns, please talk to me
in advance so I can plan to schedule appropriate supervision.
I am located in Placerville, off Highway 50 on the way to South Lake Tahoe, and of course you are welcome to drop off and pick up your dog at my location, regardless of where you live.
If you would like me to pick up and drop off your dog, then my dog boarding service area is generally within a 30 mile radius of Placerville (e.g. El Dorado Hills, Folsom, Placerville, Cameron Park, Shingle Springs, Camino, Pollock Pines, Georgetown, etc.) I will also travel further by special arrangement, although there may be either transportation charges, or minimum stay requirements. I have many dog boarding clients in the Sacramento region and in San Francisco, for example. If you have any questions, please contact me to discuss them.