What makes you different from other trainers?

Degrees in Animal Behavior Management, Animal Training, Wildlife Education, and Behavioral Sciences as well as my extensive experience is not something you will get with other dog trainers. Also, what makes me different is my passion for helping people and pets live their best possible life together, and keeping animals in their adopted homes. Training and caring for exotic animals requires thinking outside of the box, as there are no pet stores for zoo animals. With dogs, just as with exotic animals you must use your imagination to stimulate their need to solve problems. Using my Behavioral Sciences Degree I understand how people think and learn as well. I take this combination of skills and apply them to you and your pets. Oh, and patience, patience, patience.

Is my dog too old to learn?

Absolutely not. Animals and humans are never too old to learn. With the right motivation and positive reinforcement even an “old dog” can learn new behaviors. However, breaking old habits takes much more work and time than training new behaviors and new good habits. If an issue arises, the sooner you address it, the easier and quicker it will be to halt the behavior and create something better in its place.

How long will it take to train my dog?

How long does it take to learn to play soccer, baseball, or tennis? The answer is the same, it is different for everyone. I train dogs and other animals, but predominately the humans get most of the training. I can get your dog to do many things, but the important thing is that YOU can get your dog to do those things. Your dedication, Positive Reinforcement, and consistency, will determine how long it will take to get the desired behavior from your dog. The more you practice consistency, the quicker your dog will learn what is expected of him or her.

What is your philosophy of training?

Positive Reinforcement is the best way to train behaviors that will remain with your pet long after I have left. By using Positive Reinforcement, the animal makes the decision to do, or not to do, whatever you are asking of them. The decision is based on the usual consequences of a particular action at a particular time. If good things happen when a particular behavior occurs, it is more likely to happen repeatedly. I do not use pincher collars or choke chains because of the negative affect it can produce in a dog. If you read the next question and answer, you will see why.

What is your philosphy about punishement?

Studies have been done showing the affects of punishment (which includes using choke chains and pincher collars) on animals. One of the more recent extensive studies was published in The Journal of Neuroscience, 24(14)(2004): 3471–3479. The study showed that stress, such as that which is induced by aversive methods, causes a ripple effect of hormonal and neuroendocrine (which influences the activities of the nerves) retroaction that allows the subject being studied to acclimate to these new environmental pressures. All individuals from time to time experience stress. However, being subjected to stress repeatedly over a period of time (they defined a long period of time as 5 days) has a domino affect in the body and brain. It leads to a pathological state affecting various organs that release amino acids into the body as a response to ongoing stress, which triggers the dysfunction of other organs and glands, which in turn can cause several psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, panic disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, and depression. The animals in the study were subjected to stress for 5 days. The negative physical and emotional affects continued for more than 30 days. If you are interested in the full study, it is "Corticotrophin Releasing Factor-Induced Synaptic Plasticity." The Journal of Neuroscience, 24(14)(2004): 3471–3479  by Drs: Donald G. Rainnie, Richard Bergeron, Tammy J. Sajdyk, Madhvi Patil, Donald R. Gehlert, and Anantha Shekhar.

What do you do with dogs that have behavior problems?

Many behavior problems arise from lack of confidence and using punishment to train dogs. Most behavior problems are do to lack of socialization and training by the humans they live(d) with. Dogs need to learn what is expected of them in order to act appropriately while encouraging their confidence. Working with what motivates the dog, I show them an alternative to their “bad” behavior.

What locations do you service?

San Fernando Valley, Hollywood Hills and the Westside. If you are in proximity to any of these locations, please call to clarify if we service your area.