Debbie has worked as a professional dog trainer for over 20 years.
Her group classes are taught at For Your K9 - where she teaches Puppy, Basic, Canine Life and Social Skills/Canine Good Citizen, Tricks, and Rally Free.
Debbie is a long-time member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and the Pet Professional Guild.
She is one of just 70 trainers worldwide selected by Victoria Stilwell to hold the prestigious title of Victoria Stilwell Professional Dog Trainer – a global network of world-class positive reinforcement dog trainers personally approved by Victoria to ensure that dog owners have access to the most accomplished, professional, reward-based training option in their area.
She is an honors graduate of the Academy for Dog Trainers headed by world-renowned trainer & behavior specialist, Jean Donaldson. She received her CTC (certification in training and behavior counseling) from the Academy in 2000. The Academy's education in behavior, training, behavior modification, and teaching and counseling is widely considered to be unrivaled.
Debbie is an AKC CGC (canine good citizen) evaluator (for 20+ years), a Certified Canine Conditioning Coach, and a Certified Trick Dog Instructor. She has taught innovative tricks and circus dog classes for many years. Her tricks crews have performed tricks shows at For Your K9, the International Kennel Club's shows, and at assisted living facilities.
Debbie's own dog, a mixed breed named Pinky, trains in agility, rally-free, tricks, weight pulling and most importantly, how to lay down calmly and assist with demonstrations while Debbie teaches her classes. She's on her way to being a pro!
Her older pup (waiting for Debbie over the rainbow bridge), mixed breed Ludo, has appeared in commercials for Walmart and Gatorade and is a Champion Trick Dog.
Debbie is on the staff of Camp Dogwood, an overnight camp for owners and their dogs. She teaches a variety of classes including Coaching reactive dogs to success, Recall, Tricks, Rally free, Parkour, and many others through the years.
Certifications:
CTC - Certificate of Training and (behavior) Counseling - with honors - Academy for Dog Trainers - 2000
CTDI - Certified Trick Dog Instructor
CCFC - Canine Conditioning Fitness Coach
Dog training services include
- Aggressive dog training
- Deaf dog training
- Reactive dog training
- In home training
- Off leash training
- Puppy training
More info about Debbie Bickford's dog training:
I teach a variety of group training classes and provide personalized in home training for most behavior and training needs.
Behavioral issue focus:
I help dog owners work through many behavior issues including but not limited to: puppy biting/mouthing, fear, reactivity, aggression, separation anxiety, and resource guarding.
Dog training methods:
My training methods include many techniques that I've learned in my over two decades of being a full time dog trainer.
Dogs learn best and bond faster/deeper with their owners if the training is WITHOUT fear, intimidation, pain, startle, and other techniques that have the potential for behavioral fall out.
All dogs require motivation to do what we would like them to do. Finding out what motivates each individual dog is integral in the training process, so this is/should be the first order of business in the training process.
Food, fun, and access to those things that the dog loves - these are the motivators that should be used in any effective and humane dog training program.
Why I became a dog trainer:
Teaching dogs and their owners has been a way of life for me for over 20 years. As a lover of animals - especially dogs - I had hoped that becoming a dog trainer would be a game changer for my health/happiness, and, thankfully, it certainly has!
My favorite part of being a dog trainer:
My favorite part of being a dog trainer changes weekly, but if I have to pick - it would be the ability to foster positive change in the lives of people and their dogs.
My #1 dog training tip:
Motivation - find out what motivators your dog will love to work for, and learn how to effectively use them.
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Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you
David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development.
David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners.
Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature.
David is based in Salem, MA.
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