Dog trainer in Lancaster
#27 in United States, #3 in Pennsylvania, #1 in Lancaster
United States
Lancaster
https://www.downtoearthdoglady.com
Service areas:
Chester County, Montgomery County, West Brandywine, East Brandywine, West Chester, Parkesburg
CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP
Even though I train all types of dogs I specialize in working with dogs who are deaf, blind or both. I offer in-person one on one sessions and virtual sessions as well. I also offer a in-home teenage day school where I work with clients dogs on my property by providing socialization and training by a professional dog trainer. I am here to provide assistance to dog guardians in the first few months of bringing their dog home and continuing their training into the first few years. I teach all of my clients how to work through puppy-hood and then adolescence using positive reinforcement and reward based training methods.
Behavioral issues that I most commonly work with are dog guardians looking to be able to affectively communicate with their dogs who are deaf, blind or both. I coach guardians on how to provide safe socialization opportunities, basic obedience, resource guard prevention, auto check-in's and startle prevention. With dogs that can see and hear I most commonly work through pet dog issues such as under-socialization, age related behaviors during adolescence, recall and over all basic manners.
I train all dogs (including my own) using science based methods. I am a LIMA positive reinforcement based trainer. When first meeting a client I always provide a free consultation call to give us both a chance to get to know one another. If we both find each other to be a good fit I start with an hour long virtual zoom meeting where we can go over all the basics without the distraction of me in the room with your dog. We go over example videos, PDF's and anything that I find will be helpful in that particular dogs case. To me, each case is different, not every dog has the same training plan. I create training plans according to that specific client and client's dogs needs. I typically like to meet once a week or bi-weekly. In between lessons I like to keep a communication line open so I can review video homework and am able to answer questions. None of my clients are taught, nor do I train using shock collars, prong collars or choke chains.
I have been a Dog Lady for as long as I can remember, but it all came together for me after adopting my first dog, Otis. When he and I first became our own little pack, he had some major anxiety and aggression issues. I knew I needed to learn more about dog training in order to really help him.We began the Karen Pryor clicker training program together, where I was able to help Otis overcome his anxiety and aggression issues. It was with Otis that I realized being a dog trainer and training with positive reinforcement was my true calling. I then raised my Australian Shepherd, Dahlia and multiple foster puppies with those same methods. I have continued to hone my craft throughout the last decade. In 2018, my training expanded to incorporate special needs dogs when I fostered my first deaf and blind puppy. In 2020 I adopted Darla, who was born with limited hearing and almost no ability to see. In 2022 I adopted Clark a completely blind rough coat collie. After multiple disabled foster dogs and now currently having my own blind and deaf dogs I am extremely passionate about helping special needs pets and their guardians connect by using force-free training methods.
My favorite part of being a dog trainer is getting a chance to coach dog guardians how to communicate to their dogs. Many dog guardians who adopt a dog who is deaf, blind or both feel extremely over whelmed on how to truly "talk" to their dog. Watching someone be able to work with a dog who is deaf and blind and have the dog fully participating and enjoying the training is what makes my job so special. I of course love dogs and wanted to be a dog trainer because I had such a passion for them. However it is the people that I have gotten to meet along the way that makes being a dog trainer the job of a lifetime.
When bringing home a dog that is disabled it's important to assist and guide them through a humans world however it is detrimental to feel bad for them. These dogs are truly capable of so much that you will hinder their ability to grow by always holding them back.
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
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More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
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* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
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Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
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Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
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Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
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Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.
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Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.