"Margaret Hughes brings her life-long love of dogs together with positive training techniques that both you and your dog will enjoy." Twenty+ years ago I wrote that sentence on my first advertising brochure. It still holds true today. I love training dogs but I love training people more. My dog training background is in obedience, family style dog training, behavior modification and aggression. I love helping dogs learn manners, which in turn, creates a fun and enriching family life, for everyone, including the dog.
I am a certified dog trainer (CTC) through the SF SPCA's Academy for Dog Trainers, taught by one of the BEST dog trainers in the world, Jean Donaldson. I attended the Academy's In-House pilot program, and then their full fledged accredited program. Graduating the SF SPCA's Dog Trainer's Academy was an honor and cemented everything that I loved about positive training. I became one of the first in the USA to be certified by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, earning my CPDT. I am certified American Kennel Club CGC - Trick Dog - ACT Evaluator.
I've been involved in the sport of dog agility for over 25 years. Along with teaching group agility class for Dogs in Progress, I also offer private lessons, small group workshops and specialized focus sessions on a variety of agility subjects at my Go-Get-'Em Agility field.
Certifications:
SF SPCA CTC, CPDT, AKC CGC, Trick Dog, ACT Evaluator
Dog training services include
More info about Margaret Hughes's dog training:
Dog agility training from foundation to competition. Group classes, private lessons, and specialized agility workshops. Online support through YouTube videos and the Go-Get-'Em Agility Podcast.
Behavioral issue focus:
Agility instruction for dogs of all types, from worried dogs to exuberant.
Dog training methods:
Starting with Beginning Agility Foundation training, which includes building up a dog's confidence and body awareness by learning foundation behaviors/skills that directly affect their willingness and confidence on full size equipment. The equipment that they will work on/around include, tunnels, travel planks, balance pods, back foot awareness items, target work, dog walk planks, cones, jump stanchions, carefully introduced, in one class, to a low A-frame, and an introduction, in one class, to a low tire jump. Handlers will learn about dog/handler connection, safety, handling, beginning crosses, dog's lines and more. All equipment is introduced and raised towards full height in Dogs in Progress' agility Levels 1 and above. First and foremost, safety followed by confidence and understanding by the dog and handler.
Why I became a dog trainer:
I loved training dogs and people from the moment I started assisting the dog training classes at the place I worked. I went to every seminar possible and my love for watching dogs learn grew. I love helping handlers/owners see the amazing potential of their dogs and showing them how clever their dog can be.
My favorite part of being a dog trainer:
The moment a dog and an owner go from dog owner to sport dog owner, the moment they grow into a dog and handler agility team, it is a beautiful transformation. The dog has the moves and the handler does too, like a dance or poetry, but on dirt.
My #1 dog training tip:
Foundation!!! Focus on the little stuff that grows (with continued training) into the big stuff.
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Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you
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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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