Good Sit's owner, Steph Haddad, is a lifelong animal lover. Though she didn't grow up with pets of her own, she always found ways to be around cats and dogs as her neighbors had many. As she grew, she became interested in training and rescuing animals. After getting her degree (in fine art!) she spent time first volunteering then working at the Champaign County Humane Society, where she was exposed to a large variety of temperaments, breeds, and learning the networking needs of dogs and cats who need new homes. As an Animal Care worker, she did basic training, cleaning, grooming, caring, and socializing dogs, working hard to make sure that dogs who were in holding could get time outdoors and de-stressing despite their new, strange environment. a young Steph Haddad in 2010, kneeling with a floppy-eared beagle german shepherd mix wagging his tail.Steph with Scout, the first dog she saved (with the help of a great group of people!) back in 2010.Having spent that time at the animal shelter from all those years ago, she uses her knowledge to help others while staying on top of the news for animal welfare. Steph helps network animals in need of adoption as well as place dogs with trainers and behaviorists who fit their needs. Now settled into the Bay Area, she's made a small business of walking dogs and petsitting. She is furthering her education through the help of The Academy for Dog Trainers, Dog*biz, and what workshops, seminars, and webinars she can attend. While she loves all dogs, Steph has a particular soft spot for all guard dog breeds, from shepherds to bullies, and especially enjoys working with them. Her experience has taught her that all dogs are individuals, and they deserve a chance to grow and have a good life on their terms. While everyone at Good Sit has their own experiences, Steph trains everyone to meet dogs where they are utilizing force free techniques, whether they need a little extra help feeling safe, learning how to play with other dogs, learning how to trust people, or just plain making sure they get their exercise while they are out and about (and coming back when called!)
Certifications:
In school for CTC, in exams for DWA
Dog training services include
- Aggressive dog training
- Reactive dog training
- In home training
- Off leash training
- Puppy training
More info about Steph Haddad's dog training:
I help dogs that are typically seen by the public as scary how to understand the world they live in while giving their family members tools to help them live their best life and feel confident in helping their dogs behavior needs. These tools involve pattern games, reading dog body language, and finding what rewards the dog most whether it is playing with the toy or getting a delicious treat, no correction needed.
Behavioral issue focus:
I typically work with dogs who have barrier reactivity or frustration, handshy or shy about specific situations, and general over arousal. The situations can look like nipping, biting, running away, or being super jumpy.
Dog training methods:
When someone's interested in training with me, we set up a backfinding consultation call to see if we are good fit together. After that, we proceed by setting up a training schedule. Each session has me teaching the dog how to do something and then passing over mini lessons with bite-sized homework assignments to the family members to practice until I see them again.
Why I became a dog trainer:
That's a long story
My favorite part of being a dog trainer:
My favorite part of being a dog trainer is when everything begins clicking. You can see the joy and the human's face and body language, and you can see the dog get to have their silly personality come out. Both the dog and the human get to enjoy each other more, which deepens their bond.
My #1 dog training tip:
Reward your dog for the little things so the big things are less difficult.
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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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