Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

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David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

Lisa Bert

Dog trainer in Boston

https://www.fingersandpaws.com

Service areas:

Andover, Arlington, Bedford, Belmont, Beverly, Billerica, Boxford, Burlington, Cambridge, Charlestown, Chelsea, Danvers, East Boston, Everett, Hamilton, Lexington, Lincoln, Lynn, Lynnfield, Malden, Manchester, Marblehead, Medford, Melrose, Middleton, Nahant, North Andover, North Reading, Peabody, Reading, Salem, Saugus, Somerville, Stoneham, Swampscott, Tewksbury, Topsfield, Waltham, Wakefield, Watertown, Wenham, Wilmington, Winchester, Woburn, Salem NH

I am the proud mom of two adult children and didn't know, when we got our first dog when the children were little, just how little I knew! My good fortune to have great trainers and mentors on the cutting edge of animal-friendly training led to a career change to teach other families who need that support. That journey began in 2004 while my children were young teens and we had one dog - adding the second dog was a whole new level of learning! I willingly share my own errors, experience, and empathy with my clients as I continue to grow my own knowledge and experience. I completed Karen Pryor Academy's Professional Dog Trainer course in 2011, became a licensed educator for Family Paws Parent Education in 2012, and passed the independent exam to become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed in 2013. In December of 2022 I completed the revolutionary new L.E.G.S. Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation Professional Course; I will complete Dr. Susan Friedman's Living and Learning with Animals Professional Course, covering the fundamental principles and procedures of teaching and learning, in March 2023. For well over a decade I assisted and then taught puppy socialization and level 1 and 2 obedience classes, until a move overseas forced me to shift to only one-on-one. Now I'm back, and I look forward to finding a way to offer group classes again to supplement my clients with yet another support option as V3 of my business picks up steam!

Certifications:

CPDT-KA, KPA CTP, licensed educator for Family Paws Parent Education

Dog training services include

  • Reactive dog training
  • In home training
  • Off leash training
  • Puppy training

More info about Lisa Bert's dog training:

Remote and in-home support for families with dogs that have or are bringing children in the home, and for people with puppies or newly adopted dogs, using fun games and science-based training to build positive relationships based on mutual trust and respect. Clients become more effective and positive listeners and communicators with their dogs through my guidance. Human topics/skills often include how to set up and teach separation with inclusion, how to read and respond to canine body language, how to install and use cues and reinforcers. Dog skills often include socialization, emotional regulation (and the skills used to achieve that!), and "must have manners" that will help the dog be successful in that family.

Behavioral issue focus:

I commonly assist people with dogs demonstrating overexcitement, overstimulation, fear, anxiety, reactivity, or inability to settle, usually in relation to children, a new baby, or visitors to the house. I also teach people how to support and teach newly adopted puppies, adolescents, and adult dogs as they transition into their new home.

Dog training methods:

Clients typically start by completing a detailed intake form and sending me preliminary videos and photos. The initial consultation is about 2 hours long and includes assessment of the dog's behavior and the environment in which it occurs, plus management suggestions, education through discussion and materials provided, and demonstration and practice of preliminary exercises. Within a few days I then send a summary that includes a detailed plan for management and training, and I follow up regarding progress and questions. Clients can then choose to DIY or move into an All Access plan of their choice. All access plans provide a given number of Live Time hours (in person and/or remote, as agreed with client), plus full access to me for the same number of months: emails, texts, phone calls, and picture/video reviews/feedback. From point of first contact and through the life of the dog, however, I emphasize that I am always available for questions about anything already discussed, and that I will let them know if a discussion indicates that further paid time is needed in order to address an issue properly.

Why I became a dog trainer:

I was fascinated by the science of the method I was learning and amazed at the results - not so much that my dog "became a good dog" but that we all learned how to communicate with each other, he came to trust us implicitly, and our relationship with him was considerably deepened. I wanted to share that experience with other people and families who struggle with building that connection with their dog, especially if the dog was fearful, as our first dog was.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer:

Those "lightbulb" moments when both the dog and human really make that connection - it's beautiful

My #1 dog training tip:

Objectively observe your dog every day, and learn how to accurately interpret what you see. Once you can do that, you will learn most of what you need to know from your dog.


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Sniffspot Dog running on field

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

David Adams photo

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot is a community marketplace that enables anyone to rent land by-the-hour as a safe and private dog park.

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