Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

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David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

Stephanie Dowdell

Dog trainer in Colorado Springs

I am Stephanie Dowdell; opening the Door to Dogs' Intelligence captured my interest in joining Angie Neal's Lucky Dog University Apprenticeship Program in March 2014. I received my Trainer's Assistant Certification in September 2014. During the six-month course, I logged over two hundred and eighty hours walking, training rescue dogs with various issues for their placement in loving homes, and continued volunteering with rescues. I continue to attend educational seminars such as (Dogs - From Pups to Problems), with renowned author Certified Dog Trainer Trish King CDBC and Dr. Ian Dunbar's seminar (Dog Aggression: Fighting) and (Barking Up the Wrong Tree), as well as Nando Brown's Aggression, Loose Lead Walking, Tricks, and Puppy Foundation course. My experience includes assisting Angie Neal in classes and accomplishing a working knowledge of dog training. The program provides the privilege of attending in-home consultations, gaining a better understanding of learning principles when applied correctly, and consistently resolving problems and issues, creating happy dogs. In late 2014, I was promoted to Trainer through Lucky Dog University, aspiring to follow in the footsteps of my accomplished mentor, Angie Neal CDBC. Since then, I have taught Puppy Kindergarten and Beginner Obedience Classes with House of Dog Training. My passion is to show you how to have fun with your dogs. I have developed a "Fun with your Nose" class launched at House of Dog in the summer of 2016, and I now have 3 levels of Nosework. In May of 2016, I achieved my Treibball Certification and have been teaching classes in that discipline when there is interest. I earned my Canine Nutrition Certification in 2018 and my Professional Canine Trainer - Accredited (PCT-A) through the Pet Professional Accreditation Board in 2019. Pet First Aid 2021. In May 2023, I became a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer through Malena DeMartini CDBC. The most important thing to me is to provide you - the client - with practical, professional, humane dog training. It makes life easier for you by teaching your dog the rules and structure of everyday family life.Dogs have always been a huge part of my life. My first dog growing up was a Dachshund Mix named 'Oscar.' He was adopted from the Humane Society when my parents finally relented to my constant discussion of wanting a dog. Throughout childhood, he was patient, kind, and a great companion!My dogs have always come from the Humane Society or Rescue Organizations and flourished into happy and healthy family members. My first puppy, Sophie, led me into the world of dog training. Clint Eastwood was kicked out of his home for getting into the garbage, another one of my rescues, Mister Jackson, was fearful of other dogs, and Lovebug's expensive destructive behaviors began the path to understanding, helping to improve the welfare of dogs suffering from separation anxiety. I will never forget the valuable life lessons from my beloved companion and professional demo dog, Dude. These are just a few of my fur babies who mentored me on my path to learning about dogs and how to improve their quality of life. So, I understand where you're coming from!Problem-solving is in my nature - challenging behavioral problems keep me sharp! I look forward to getting to know you and your dog!Professional accomplishments:Certified Professional Dog Trainer Accredited Pet Professional GuildCertified Separation Anxiety TrainerCertified Raw FeederCertified Triebball InstructorCertified Pet CPRMember, Pet Professional GuildMember, IAABC Training PhilosophyI am the type of person who enjoys working with and learning from the dog handler team to achieve the best outcome possible. The training process is a continuous process for me. I also love making training fun! Sticking to the training plan will be challenging if it feels like a chore.Providing Positive Reinforcement is integral to the best and most effective training.What does that mean? Positive Reinforcement in its purest form means rewarding the behaviors we want so the dog will keep offering them.For example, I use a variety of 'rewards' in my training sessions to reinforce a dog's good behavior. The rewards vary with each dog - and are often toys, treats, chewies, and balls, as well as petting, eye contact, verbal praise, and physical access to the dog's desires. It's impossible to limit the possibilities when it comes to rewards. How will I respond if my dog misbehaves?You cannot always avoid the fact that your dog will make a bad choice! You may see your dog acting out due to stress, fear, or a burst of excitement. It could also be because your dog is distracted or choosing not to listen.I am here to help determine what your dog needs and how to meet their needs best to get to the root of the cause and resolve issues to improve their well-being. I have a vast 'toolkit' of techniques furthermore, ideas to curb negative behavior and teach new, well-mannered behaviors.My stance is that I won't use physical punishment, including yelling, hitting, poking, spraying, pinching, or shocking.I do not use aversive training tools like choke, prong collars, or electronic/remote training collars (e-collars). I can stop rascally poor behavior choices in a more reliable, effective, humane way, and anyone can use it - even children!ResourcesIan Dunbar Ph.D., (Dog Behavior), Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVetMed), Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS), Barking up the right tree: The science and practice of positive d), The School of Canine Science.Malena DeMartini, Certified Trainer and Counselor (CTC) and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), and Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT).Nando Brown Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT), Certified Trick Instructor (CTDI), Competency Assessment Program Level 2 (CAP2), Professional Pet Guild (PPG), Fin Scent Games Level 1 Instructor (FSG1).Trish King is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC).

Dog training services include

  • Aggressive dog training
  • In home training
  • Reactive dog training
  • Service dog training
  • Puppy training

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David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

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