Event Markers (like a clicker), reinforcements (treats, toys, affection, environment), 4-8 foot leashes, and harness are some of our favorites! We will never use: prong, chain or shock collars, punishing, such as yanking, yelling, “Pssssts” or “Eh” sounds, prodding, or pinching, squirt bottles or coin cans. We will also be aware if your dog finds an intended reward aversive too. For example, not all dogs love food or affection. We will not use something unrewarding.
It means the humans have screwed up. If the dog gets it wrong, we did not set them up for success. If the dog gets it wrong, we must re-evaluate the plan. In other words, the dog is never wrong. So if your dog does something other than what we are looking for, we choose from re-directing, ignoring, and re-setting. Your dog will not be punished for doing a behavior we didn’t want.
Your dog will receive a reward and we will provide that reward based on what the dog finds reinforcing, not what the trainer or owner find reinforcing. While training, we will observe to see that your dog enjoys the treat, affection, toys, environment, etc and we will stop using it if it is not the right motivator for your dog. We need your dog to be an active participant in training and we want them to enjoy it!
COVID-19 has extremely limited our availability.
We are not taking new clients who are in need of weekly or reoccurring training at this time, only as-needed, virtual consultations. We hope to bring back our single privates and Pop-Up training in late Spring 2021. We are happy to refer you to one of the trainers below.
Please note: ALL of the trainers below support a positive reinforcement movement. If you hover over the questions above, each trainer below follows these guidelines in their training!
Amber is also happy to discuss any trainer or group one may find in a Google search. There are some very popular dog trainers in our area we would highly avoid.
Amy Saletta
Glen Ellyn area
In home and group
The Puppy Professor
Pam Yano
Downers Grove area
Group, in home, specialty classes
Enjoy Your Dog!
Narnia Pet Behavior and Training
Group & specialty classes
Plainfield/Naperville/Lisle
Steve Frost
Chicago suburbs
In-home
SFrost@ASoundBeginningProgram.com
630-776-8197 Julie will schedule the appointment
A Sound Beginning
Ali Evanson
South Elgin & far west suburbs
Day Training
Stay & Learn (aka Board and Train) through her email listed below.
IWhisperK9sListen@gmail.com
I Got This Sit
In Home & Group through A Sound Beginning Julie will schedule the appointment.
Julia Lane
South Elgin area
Group & private training
Spot On K9 Sports
Donna Orlowski
South Elgin area
Group class only
Spot On K9 Sports
Dana Nelson
South Elgin area
In-home and group
Affinity Dog Training