What types of training do you offer?

I can work with you on obedience training your puppy or adult dog, leash walking, addressing anxiety and fear, reactivity, and more! If you aren’t sure if I can help with your goals, or if you aren’t sure what you need - just ask. I will be happy to help!

Where will our training session be held?

Most frequently, it makes the most sense for me to meet you at your home. If other arrangements are necessary, we will talk about it beforehand. I can visit you and your dog in Roseburg, Oregon and surrounding areas.

What is your training philosophy?

I treat every dog and case as an individual. I recognize that while there are certain “best practices” in training, your dog, your circumstances, and your needs are unique. With that in mind, I will work with you to create a training approach that best fits you and your dog.

What tools and methods do you use?

I believe that happy, healthy dogs make for a harmonious household. My training style is force-free and positive reinforcement oriented. That means that my training is about motivating dogs to work with you to gain a reward - a kind word, a game, a treat, a walk - rather than to avoid a consequence. I do not use prong or shock collars or any other intentionally aversive training methods. The latest developments in the science of animal behavior suggest that aversive punishment oriented training does not change the underlying cause of problem behaviors and may even lead to the development of new problem behaviors. To learn more, check out the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s Position Statement on punishment below.

AVSAB Position Statement on the Use of Punishment in Training

I need help training my dog, but I use a prong or e-collar with him, are you going to force me to stop?

No. If you become my client, you are free to continue using whatever equipment works best for you to safely and effectively manage your dog.

I position myself as a “Positive Reinforcement” oriented dog trainer. This can mean many things, but the long and short is that I focus on reward-basrd training methods, and exclude as entirely as possible training methods that require the administration of a painful or aversive sensation to work. You would think that we so-called “Positive Reinforcement” trainers should be a fairly supportive, compassionate, and non- judgemental bunch. However, clients sometimes tell me that they once asked a similarly oriented trainer who they had previously worked with a question that they thought was pretty mundane: something like, “I've been practicing the exercises, but I still need a prong collar to walk my dog right now, is that okay?” Or, “I still can't get my dog to obey me without using a food treat each time and this makes me uncomfortable, is there anything I can do about that?” - And that their previous trainer's response to their apparently innocent question made them feel shamed, judged, or scrutinized. This absolutely breaks my heart.

Judgement is sadly rampant in the dog-loving and dog training world. You may have noticed that sometimes tempers can run hot around the subject of dog training. Everyone has their owner view of what is acceptable practice, and what crosses the line. Unfortunately, passionate defense of animal welfare can sometimes turn nasty and boil over into accusations of cruelty and abuse. You might be especially likely to have experienced this if you've spent time online.

If you are currently using a prong collar, e-collar, or any other aversive-based training methods, please know that I have built Kindred Canine Training to be a radically welcoming place for all dog owners, regardless of background, experience level, current training methods and habits, and training or dog ownership philosophies. I consider my role as your trainer to be supportive and informational.

While I will always comminicate my honest and authentic thoughts on the effectiveness and appropriate use of any and all dog training and care methods to my clients, I do not evangelize for my personal views or make moral judgements. I do not ever attempt to force, coerce, or cajole clients into using or abandoning use of specific training methods. Regardless of how you choose to train your dog, I am unconditionally on your side.

Reach out to me for help determing if the training techniques I teach could be helpful to you.

what’s a CPDT-KA and why should I work with one?

A CPDT-KA is a dog trainer who has been certified by the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers as “Knowledge Assessed”. The Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers is a multinational organization that offers certifications to dog trainers who have accrued sufficient professional training experience and can demonstrate a high level of knowledge in the field. As dog training is an unregulated industry, it is important to check the background of any trainer you work with. A CPDT-KA has been tested on their competency in dog behavior and the science of training.

Why do you focus on teaching skills to owners? Wouldn't it be faster for you to train my dog yourself?

I offer a number of different training services. Some of these services, such as Day Trains and Walk and Trains, are conducted by me alone without your presence or participation. You may also notice that many trainers focus their offerings on send-away Board and Train programs, often billed as “Behavior Boot Camps.” However, in nearly all cases, I will require that a new trainee starts with in-home Private Training Sessions. I also strongly advise most owners to opt for Private Training sessions over Board and Train or similar formats, especially if they have limited dog ownership or training experience, or if they are experiencing owning a dog with behavior problems for the first time. Why?

It's a good question - I already know how to train dogs, shouldn't I do most of the training? What about a dog who is a struggle to manage - wouldn't it be a mercy to the owners and the dog to simply send them off to a Board and Train or Behavior Boot Camp program?

If you've ever noticed that your dog listens better to a specific family member, you probably already know why.

Just like you and me, dogs understand that each relationship is different. What flies with the kids (begging for scraps, jumping, licking faces…), may not fly with Mom or Dad. Therefore, Dog listens to Mom and Dad, but not to the kids.

What we don't want is a dog who listens to their trainer, but not to you. While services like Day Trains, Walk and Trains, and Board and Trains can be an excellent way to boost training practice time and acceledate your dog's learning, they are no substitute for the knowledge and confidence you will gain when working with a trainer directly. To set you and your dog up for training success, my very first goal is to give you actionable steps you can take at home, in the course of your day to day life with your dog.

If your dog is the dog with behavior problems, or if you find them difficult to manage physically, maybe you've wondered you’d be better off having someone else do the bulk of the training. You might feel like you are fed up with struggling with your dog, and you just need a break. But training your wild child doesn't have to feel like a physical and emotional wrestling match. Reach out to me to schedule a no-charge behavior consultation, and I can help you make a plan.