For expert training and behavior rehabilitation by a Certified Professional Dog Trainer please visit IdealDogs.org Janine Allen CPDT-KA
I am a Certified Professional Dog Trainer.. I do not have a "training style" nor a "training philosophy." I adhere to the Code of Ethics set forth by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and follow the Humane Hierarchy as adopted by the same no
n-profit organization (ccpdt.org). This is why I don’t start training by immediately putting a choke or pinch collar on a dog. I am not a “treat trainer” as I use many types of reinforcement such as playing tug, chasing the end of a lunge whip, getting the privilege to play with other dogs or people, getting on furniture, going outside, coming inside, or earning access to other types of reinforcers. When I have new clients I usually start by using treats as I must keep things simple for both dogs and humans while they are learning the complexities of training skills. I am not a “positive only trainer” as punishment, by definition (taking something away to reduce future chances of a behavior), is pretty much unavoidable in dog training. The act of putting the ball or leash away because the dog went bonkers when you took it out is negative punishment. Turning around and ignoring a dog who jumps on you is negative punishment. I don’t “deepen relationships” or “improve the bond” with owners and dogs. I provide coaching with a simple interpretation of applied animal behavior and know that an owner’s new communication with their dog is most likely going to improve the quality of both their lives. I do not “guarantee” any dog training results as behavior modification, like veterinary medicine, depends on consistency in application and follow up by the owner. I do guarantee that I will be available by phone or email for client support at no charge. I do not have endorsement by Hollywood types but have earned many CEUs over the years by attending conferences, seminars, and workshops addressing dog aggression, fear, clicker training, competition obedience, separation stress, puppy rearing, shelter dog training, nose work, dog disease, dog nutrition, and human coaching skills that were presented by dog training influentials such as Karen Pryor, Ian Dunbar, Ken Ramirez, Kay Laurence, Kathy Sdao, Jean Donaldson, Dr. Suzanne Hetts, Emma Parsons, Leslie McDevitt, Dr. Jean Dodd -- to name a few. I have 30 years of experience training pet dogs and 25 years of experience training dogs for obedience and field retrieving competitions. The titles and placement ribbons I have achieved on my dogs, and dogs belonging to others, is testament to my ability to train reliable behavior in very distracting environments. This, in the words of most clients, would be a dog “that always listens.”
My college education and experience in zoos allows me the confidence to explore and be creative in different, less-conventional ways of training dogs. My personal fitness training and massage career has given me the skill of listening to people and finding their strengths amidst the frustration of handling a dog with behavior problems.
