Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What methods do you use?
Answer: Dog training is an UNREGULATED field...anyone can call themselves a trainer and can use any method they see fit. Unlike the dog training field, Julie is a licensed veterinary technician and is held to a higher standard because of her veterinary medical background. Unlike many trainers out there, she has taken an oath to Do No Harm. Furthermore, she is certified as a Fear Free Professional and uses science-based and fear-free motivational methods that focus on relationship-based training, clear communication, and developing and strengthening the human-animal bond, based on trust...making leashes and collars obsolete. We focus on developing a solid foundation of understanding, so that our favorite obedience, "naked obedience," is established as quickly as possible using fun to help dogs learn problem solving. We firmly believe you should be able to use the SAME training method on ANY breed.
Q. Is Julie a "certified" trainer?
Answer: No, Julie is not a certified trainer. She is a Certified Veterinary Technician, licensed in the state of WI (http://www.wvta.com/index.php/resources/for-veterinary-technicians/code-of-ethics) and has taken an oath to Do No Harm. She has furthered her commitment to non-aversive training by becoming a Level 2 Fear Free Certified Professional and she is also a proud member of The Pet Professional Guide. She is fortunate to have had the opportunity to gain her experience through hands-on training over many years now handling dogs in the veterinary office on a daily basis, through continuing education, and working with not only training clients through the numerous veterinary and rescue referrals she receives, but also through The Woof, Cudahy Kennel Club, Greater Racine Kennel Club, Kenosha Kennel Club, various shelter referrals, continuing education training seminars, and even from simply walking through pet stores and being asked, "How did you get your dogs trained so well?" She has been handling dogs (and cats) since 2001 and has had a vested interest in animal behavior and positive modification techniques since then. She continues her education by attending Seminars and other CE programs for both behavior and veterinary medicine to keep current with the new techniques and recommendations, but has also developed a successful style all of her own. She actively trains and competes in various dog sports and the titles she has earned working with dogs, or helping her students earn, keeps a smile on her face.
Q: What methods of payment do you accept?
Answer: We accept Cash, local Checks with ID, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. We can also send Square and PayPal invoices if you prefer those methods.
Q. What referrals do you have?
Answer: Please visit our Referrals and Testimonials page! We have even more on our Facebook page!
Don't forget to Join our Facebook group too! https://www.facebook.com/groups/sensibledogtraining
Don't forget to Join our Facebook group too! https://www.facebook.com/groups/sensibledogtraining
Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before hiring someone in your field?
Answer: We truly believe that you should never settle for just any trainer in the education of yourself or your pet. Find a trainer that you can relate to, communicate openly with when you have concerns and have all of your questions answered completely. The trainer should have a solid background in behavior and modification techniques and references that will be applicable to the training that you need. ONLY allow a trainer to do what YOU feel is right. NEVER let them take the leash unless you are Completely comfortable with what they're about to do. If you don't follow these basic guidelines, you'll only end up regretting it. Sometimes, but especially in behavior modification of aggression or anxiety, behaviors can be made worse without proper guidance...and some dogs can lose their lives.
How does your work stand out from others in this field?
Answer: Many trainers claim to use "100% positive reinforcement methods", but sadly ...there is NO 100% in ANY behavior, in ANY species! So, they already fall short when they then tell you to use aversives, like collar corrections or even spritzing your dog with water. Sometimes aversives may eventually be necessary to interrupt an undesirable behavior, but verbal and/or auditory ones will likely suffice...and only if necessary. We use reinforcement and motivational methods that focus on relationship-based teaching and training, clear communication between species, and developing and strengthening the human-animal bond, based on trust...not fear or pain.
We focus on developing a solid foundation of understanding, so that our favorite obedience, "naked obedience," is established as quickly and as fun as possible, even in distracting environments, without having to rely on the leash and collar...making it eventually obsolete. Over the years we have learned many ways of building and proofing obedience habits and continue to expand our knowledge every day through our experience in the veterinary medical field, participation in continuing education seminars, through class instruction at local training facilities,and through trials and competitions with our own dogs. When searching for a "trainer" we believe experience matters...and not necessarily the amount of years they have been in business (although Julie has been actively interested in and practicing behavior modification since 2001)...but by what they can demonstrate with their own pets, as well as their clients. We strongly urge our potential clients to call around, research, and go observe training sessions before they ever attend one with their pet. We are more than happy to have you stop in on one of our local classes and observe us instructing at anytime. After the class has ended, we are thrilled to discuss what training options are available and which one is best for your situation.
We focus on developing a solid foundation of understanding, so that our favorite obedience, "naked obedience," is established as quickly and as fun as possible, even in distracting environments, without having to rely on the leash and collar...making it eventually obsolete. Over the years we have learned many ways of building and proofing obedience habits and continue to expand our knowledge every day through our experience in the veterinary medical field, participation in continuing education seminars, through class instruction at local training facilities,and through trials and competitions with our own dogs. When searching for a "trainer" we believe experience matters...and not necessarily the amount of years they have been in business (although Julie has been actively interested in and practicing behavior modification since 2001)...but by what they can demonstrate with their own pets, as well as their clients. We strongly urge our potential clients to call around, research, and go observe training sessions before they ever attend one with their pet. We are more than happy to have you stop in on one of our local classes and observe us instructing at anytime. After the class has ended, we are thrilled to discuss what training options are available and which one is best for your situation.
Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?
Answer: Julie knew as a child that she would be in the animal care field. Her first job at a local pet store confirmed her desire to work with animals and she has been in the animal care field ever since. The first cat that she had while living on her own was an active pet...and she quickly helped direct him in basic obedience (Name Recognition/Recall, Sit, Down, Stay, etc) as well as how to navigate a mini agility course! He was an outstanding part of why she developed a solid interest in behavior, and thus modification of undesirable behavior. He paved the way for her into the behavior field. Between behavior and her interest in veterinary medicine, she feels she can bring a more complete area of expertise to the table than most trainers. She enjoys every minute of her day...whether as a Certified Veterinary Technician at a local veterinary hospital, as an instructor at various locations and through Awesome Paws, volunteer behaviorist for several local animal rescues, or as behaviorist on staff for four local animal hospitals. It is more than just a love for dogs, however, it is her life's passion to: Change the World, One Pet At A Time.
Whether with Awesome Paws, or another training facility, we wish you success...
HAPPY TRAINING!
