Almost all dog problems can be solved using Zoom.
DO THIS:
1. Look at the pictures of the dogs on the page below and what was solved with Zoom. There is a 90% possibility your problem is there.
2. Read the info on the page after the pictures. Please let me teach you why Zoom is more effective than an at-your-home session. At-your-home sessions are the least effective and Zoom the most.
I am committed to getting the best results possible.
Problem Solving via Zoom
Zoom calls are not allowed to be recorded, including on your cell phone, under the advice of my attorney. I appreciate your understanding.
Zoom students that benefitted from my Zoom session.
Hello fellow dog lover
Thank you for asking for help with your reactive dog. I do this training by Zoom, initially, and here is why.
Dog training is 99%, teaching humans. The dog is not the one who makes decisions, changes, and decided to do things differently. It is the human who leads the way.
Reactive dog owners need the following which is accomplished through a Zoom session:
Change in equipment. Reactive dogs need to use specific collars, harnesses, etc. when in public. Teaching people which is best for their pet, where to get it and how to use it does not require my feet in your living room.
Removing the environmental causes which are keeping the reactivity 'alive.' Dogs who bark at passing dogs through the front window need to stop this, as an example. Trying to stop a dog from 'in public' reactivity and allowing them to engage in it at home is fruitless.
Body language of a reactive pet. Most owners respond to the pet after the dog lunges, barks, etc. To solve this owners need to understand and be able to respond well before the dog engages. This is best done with Zoom.
Special equipment to be used when the dog reacts. Owners may be counting on equipment that does not work thus making the problem worse. In a Zoom session, I can find out what you use, if it works, and make suggestions of better products that are humane. ( I do not and will not, ever, use pinch collars or shock collars on family pets)
Owners often want a trainer to come to the home and take the dog out in public, for training, Here is why I no longer do that.
I cannot guarantee that you and your pet will be safe. In today's world off-leash dogs, many of them aggressive, are common. An off-leash dog charging your pet is now common and a situation I avoid.
We cannot take a dog out and 'look for dogs' to practice with. I cannot involve an unsuspecting owner and their pet in your dog's training. Not only is this socially awkward it also places you in a precarious legal position.
A neighbor might offer to have their dog there as a practice dog, but, since I do not know this dog and its own level of reactivity this can make your dog's problem quite a bit worse.
I have found Zoom sessions to be far more effective, and safer, than in-home training for reactive dogs. Once owners understand how to successfully address this in an information exchange they are capable of bringing about change for their pet.
Dr. Sue
All sessions are 'best efforts' done in good faith and fair dealings. I do not offer a guarantee of outcome. I am not a con artist seeking to sell you dog training. Rather, I am a smart, creative and kind person with deep experience in the world of training.
Here are some things to consider when choosing between a 'my feet in your living room' and a Zoom session.
The cost of the Zoom is less as you are not paying for travel time which can be burdensome
A Zoom session almost always gets the better result and here is why. People get right down to business in a Zoom call. Often, they have a list and are more organized than when I arrive at a home. They are far less distracted in a Zoom call
At an in home here are the most often occurring distraction and thus, less time is spent on actual problem solving
Children. Kids spend most of the time eating, (which is a huge problem for the dog) wandering in and out of the session, saying "I'm bored" or stashed on the couch glued to the phone. Kids needing the parent's attention during training time is a distraction and a loss of training time
People arriving late. When someone arrives late the present person spends time 'catching them up.' This erodes the time for me to actually fix problems. We rehash what we just accomplished
Neighbors. People arriving at the home upends the flow of the session. They give their two cents on how the dog should be trained, greet the dog in exactly the wrong way and waste a huge amount of time. I would never be rude to a neighbor, friend or in-law but I watch the time tick by and wish I could be effective
Cell phones. People always answer their phone in a 'feet in your living room' session and never do on a Zoom. Answering the cell yanks people's concentration away from what I am trying to teach. The session is stalled, then has to get back on track, stalled again on the next text/call etc
Stories of past dogs. I love dogs dearly and understand the need to talk about your past dog(s). But, each story takes training time away from the living dog. Zoom sessions never include stories thus making a better outcome
I estimate that most 'feet in your living room' sessions lose between 25%-40% of valuable time to the above. You get less help in the hour. I can't accomplish as much as I like
Yes, some problems do need a 'feet in your living room' session and if that is the case I will let you know. Otherwise, I Zoom to success with you
Please consider a One-Hour Zoom session.
Testimonial
“Sue,
I enjoy reading your news letters! I just wanted to update you. Ari is lovely and the lessons you have given us have been wonderful. She is so incredibly kind and loving. My favorite lesson was the "say hello." She lays down and shifts her hips to the ground so she is not poised to jump. It's a wonderful position for introducing her to children especially. She is walking well on a leash and responds to most commands. We're still working on strengthening her come when called. You are such a blessing and I am ever so grateful for the online training you provided for my Arizona pup.
Love and best wishes! - Lorena”
Here are some common problems easily solved with Zoom
Puppy problems (Biting, potty training, leash training etc)
Potty problems in adult dog
Barking
Jumping Up
Biting
Exuberant Greeting of visitors at the door
Hostile/Aggressive Greeting of visitors at the door
Dog-dog aggression
Reactive Dogs
Dog-child interactions
Pulling on the leash
Resource guarding
Dog-cat interactions
Aggression
Barking at people-dogs on a walk
Counter Surfing
Stealing