Hello! My name is Kristine and I am the owner of True Companion Pet Care. I am a graduate of Animal Behavior College with a certification in Dog Training. I am extremely passionate about dogs, their care, and their well-being.
Several years back, when I was a Dog Coordinator for a local rescue group in my area, I saw firsthand just how many dogs were relinquished by their owners to shelters and rescue groups due to behavior issues. Many of their behavior issues could have been corrected if they had a professional trainer to work with them. Sadly, hundreds never make it out of the shelters.
Behavior issues are the main reason dogs end up in shelters. I realized that I had to do something to make a difference and reduce those numbers! That is what inspired me to become a dog obedience trainer. I began training shelter dogs to increase their chances for adoption and to live a happy, healthy life.
I am a positive reinforcement trainer, certified, bonded, background checked and first aid/CPR certified for dogs. I do not use prong collars, shock collars or choke collars when I train, nor do I use any form of physical punishment whatsoever.
As a Certified Dog Obedience Trainer, I offer private obedience training and behavior modification in your home. Private training sessions can be especially beneficial for dogs with anxiety issues; for dogs that are easily distracted in a room full of other dogs and people; for puppies who have not yet been fully vaccinated yet and cannot attend group training; for families who would like all members, including their children, present during training sessions; for families with scheduling conflicts (I can accommodate your schedule and come to you on weekdays, weeknights, and/or weekends).
With private training, your dog will receive one on one attention and the curriculum will be personalized to cover the areas that you and your dog need the most. You will receive supporting documentation after every session.
My methods of training are based on the following:
Positive reinforcement, which works by using praise and positive actions and rewards for your dog’s good behavior.
Negative punishment, which works by removing something the dog desires when he/she performs an undesirable behavior (such as removing your attention; removing an activity he enjoys, not offering a treat, etc.).
I do not use any form of physical punishment whatsoever. Counter conditioning, which works by training your dog to display a behavior that is counter to the unacceptable behavior. Desensitization, which is the process of slowly and gradually exposing the dog to a stimulus he/she finds unpleasant and eventually having him accept the stimulus he once disliked or was fearful of.
I offer 6-week packages for puppies and adult dogs, as well as individual sessions that can be purchased on an as-needed basis. 6-week packages are $350 and a deposit of 50 is due at the signing of the contract. The balance is due at the 6th session. If individual sessions are requested, payment is due at time of each session. Individual sessions are $65 each. All sessions are at least 1.5 hours long. I accept cash or check.
6 Week Puppy Package includes:
Crate training; house breaking; acclimation to grooming; socialization; the importance of exercise; safety; puppy chewing and mouthing; jumping; “nothing in life is free” redirecting and the following basic obedience cues: food lure; touch; look; sit; sit/stay; OK; down; down/stay; take-it/leave-it; loose leash walking; heel; come/recall.
6 Week Adult Dog Package includes:
3 behavior modifications of your choice (i.e., jumping; house breaking, crate training; chewing; digging, counter surfing, bolting; separation anxiety, resource guarding, etc.) and all basic obedience cues: food lure; touch; look; sit; sit-stay; OK; take-it/leave-it; down; down-stay; loose leash walking; heel; come/recall.
I offer complimentary consultations for all new clients. Please feel free to contact me at 585-750-4253 or kristine@truecompanionpetcare.com for more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation. Thank you!
