I specialize in humane training techniques based on science, promoting cooperation with dogs. Each training session is customized to meet individual needs and goals, ensuring effective results. I adhere to LIMA guidelines, focusing on consent and choice to foster positive experiences in your dog’s learning journey. My in-home dog training options provide convenience, delivering professional training right to your doorstep.
Hi! My name is Justin and I am cuckoo for canines! I am a professional dog trainer, certified through The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. The CCPDT® is the leader in the development of rigorous exams to demonstrate mastery of humane, science-based dog training practices.” I am also a Fear Free certified professional. Fear Free® provides “unparalleled education on emotional wellbeing, enrichment, and how to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in pets.”
I started working with dogs professionally in 2007, during which time I was undoubtedly a dog person but not yet sufficiently dog literate. I graduated from Ball State University in 2014 with a BA in telecommunications. While I have a passion for writing and storytelling, no calling is as rewarding as helping dogs and their guardians, caretakers, and frankly anyone willing to listen gain a better understanding of and a better relationship with one another. For better or for worse, animal care accounts for a huge percentage of my identity. I often think of the following quote attributed to an unknown source:
“I feel my profession in my cells.”
I am down to a one dog household for the first time in over twenty years. He is an epileptic Husky named Carl. I am also a proud and grateful husband and girl dad.
When it comes to anything I want my student to do, I honor and prioritize their ability to consent or decline as well as their bodily autonomy to the greatest extent possible. This is a key phrase and it looks a little different for each dog. When I became certified (and re-certified) through the CCPDT I agreed to adhere to LIMA guidelines. “LIMA describes a trainer or
behavior consultant who uses the least intrusive, minimally aversive strategy out of a set of humane and effective tactics likely to succeed in achieving a training or behavior change objective.” This isn’t just a checkbox for me. I operate by LIMA in all communication, protocols, and equipment I utilize with my students. I do not accept anything less and I will not be an enabler or apologist for anyone unwilling to get with the program.
The three words that are touchstones for me as a trainer are consent, choice, and cooperation. I do not use force, physicality, or intimidation to yield results I want or the client wants. If a client is wanting me to “break” their dog of something or “correct” their dog they are barking up the wrong tree. No, dogs are not “people too” but neither are they our subjects upon which we have a right to arbitrarily impose our will and whims. Your dog is your companion. You are their guardian. Dogs don’t do unwanted behaviors to spite you or because they’re mad at you. They generally do these things because they’re bored, distressed, have no replacement behavior, it’s biologically necessary, or simply because it’s fun. Another option is that the behavior has been carried out before without proper intervention and has now become a self-reinforcing behavior. It is important to not view our dog through an adversarial, suspicious, or contentious lens or it will sabotage our training goals and quite likely our relationship with them.
