I have been training something most of my life, horses in my early life as well as dogs. My early horse experiences as well as my parenting and dog-sports helped mold my style of training. I learned that one needs a tool box full of training methods to choose from for each unique animal and family. Animals don't/can't really think like people but people can think like animals! I believe in a balanced approach of simple dominance and positive reinforcement. I understand how a dog thinks and use methods that make sense and speaks to the dogs natural instincts. I help my client understand and read their dogs' body language to better understand them and anticipate problems.
I started K9WAGIN in 2000. My mentor Sandy Moore, a dog trainer with over 40 years of experience, has been a rock for me and continues to be a valued sounding board. I worked with hundreds of rescue dogs in the early years. They were mostly very extreme cases and taught me many very important lessons, mostly I know that little issues can grow into big issues and bad behavior only gets worse with time.
For the initial consultation I come to your house, the dogs home, this is so your dog can be completely themselves and I can meet all the people that regularly interact with your dog. We sit down and talk about your dog issues and concerns. We then discuss my theories and methods. We will create a realistic training plan that everyone understands. I advise how to tweak the dogs' home environment to better serve his training.
I come once or twice a week to train the dog a skill, teach the you how to work the skill and give homework for the week. Often times I take the dog home and train them until they are ready (7-14 days) to be reintroduced to their home. Upon reintroduction, I train you to handle your dog on weekly visits.
Dog training is not magic. It is common sense and consistency. I find that people often know more than they realize and we build on that. I love helping dogs with their people problems.
"Dropped [off] a little monster in the making and got back a totally different dog who actually minded and respected the training he had been given. Highly recommend K9WAGIN"
— PK
"We have gained so much from our pups' time with Kerri. She has such a sense for how pets are wired and how to get the best from them. Her love of furry folks is clear. We trust her fully and highly recommend her."
— LA
"I needed an older Papillion that I inherited to be trained. He went from difficult dog to one that is enthusiastic about his training in a few weeks. I could not be happier. Kerri is loving, patient, and knowledgable."
— VL
"Kerri came to our home, assessed us, our home environment and our dog. Our dog immediately succumbed to her training. She taught us real life techniques to put to use immediately. Now we know what direction we're going in, and our dog can feel safe that we've got his back."
— JE & TS
"At the heart of Kerri's training is a deep love and respect for each dog as an individual. Her methods are innovative and humane. She communicates with dogs in ways that they understand - and teaches her clients to do the same."
— DS
"Kerri was absolutely the right person for our dog Rosie. She taught us so much about her and the inner workings of why she is the way she is. My favorite part about Kerri's training was the constant updates and videos we received with Rosie's progress."
— MP
"She took him for a week, sent videos of his progress along with videos of him socializing and playing with her dogs. After 1 week she returned my dog to me, he was completely different. He now has manners, he is obedient and knows his place."
— JR
"Kerri was very helpful both times we had her over. She offered keen and perceptive advice that was individual to our dog. She also followed up several times and kept close correspondence to ensure we were keeping up with the training."
— JS
"Kerri is great at what she does. Within the first few moments of teaching my dog obedience I was blown away from her techniques, my border collie responded well to her, she gave me great advice and methods to train my dog."
— BN
Let's talk about your dog and create a training plan that works for your family.
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