Dee's Training Philosophy
The essential concept of dog training is to create a language that humans and dogs can both understand. Effective communication, once learned, will make life more enjoyable for the two species to co-exist. Dogs are not born knowing how to live in our human world; we must guide them and teach them.
I am not committed to one particular training style. Every dog's personality is unique, and every dog has different learning abilities and motivations - therefore, dog training is most effective when you can be flexible. One technique may work on one dog, but not the next. There is no magical solution to every problem - many times you must approach a situation from every angle to get the best result.
I mainly use "positive reinforcement" based techniques, along with a holistic approach considering physical health, nutrition and instinctual drives. In order to properly motivate a dog, you must provide incentive. Part of the training process is finding out what your dog likes and will work for. When adequately rewarded for the task performed, dogs are much more willing to repeat that behavior in the future.
I will not use remote electric collars or "shock" collars, do not recommend prong or choke collars, and adhere to “LIMA”. The International Association of Animal Behavioral Consultants (IAABC) states that "LIMA is an acronym for the phrase 'least intrusive, minimally aversive.' 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. LIMA adherence also requires consultants to be adequately educated and skilled in order to ensure that the least intrusive and aversive procedure is used."
Still have questions? Visit our FAQ page or contact us today!
I am not committed to one particular training style. Every dog's personality is unique, and every dog has different learning abilities and motivations - therefore, dog training is most effective when you can be flexible. One technique may work on one dog, but not the next. There is no magical solution to every problem - many times you must approach a situation from every angle to get the best result.
I mainly use "positive reinforcement" based techniques, along with a holistic approach considering physical health, nutrition and instinctual drives. In order to properly motivate a dog, you must provide incentive. Part of the training process is finding out what your dog likes and will work for. When adequately rewarded for the task performed, dogs are much more willing to repeat that behavior in the future.
I will not use remote electric collars or "shock" collars, do not recommend prong or choke collars, and adhere to “LIMA”. The International Association of Animal Behavioral Consultants (IAABC) states that "LIMA is an acronym for the phrase 'least intrusive, minimally aversive.' 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. LIMA adherence also requires consultants to be adequately educated and skilled in order to ensure that the least intrusive and aversive procedure is used."
Still have questions? Visit our FAQ page or contact us today!
Meet the training team!
I began my career with animals in 2007 at Doguroo, a doggie daycare in Atlanta. I realized that working with dogs was my calling, so in 2010, I decided to become a certified dog trainer. In March of 2011, Clever Canidae was established. I initially began my business part-time while I continued to work at the daycare, but in April 2015, dog training became my full-time job.
I am on the board of directors for the Douglas County Humane Society and also volunteer at Douglas County Animal Services. Educating people about rescue and adoption, as well as advocating for shelter dogs, is a passion of mine.
Click here for more information about adopting a shelter dog and low cost veterinary services.
This is my husband Ben! We have been married since 2000. He was the manager of an automotive repair store for 18 years and quit that job in 2018 to help me full time! He refers to himself at the "Dogfather" and he is also known as "Uncle Ben" to the pups we train.
In Memory"If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever." -unknown Dakota, Jackson and Montana are our beloved departed fur babies. Each one was unique and special to us and will never be forgotten!
“Grief is like the ocean; it comes on waves ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim.” – Vicki Harrison |
Meet our pack!
Cheyenne is a Husky/Doberman/Whippet mix. We rescued her from a shelter in 2007 when she was about 12 weeks old. She is scared of new people and has anxiety issues. Cheyenne's hobbies include sunbathing, and chasing squirrels.
Charlotte is a boxer/shepherd mix. We found her on the side of the road in 2009 when she was about 8 weeks old. She is a compulsive licker and is reactive with strangers, but she is very well behaved in public places! She enjoys tug of war and protecting the house.
Phoenix is a Miniature Australian Shepherd that we adopted in May of 2015 when he was about 7 months old. He is great with other dogs, loves people, and adores children of all ages. His favorite activities include playing fetch, fetch and more fetch, and he is a Certified Therapy Dog!
Denver is a Cattledog/Husky mix we adopted from the Douglas County Animal Shelter in March of 2016. He is super smart and his favorite activities include hunting (nosework), hiking, and chasing/herding his brother, Phoenix! He is my "assistant" dog trainer, helping me with client sessions and he is also a great protector of our pack!
Juneau is a ragdoll cat we found as a stray in 2018 when he was a small kitten. He showed me that cats can be trained and live in harmony with dogs! He enjoys snuggles and napping between romps with his cat siblings.
Houston is a russian blue we adopted from the Douglas County Animal Shelter in 2019. He is very athletic and intelligent. He enjoys hunting, climbing tall furniture, and running on his "one fast cat" wheel!
Raleigh is a ragdoll mix we adopted from the Douglas County Animal Shelter in 2020. She is shy, but loves affection. She enjoys birdwatching, chasing bugs and lounging in her window perch!
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