Our 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.
Every dog's personality is unique and has different learning abilities and motivations - therefore, dog training is most effective when you can be flexible. Your trainer will customize a training plan based on your dog's individual needs and your training goals. There is no magical solution to change unwanted behavior. For the best long term result, you must be willing to continue the reinforcement over the dog's lifetime.
In order to properly motivate a dog, you must provide incentive. When adequately rewarded for the task performed, dogs are much more willing to repeat that behavior in the future. We mainly use "positive reinforcement" based techniques, along with a holistic approach considering physical health, nutrition and instinctual drives.
Our trainers adhere to the “LIMA” protocol. 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."
We will treat your dog like a member of your family. None of our trainers will use remote electric collars or "shock" collars, and we do not recommend prong or choke collars. There is a better way!
Still have questions? Visit our FAQ page or contact us today!
Every dog's personality is unique and has different learning abilities and motivations - therefore, dog training is most effective when you can be flexible. Your trainer will customize a training plan based on your dog's individual needs and your training goals. There is no magical solution to change unwanted behavior. For the best long term result, you must be willing to continue the reinforcement over the dog's lifetime.
In order to properly motivate a dog, you must provide incentive. When adequately rewarded for the task performed, dogs are much more willing to repeat that behavior in the future. We mainly use "positive reinforcement" based techniques, along with a holistic approach considering physical health, nutrition and instinctual drives.
Our trainers adhere to the “LIMA” protocol. 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."
We will treat your dog like a member of your family. None of our trainers will use remote electric collars or "shock" collars, and we do not recommend prong or choke collars. There is a better way!
Still have questions? Visit our FAQ page or contact us today!
Meet the trainer!![]() Dee Wilkie
lead trainer/owner I began my career with animals at a doggie daycare in Atlanta called Doguroo in 2007, and I realized that working with dogs was my passion! I decided to become a dog trainer, and in March of 2011, Clever Canidae was established! I am on the board of directors for the Douglas County Humane Society and I enjoy educating people about rescue and adoption. Click here for more information about adopting a shelter dog and low cost veterinary services. I have a bachelors degree in Sociology with a minor in Biology and Business from Shorter College in Rome Ga. I received my dog training certification from Penn Foster in 2011. My hobbies include hiking and beach trips with my dogs, painting, shopping and wine tasting. 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 the trainer's pack!![]() Cheyenne
She is a husky/doberman/ whippet mix who was rescued from a shelter in 2007 when she was about 12 weeks old. She is scared of new people and has anxiety issues. She does not like other dogs, but she gets along very well with all her packmates. Her hobbies include sunbathing and chasing squirrels. ![]() Phoenix
He is a Miniature Australian Shepherd who was 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 hobbies include playing fetch, fetch and more fetch, and he is a Certified Therapy Dog! ![]() Denver
He is a Cattledog/Husky mix who was adopted from the Douglas County Animal Shelter in March of 2016. His hobbies include hunting (nosework), hiking, and chasing/herding his brother, Phoenix! He is my "assistant" dog trainer, helping with client sessions and being a great guardian/protector of our pack! ![]() Houston
He is a Russian blue who was adopted from the Douglas County Animal Shelter in 2019. He is very athletic and intelligent. His hobbies include hunting, climbing and jumping, and running on his "one fast cat" wheel! ![]() Winston
She is an orange tabby who was adopted from the Douglas County Animal Shelter in 2022. She was a feral who did a fantastic job eliminating rodents outside. She has since adapted to living inside. Her hobbies include hunting, playing with Houston, and birdwatching! |