If asked what I would consider the best achievement in the 14 years of using positive relationship and clicker training the answer would be the relationship of trust love and respect build between the dog and their human. The most heart warming compliment I ever received from my mentor Susan Sharpe was “Ava trusts you”. Ava was a German shepherd, who I call my teacher. She was the dog who introduced me to the power of a hot dog. A hot dog which replaced fear with love as she overcame her fear of children. When she looked at a child and heard the click she received a hot dog or piece of chicken or other yummy treat. The association of a child causing fear was changed to a child making treats fall from the sky which decreased her fear. We continued on with our relationship building and she was honored to become a Certified Therapy Dog as well as Canine Good Citizen.
Taking all that she taught me I went on to develop my skills and knowledge
and am now a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed as well as a Dog Gone Safe Educator. Certified Fear Free Trainer and instructor through E-Training for Dogs. Being a CPDT-KA allows me the opportunity to continue my learning through seminars and webinars to earn CEU’s to retain the certification. I am very fortunate to live close to Wolf Park in Indiana and have attended weekend seminars with Nicole Wilde and Dr. Susan Friedman. Along with my brain expanding with learning the having the ability interact with the domesticated wolves who have been taught using a clicker and reinforcement with a yummy treat put the escalation point behind how positive reinforcement training does work! Also very happy to volunteer at Animal Care and Control as well Fort Wayne Pit Bull Coalition.
Not only has this training helped me with dogs it has also helped me with the relationships with people. It has taught me patience knowing that all are at different stages of learning. That learning history does impact behavior. Have clear and concise communication. To click and treat the humans when they do a behavior to be repeated. Have mentored others who have continued on and become CPTD-KA trainers. These are my goals; continue learning, continue helping, and continue to be a teacher and a trainer. Want to join me? Enroll in one of the classes taught here.
Student Testimonials:
“I am so impressed by Jan and her ability to train both the dogs AND the people who seek her expert advice. My dog just graduated from her basic training class, and she is not only better behaved, but the class helped us form a true bond. Now, together, we are a better pair! We understand each other better–my dog WANTS to please me and is constantly watching me to see what I want her to do next. It’s a pretty awesome feeling.” Allison
“Jan is amazing and knows her stuff! Because of what I’ve learned from her
my Bella and I have a great bond. I highly recommend Jan for any issues you may have with your four legged friends. Thank you so much for everything Jan. I can’t tell you enough how grateful I am for you sharing your knowledge with me. Oh and your patience for when I mess up more than Bella.” Sarah
“Janis was amazing to deal with. She was kind, patient, and gave us so many tools to work with. Working with her I never felt like we were just a job to her, she truly loves what she does and she cares for the dogs she works with.” Cassandra