Good news: you can have a calm, well-behaved dog you can take anywhere, without using harmful methods like e-collars or punishment-based training.
At UNDERDOGS, we use scientifically proven, positive reinforcement techniques for both dogs and humans. Struggling with training? We'll tailor our approach to fit your needs!
We aren’t just advocating for animals; we are advocating for humans too. ;)
Private sessions, either in-home or virtual, are key to solving your pup’s behavior issues and teaching you the best training methods. From barking, lunging, and nipping dogs to separation anxiety and more, we’ve got you covered with a customized training plan! And we can address all kinds of behavior woes virtually. You won’t believe the results!
Starting at $1,120.
"I cannot stress how integral of a role they played in helping me raise my German shepherd puppy. My puppy is still learning, as I am as well, but everywhere we go my puppy gets compliments on how sweet and well behaved she is! Their approach to training is supported by science and it’s force free. I’m super grateful for reaching out to them for their services! I highly highly recommend them!"
Mary adopted Mooney, a pitbull mix with a troubled past, from a Colorado shelter. After several biting incidents and struggling to handle Mooney's fear and aggression, Mary reached out to us, though she was worried about using harsh methods on her pup.
We began remote training to help Mooney feel safe, and after six weeks, I became his first trusted friend. Over time, we reintroduced Mooney to the world, and in ten months, he stopped biting and significantly reduced his reactivity. A Veterinary Behaviorist even deemed him safe to live, sparing him from potential euthanasia. Now, Mooney happily enjoys the company of both humans and dogs.
We are not in the business of fixing dogs, only in the business of helping humans to help their dogs. Behavior is complicated and nuanced; there is also no way of giving any timeline or promise to any behavior change. We are here to help; we can promise that. If, after a consultation, we believe that behavior is something we cannot handle, we will refer to someone more qualified to handle your case, often a veterinary behaviorist.
We handle all training questions in our consultations and training sessions; we do not train via email or phone.
I am certified in applied animal behavior through the university of washing and certified Karen Pryor Academy for Animal training and behavior which means that I went through extensive education to be at the level that I’m at in my craft. It was important to me to be the best at my craft.
Since the moment I chose to switch to positive reinforcement, I have been entrenched in courses and education! I believe in giving the utmost respect to all living beings and their handlers by educating myself wholeheartedly on my work. It’s so detrimental that our industry isn’t regulated, anyone can say they are a dog trainer or behaviorist—But what does that mean? It means they’ve had a dog or handled one—Maybe.
The damage I’ve seen done to animals in the name of training is horrible and often irreversible. I will make it my quest to share my knowledge with those who want it.
What is most important to me is to be the best advocate I can be for animals and humans. Training without education is really not enough, there is so much to learn, and so many mistakes you can make along the way if you’re not careful. I have seen and worked on the other side of science and it’s harmful and unethical.
While punishment does absolutely decrease behavior (we all have experienced this in school or at home) —— Does it actually work to change behavior? Punishment is not training. It’s a short-term fix that will only lead to pain, fear, and confusion for our animals and humans.
Punishment is suppressing the behavior, creating fear, and not allowing our learners to express their emotions. If dogs are pulling on the leash, we need to figure out what is happening in the environment that is making them pull, then we can set up training to help them. If your dog is fearful or anxious about an unknown or distracting environment, they will pull.
This behavior is often involuntary, as they speed up their walking, when they’re nervous or excited. This is the time that all of the yanking on the leash would happen… While your dog is experiencing stress. What are you doing to their mental state? You’re making them more anxious and fearful!