Pet Training for the Modern Family
Modern training methods
Modern methods include the use of rewards such as food, play and praise. We find what motivates your pet and encourage acceptable behaviors by setting your pet up for success. We use methods that have been proven through current scientific studies to provide results without the use of pain, force, or fear.
Foundation skills taught with Love, empathy and kindess
Learning happens when the student feels comfortable and safe. Your pet will be encouraged mentally and emotionally by engaging in an environment that supports learning. The safety and wellbeing of your pet is of the utmost importance to us. Our trainers will never use devices that cause pain or use intimidation to accomplish results.
Training designed with the family in mind
At Friends for Life positive training methods aren’t just for the dogs. We understand that you are here to learn, too. We are invested in your education because you are the deciding factor in the success of our methods. You are encouraged to learn along with your pet in a positive and supportive environment. All of our methods are designed for ease of learning for the lay person. We work with the whole family. We specialize in working with all breeds of dogs in all life stages.
training done right
It is our job as your trainers to encourage and support learning in a low stress, comfortable environment using methods that are fun to learn and provide reliable results. Training your pet takes time, “there are no shortcuts to anyplace worth going.” -Beverly Sills
There are no quick fixes for changing behavior, anyone who has quit a bad habit or learned a new skill knows there are challenges and that we must dedicate ourselves to change to be successful.
The relationship between you and your pet will be the foundation of your success with them. Everything we teach you will support a positive relationship.
Helping you and your pet become Friends for Life.
Training Programs
Daily Training:
Foundation Skills Program
This program is designed for all ages of pet dogs. Your will enjoy learning for 2 hours per day, Monday through Friday for 2 weeks. Foundation skills are Sit, Down, Place/Stay, Come when called, Walk on a loose leash, Leave it, Drop it, Off. You can expect your pet to have a working knowledge of all these skills at the end of the 2 week program.
Boarding and Learning:
Foundation Skills Program:
Let us board and train your pet while you are away! Our boarding and learning program is very exclusive, your pup will feel like they are on vacation, too. We only take one client at a time, your pet will enjoy daily training lessons, outings and time spent as one of the family.
Your pet’s comfort and education will be the focus of their stay with us. Our Foundation Skills Program is 2 weeks (14 days) long. our dog will return to you, rested, relaxed and educated in all the basic foundation skills needed to be your friend for life.
daily Training & Boarding and Learning:
Behavior Modification Programs
Behavior modification is our bread and butter, we excel at transforming unwanted behaviors into respectable positive actions.
Your pet is not at fault, dogs do what works for them. At some point that unwanted, annoying or potentially dangerous behavior was reinforced. We work with you and your pet to change behavior with safe, pain free and fear free methods.
To change a behavior, first we must establish a working relationship with your pet, discover how they are motivated and identify the best alternative behaviors. We want to encourage your pet to make good choices. Therefor, they must feel safe and supported in this process, we are not demanding change, but guiding you and your pet to a healthy relationship based in empathy and understanding.
Behavior modification takes time, so, all of our behavior modification programs are at least 3 weeks long.
Private Lessons:
Private lessons provide a guided tour into the world of dog training.
Your trainer will provide guidance, education, and support for you and your pet in your learning journey together.
With our help you and your pet will learn how to communicate and understand each other. You will learn the skills you need to positively motivate and reinforce desired behaviors. Start your training journey today!
What our clients are saying
Karen Thorne
“Natalie spent time with me on the phone and then did a meet & greet for our rescue Wheaten Terrier who has fear and anxiety issues (came from a puppy mill and then was either abused or abandoned). She offered so much helpful advice and showed so much caring - it gave us the sense we were doing the right things with him. Most importantly, we knew she would be an ongoing resource for us as we progress. We didn't feel all alone in this venture with our rescue dog. Natalie's knowledge and her spirit are unmatched. I would highly recommend Natalie and her team to anyone who needs any type of assistance with their dog.”
Karen Durden
Helping You And Your Pet Become Friends For Life!
“Natalie is amazing with dogs and their people. Her training methods are full of love and kindness, and they are extremely effective. She patiently explains how you need to correct YOUR behaviour so that our 4-legged friends understand what you're asking them to do. I can't recommend her highly enough.
She told me once that she wants her dogs to enjoy being with her. What a refreshing viewpoint! She has made a positive impact on our lives, and I'm ever so grateful.”
Robin Farkash
“Natalie has great patience and gentleness regarding the training of pups. She understood what having a bull terrier puppy involves and was very supportive of one step at a time!! Our puppy class with her taught me a lot and that is certainly essential, right? I look forward to working with her more so that I may be a better trained human. If you believe in the non-aggressive approach, with respect for the dog, Natalie is the one to contact.”