As much as I train dogs,
I train humans to become Mindful Canine Leaders.
In-home dog training obedience, potty, and leash walking skills for Grosse Pointe, Macomb & Oakland Counties.
Our Services
Training will take place in your home; the very place where the pack dynamics play themselves out.
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Obedience Training
For dogs one year and older with little or no previous training. Each session will improve your leadership role by creating a solid foundation of communication with your dog.
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Puppy Development
Puppies are a great source of joy but require manners training to help them understand boundaries on the path to becoming a beloved member of the pack. Training is advisable starting at 10 weeks before undesirable habits develop.
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Family Dog Training
Regardless of age, training is key to developing a happy and socially adjusted pack member. Dogs are masters of family dynamics; who they decide to listen to and who to ignore. I will help all members of the family to become mindful canine leaders.
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Rescue Dog Special Needs
Congratulations on making the decision to add another family member to the pack. Rehomed dogs often require special needs in order to adjust to their new pet parents and surroundings. Training is advisable three weeks after your new family member has settled in.
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Leash Walking
The behaviors taught during these sessions will help you and your dog to mutually enjoy a walk in any circumstances. Proper leash handling is a gradual progression that requires patience and understanding while maintaining safety.
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Potty Training
Housebreaking can be a stressful time for both parent and pet. These are proven successful techniques and any deviation from instruction will only delay housebreaking.
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Jumping
Jumping on strangers, family members and counter surfing is frequently cited as their dog’s most undesirable behavior. Ironically, it is the most unknowingly reinforced by pet parents themselves.
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Bolting
The behaviors taught during these sessions will include Preemptive training and Drive Disruption techniques to keep your dog safe and secure in the event that he has bolted from the house, car or backyard.
Dog Training for the Mindful Pet Owner
The Importance of Being a Mindful Canine Leader.
To become a mindful canine leader, requires that you understand the nature of a canis familiars. Dogs are socially oriented and thrive in a pack that has a clearly defined hierarchy.
In order to achieve a cohesive pack, effective canine communication is essential. A mindful canine leader will practice consistency, patience, playfulness and compassion. These are the tools of positive communication that I teach humans to become the mindful canine leader their dog will love and respect.
High Level Dog Training for the Mindful Pet Owner
The AKC Canine Good Citizen™️.
The title is recognized as the gold standard for dog behavior. Dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test earn AKC certification and the official title of a Canine Good Citizen™️.
I offer a six-week 1.5 hr session CHC training program that teaches best practices to achieve certification.
FAQs
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Potty training can be stressful time for pet parents. My single session teaches the “mechanics” of potty training and helps you to develop a rigorous schedule of consistency so you can achieve your housebreaking goal in the shortest time possible.
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It is the pet parent’s responsibility to control their dog at home and in public. Imagine if your children hugged strangers in public. Inappropriate, right? Same goes for a dog. Leadership focus and leash manners will be taught in 3-1 hour sessions.
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I have helped countless people of all ages to gain leash control. Sometimes it’s a simple manner of having the appropriate equipment. Usually, it requires 3-1 hour sessions to teach you and your dog the four different types of walks, proper leash techniques and commands that will make walking fun for parent and pet.
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This is not uncommon, especially in rescue/rehomed dogs. Similar to humans, when dogs have a bad experience, either with another dog or human, it can have a lasting impact on their behavior. This is typically fear aggression and can be treated with behavior modification. The first step would be a 1 hour Rescue Diagnosis session with you and your dog to determine causes and conditions and then develop a gradual plan of behavior modification.
What Customers Are Saying
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Priscilla & Moose
“Todd is highly knowledgeable on canine behavior as well as nutrition, dog/human bonding, and more. He is personable, effective and teaches a wide range of skills for both the dog and human. He teaches much more than just the basic commands and that is what we think truly instilled great, long lasting behavior in our 100 lb, 9 month old Rottweiler, Moose! There was not one moment that Todd became impatient even when Moose plopped to the ground refusing to participate. Todd diligently kept finding new and exciting ways to keep the pups engaged! We would not trust anyone else with our furry family members!”
Priscilla and Moose Y.
Oxford, MI
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Kathleen, Mike, & Bear
“Todd is such a dynamic, professional, and down to earth dog trainer… I often think- where was he for our last dog…:) He has helped us handle so many “situations “ and basics for our newfie puppy. He really listens to the problem, to understand what solution would work. He breaks it down, demonstrates it and helps you through it- as many times as needed. We are thrilled with the progress we have made with training by Todd, our “pet expert bestie” and can’t wait to see our puppy react to the ongoing training we are getting. Do not hesitate to call Todd!”
Kathleen, Mike, and Bear
Rochester Hills, MI
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Ana & Bronx
“Even thou I'm an experienced pet owner, Todd was my first dog trainer, and it turned out I had a lot to learn from him to understand my pet companion and create a strong bond between us. I was so impressed by Todd's teaching techniques, his patience in dealing with people and helping them develop as pet owners, that I decided to extend level of training all the way through Advanced obedience class. Todd is very engaging and thankfully not one of those trainers who demand their way is the only way. He observes what works with pets and owners and adjusts his teaching approach to build best methods for his clients. This is a rare find and I whole heartedly recommend him to all who want a great pet companion and not a robot dog.”
Ana & Bronx
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Mike & Zoey
“We adopted Zoey at an estimated 2 years old from a shelter. Knowing nothing of her past, we quickly learned we needed help in transitioning to our home and found Todd. We found Todd a super supportive tool in Zoey's life. He is very knowledgeable about dogs and continues to advance his knowledge. Todd is a very supportive and instrumental influence in our and our dog's life.”
Mike & Susan S.
Bloomfield Hills, MI
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David & Winston
Training with Todd has been a positive life changing experience for me and Winston! When I started training Winston was raw with not much discipline. I was lost but not knowing where I really was. Todd took the time and set me into a new realm making me Winston’s master with his methods and knowledge. It has been a positive life changing experience for us. Winston wants to please me and now I have the tools to complete the task. Winston and I have a much closer relationship now because of the training that Todd has instilled in us.
David and Winston T
Redford, MI
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Lori & Roxy
“Todd is the most positive trainer we have ever encountered with our French bulldog Roxy who is almost 3 years old. Todd has such a great rapport with Roxy. He is also fantastic with instructing me how to work with her. Todd has taught us how to stop Roxy from chasing trucks and focusing on us-which used to be frustrating for us. He also lets us take videos to refer to them when doing our "homework." In addition, we were having trouble finding food that Roxy enjoyed-Todd referred us to Merrich, and Roxy loves it!!! And her coat has been more soft & shiny. I now feel so confident that we are on the right path.”
Lori & Roxy H.
Saint Clair Shores, MI
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Christine & Willow
“Willow and I have been working with Todd since she was a 12 week old puppy. He has taught us tools that help channel much of her exuberance and curiosity. And he has given me more confidence in handling her. Todd has assured that the puppy I fell in love with has become the dog that I really like and thoroughly enjoy.”
Christine & Willow
Auburn Hills, MI
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Anna & Bosco
“Todd is a one of a kind trainer. He is extremely knowledgeable, not only about training but about dogs in general. Working with Todd you can see his genuine love and passion for what he does and it shows. He takes the time to get you and to learn each person in the family’s individual relationship to your dog.
Todd loves dogs and my dogs love Todd. He is calm, funny, friendly and no nonsense. We had such a great time leaning with Todd and taking his classes with our first dog, who is the well behaved Rottweiler in town, that we have again turned to him to help with our second puppy. We are grateful to have met and be working with such a great trainer!”
Anna & Bosco T
Bloomfield Hills, MI
