What methods do you use?

Our dog trainer and behavior consultant takes a "big picture approach" with each of our clients, learning as much as we can about the dog's background and daily routines. We place a strong emphasis on helping owners develop a healthy relationship with their pet, educating clients on how to best meet their dog's behavioral needs and teaching owners how to implement non-confrontational strategies to establish leadership.

Our methods are consistent with the recommendations from leading associations including the American Veterinary Society for Animal Behavior. We emphasize positive reinforcement in the form of treats, toys, praise, petting and other things the dog enjoys to reward desired behaviors. We often recommend training tools such as no-pull harnesses, martingale style collars, buckle collars and head collars depending on the individual dog's needs. Clicker training is available if desired.

What type of Services do you offer?

We specialize in private lessons for both general dog training and for owners of dogs with behavior problems.

Our private lessons offer the following advantages:

• Content can often be covered more quickly allowing for fewer sessions than in group classes
• Sessions are customized based upon your needs and goals
• We can often provide structured opportunities for your dog to practice around other calm, well trained dogs
• All clients work with our head instructor who is highly experienced and qualified
• Phone/email support after your session is available

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What are your prices?

Because our services are priced according to the type of service we are providing, we need some information about your dog and your needs in order to give you an estimate. Please see the contact us page

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Have you worked with the breed of dog I own?

Our trainer has worked with thousands of dogs from all the breed groups as well as many extremely rare breeds. Our clients have dogs from shelters, rescue groups, purebred dogs from breeders, mixed breeds - including many "doodle" crosses - and we have even worked with "village" dogs (pariah dogs found overseas and brought into the United States). We probably have worked with many members of the breed of dog you own.

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Should I work at your home office or have you come to my house?

If your dog needs to practice among distractions or to practice around other dogs, our home office is generally the best bet. We see most clients at our home office because we find it is usually in the dog's and owner's benefit to do so. It's easy for most dogs to obey a command in the environment that they see every day, going to a new place is where things are more challenging.

Our home office is designed specifically to facilitate training. Your dog benefits from the opportunity to practice around distractions at a level where he or she can succeed and not be overwhelmed. You benefit from having the session at a location where there will not be interruptions. Our home office is a wonderful environment for new puppies to learn how to be confident in a new setting and also be socialized with gentle dogs. We are conveniently located close to the 66 Nutley St. exit in the Town of Vienna.

A few behavior problems do need to be addressed at your home. For example, dogs that have injured people or other animals. Sometimes, the best bet is a combination of sessions at our home office as well as a session or two at your home. Contact us and our trainer will tell you what is right for your dog.

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How quickly can I expect my dog to improve?

Most of our clients report seeing improvements immediately after beginning to implement our recommendations. However, there are many factors that impact how quickly a dog makes progress. Basic training with a dog with no serious behavior problems is usually quick. Of course, if the owner does not continue to practice, the dog will not continue to perform over time. There are no short cuts, to have a well-mannered pet you do have to commit to following through and practicing throughout your dog's entire life!

For serious behavior problems like aggression, fear or separation anxiety, time, commitment and patience are required. Some dogs make significant improvements within a few days, others take weeks or longer. The owner's ability and willingness to follow through has a tremendous impact on how quickly and how much improvement the dog makes.

Please keep in mind, reality TV is created for entertainment - dog training television shows are edited and may not show what has actually occurred "behind the scenes." We want happy clients, but happy clients are also realistic ones.

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I have a question that is not listed here?

Please contact us!

Maggie, one of our students, an adolescent English Bulldog, shows off for the camera. Our clients have dogs of various breeds, ages and sizes.

We have personally owned dogs of various breeds and backgrounds. Our Monty is a shepherd mix from a local shelter. He has earned an AKC Canine Good Citizen certificate.

Some toy breed dogs can be overwhelmed in a group setting. Our adorable student above, Tiger, learned basics quickly in private sessions.

Drifter, a gorgeous dalmatian (also one of our wonderful students), balances a toy on his head. We often discuss strategies on how to incorporate toys and play sessions in training.

To see more of Drifter and more photos of our students, check out our new "graduates" page.

Serving Northern Virginia, Washington DC and portions of Maryland

© 2010 Cooperative Paws Training and Behavior Consulting

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