Jeanie Collins Duffield, Certified Pet Dog Trainer and Canine Behavior Consultant, began her company, BEYOND OBEDIENCE, a puppy and dog behavior consulting and training business, in 1980. Jeanie has been teaching puppy development and canine manners classes as well as assisting people in resolving their dogs' behavior problems for close to 25 years, the last several of which have been in the Tahoe/Reno area. She is dedicated to improving the quality of the lives of dogs and the people they live with by providing the most current and cutting edge information available. She keeps herself informed by attending several canine behavior and training seminars annually, interacting with a network of behaviorists and trainers, and reading numerous books and publications regarding dogs each year. Jeanie also writes articles for a variety of publications.
Integrating non-forceful training methods and behavior modification techniques as well as wholesome nutrition, natural remedies, bodywork, and better communication, she hopes to help people celebrate, honor, and create a more profound connection with our most treasured companions, our beloved dogs.
Jeanie's PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION, AFFILIATIONS, AND INVOLVEMENT include:
Certified Pet Dog Trainer
Professional Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) since its inception in 1993
Member of the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI) since 1986
Head trainer and canine behavior consultant for Living Free Animal Sanctuary for ten years
Dog trainer for the 2000 movie, Bartleby
Obedience trainer for numerous Search and Rescue and Avalanche Dogs
Featured on the local television station, teaching, "TRICK of the WEEK" with a variety of dogs
Guest columnist for a number of professional publications
Evaluator for the American Kennel Club's CANINE GOOD CITIZEN TEST
Instructor/trainer for training classes for puppies and dogs 9 weeks to 10 years of age
Private trainer and behavior consultant for individuals and their dogs in the community
Behavior Consultant for various local animal care facilities
Guest speaker for service clubs and organizations, church and school groups, dog clubs, and special needs camps for kids
Seminar leader for special groups throughout the United States
Founder/Director of PAWS FOR FUN DOG CAMP for people and their dogs
Certified and/or educated in body and energy work such as Reiki, Jin Shin Jytsu, Polarity Massage, TTeam Touch, Animal Empathology, Bach Flower Remedies, Aromatherapy, Canine Nutrition, and Canine First Aid
Has worked in veterinary clinics, as well as a boarding/grooming/training center, and pet supply/grooming facilities
At what age should I begin training my dog?
As soon as you bring it home! Whether you realize it or not, your puppy is learning from the moment you bring it into your home (puppies are actually capable of learning from the age of 5 weeks!!). The best thing to do is prevent the pup from learning things you don't want it to know and guide it towards the things you do want it to know.
What age do you consider to be a 'puppy'?
The most critical developmental period in a dog's life is from birth to 5 months of age. For the purpose of our classes, "puppies" are from 9 weeks to 5 months; adolescents are from 6 months to 18 months. Adolescents and puppies are separated into two different classes. Also, whenever possible, adolescent classes are separated from adult dog classes.
But my 8 month old dog still ACTS like a puppy??!!
Even though your adolescent may still seem like a puppy, it's critical developmental period is over at five months of age. It has already learned many things - good and bad - AND it is into its teenage, or 'rebellious period'.
My dog is two years old. Is it too old to start training it?
No. Whether you realize it or not, though, you already have started 'training' it. Your dog has learned many things; they just may be things you haven't WANTED it to learn. Habits will need to be broken, and you may even need to change some of your vocabulary and ways of interacting with your dog.
Is private, in-home training better than a class?
One-on-one training is ALWAYS better, no matter what you are learning. The distraction factor for both you and your dog will be minimal when you are in your own environment. HOWEVER, classes are beneficial for socializing young puppies (VERY IMPORTANT!) AND for people who have already done some training with their dogs and who want to work on training their dog with distractions.
Will I need a choke chain to train my dog/puppy?
Not in my classes. I haven't used a choke chain to train dogs or puppies in 25 years. Here are a couple of things to consider:
How do you think Shamu was trained to do the remarkable things she can do? (Hint: It was NOT through the use of choke chains, prong collars, shock collars, or force.)
When dogs are trained with the emphasis on its leash to push, pull or force it into position, or to make it behave, how do you think the dog will respond when there is no leash attached?
I want relationships to become BETTER between dogs and people. Using negative reinforcement and/or punitive techniques often break down, damage, and in some cases, destroy, relationships. I will show you ways of teaching your dog or puppy that will be fun, gentle, and that will enhance your relationship and enable you to communicate more effectively with one of the most wonderful creatures on this planet!!
Jeanie Collins Duffield, Certified Pet Dog Trainer and Canine Behavior Consultant, began her company, BEYOND OBEDIENCE, a puppy and dog behavior consulting and training business, in 1980. Jeanie has been teaching puppy development and canine manners classes as well as assisting people in resolving their dogs' behavior problems for close to 25 years, the last several of which have been in the Tahoe/Reno area. She is dedicated to improving the quality of the lives of dogs and the people they live with by providing the most current and cutting edge information available. She keeps herself informed by attending several canine behavior and training seminars annually, interacting with a network of behaviorists and trainers, and reading numerous books and publications regarding dogs each year. Jeanie also writes articles for a variety of publications.
