Training a dog to be a model citizen begins in the home. Negative behaviors that are shown at home do not always show up in a training facility. Pack Harmony will help you with obedience and socialization in a normal everyday setting. I will train from puppy through advanced obedience at a price you can afford in the environment your dog will spend the rest of its life in. My own dogs are active T
herapy Dogs certified with Therapy Dogs International. I can help you achieve that level of obedience with your dog too. My training methods are positive and based on you having a good solid relationship with your dog. I have worked extensively with rescue dogs in building trust and confidence. On a limited basis, I will work with your dog in my home while you are at work. This is limited because I prefer to work one on one and give my full-undivided attention. MORE ABOUT WHO I AM:
I hate nothing more than to hear someone harshly demanding their dog to sit…stay….Down all in sharp commands and the dog not responding at all, responding either like a robot or timidly with a question of “did I do it right?” I believe a command should start with a respectful request. Many years ago, dogs worked very closely with humans. They allowed themselves to become domesticated and in turn for our food and kindness we shared, they worked tirelessly, whether it was herding, helping with hunting, protecting or pulling a sled in the arctic. The bond was formed for the benefit of both. I believe all dogs are intelligent and only want mutual respect with their human counterpart. It is amazing to have them doing something because they want to please you and not out of fear of you. I have always had a passion for animals, especially dogs because they share such a rich history in helping and living with man throughout the years. I have always lived with one or more dogs and I have lived with multiple Malamutes for the last 20 years. In training Malamutes, I had to devise a way to get them to respond to me in a way that did not use force. It would be very difficult to overpower a dog that can pull a small car. I achieved this by TRUST. I use their intelligence to my advantage, communicating to them with not only words, but also the emotion to go along with the words. They have a very wicked sense of humor and going along with it works far better than fighting it. I have been studying the Alaskan Malamute breed since I obtained my first one 20 years ago. I began researching dog behavior extensively when I obtained my second Malamute who was beginning to show signs of aggression at 9 weeks of age. That was 17 years ago. Among her problems leading to some of her undesired behavior, she was cross-eyed and had orthopedic problems, which could be painful. She lived until she was 13 years old and on her memorial photo, the only thing I could think of to say was "The only thing bigger than Echo, was her heart." She was 128 pounds of pure love. I still continue with my research. I currently live with three Malamutes 2 of my own and one foster that I am preparing for a new adoptive home. My own two dogs are therapy dogs. They visit a nursing home for therapy work and a local elementary school as Tail Waggin' Tutors. My dogs have performed with a local drill team and have been in several parades and demonstrations. My methods of training are based on trust and mutual respect. I can help others to form a solid relationship with their dog. I don’t boast, “look what I can make my dog do.” I do, however boast, “look what my dog and I can do together as a team.”
I teach basic household manners, everyday socialization and basic through advanced obedience. I have chosen and enjoy living with one of the most noncompliant breed of dogs for the last 20 years. I have been assisting several other dog trainers for the last 2 years. I worked as a trainer/puppy mentor with a litter of Pit-bull puppies training to be service dogs. I worked with one that was terrified of walking through public places and after 1 ½ months had her in stores going up and down escalators with no problem. I assist a Therapy Dog evaluator in therapy dog classes teaching what is expected for the dog to become a certified therapy dog. I am involved in forming a therapy dog meet up group to help guide and support new members. I can help you understand your dog and communicate with him or her effectively. A promise of quick results for undesired behavior usually involves a harsh method and will not last or create other problems. I will teach positive methods to help recondition your dog and maintain his or her trust in you. Having dogs, which require strong leadership myself, has taught me a lot about earning that position of leadership. All dogs are pack animals with a Malamute requiring a very strong and solid hierarchy. Because of my experience with them, I am qualified to share my knowledge of how the pack family works. Living with multiple Malamutes and them being a “natural” breed of dog, I see a lot of “raw” dog behavior and am able to incorporate it into my training methods. The methods are never harsh but are subtle. I have researched and worked with many other breeds of dogs. My training methods are approached with what motivates based on what the dogs were originally bred to do. Dealing with rescues has taught me the means of encouraging confidence in a dog. A domesticated dog, by nature, has been kept in an eternal youthful state. Therefore, there is no such thing as a truly dominant dog. A dog will, however, require leadership and will be forced to assume that roll if the humans do not. It is not a position they want or are really capable of dealing with. By allowing a dog to assume a dominant roll, we are creating an unstable and unpredictable animal. A lot of multiple dog households tend to not fully recognize the individual temperament traits of each individual dog and treat them accordingly. It is my goal to help others to have dogs that are a pleasure to be around and do not have to be put out in the yard or locked up somewhere when guests come to the house.
