Cindy Benson KPA CTP
Cindy Benson has been training animals for most of her life. She has lived a ranch life since she was a child, and most of her life has been spent managing large populations of livestock, and a few less common creatures including ostriches, emus, and parrots. She raised Miniature Donkeys for almost 30 years; at one time her herd consisted of 120 donkeys. Maremma livestock guardian dogs came into her life initially to protect her donkey herd but have since captivated all her attention. She was a breeder of registered, hip-tested Maremmas for several years producing over 100 pups. She placed most of her pups at 6 -12 months of age, complete with PennHIP testing. She has stepped down as a breeder of Maremmas and now devotes herself full-time to training livestock guardian dogs of all breeds, teaching through the use of Zoom sessions or in person, blog posts, and her online LGD training courses.
Training Philosophy
Cindy Benson uses training methods that dogs do not fear or work to avoid. She believes in positive reinforcement training and emphasizes the importance of understanding how dogs learn and what motivates them.
Services
Cindy Benson offers a variety of services, including:
- Online Livestock Guardian Dog Training Course Series: A comprehensive online course that covers how to get started with LGDs, how LGDs think and learn, and how to train an LGD as a puppy and throughout his life.
- Zoom Training Sessions: Individualized training sessions conducted via Zoom for LGD owners.
- Private Training: In-person training sessions at Benson Ranch for LGDs and their owners.
- Monthly Training: Training services for LGDs of various breeds and ages at Benson Ranch.
Certifications
Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner - Certification # 33940
Specializations
Livestock Guardian Dog Training
Training Methods
Positive reinforcement training, clicker training
Customer Reviews
Social Media Links
Media Appearances
Cindy Benson has been featured on the Farm Dog Podcast.
We've got the answers for your questions
Seriously, if you have any questions about training your dog, we have the answers.
We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.
Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.
All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.
Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.
Yes, they are. Trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.
Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.
Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.
All trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.
Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.
Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.
