Debbie Thomas
Debbie Thomas has been passionate about dogs her whole life. She started rescuing dogs at a young age, taking in a Dachshund named Sassey, a Shepard-Collie mix named BeBe, and a Black Lab mix named Black-Jack. These experiences taught her about the importance of trust and the negative effects of force and fear-based training. She realized that positive reinforcement methods were the best way to train dogs.
Debbie Thomas's training philosophy is relationship-centric. She emphasizes communication and building trust to deepen connections and foster better relationships between dogs and their owners. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) and a Certified Enrichment Mentor. Her training methods are force-free and fear-free, using positive reinforcement techniques.
Services
Debbie Thomas offers a variety of services, including:
- Polite Puppies: Basic manners training for puppies, covering potty training, puppy biting, jumping, walking politely, and coming when called.
- Good Dog Manners: Training for adolescent dogs and adult dogs who need help with pulling on the leash, not coming when called, jumping when greeting, and other behavioral issues.
- Separation Anxiety: Free consultations to assess separation anxiety and personalized training plans to help dogs overcome this issue. Plans include daily training sessions, video calls, feedback on training exercises, and daily video reviews.
- Fearful & Shy Dogs: Training to help dogs build confidence and overcome fear in new situations.
- One Skill Wonder: Personalized training plans to address specific behavioral issues.
- Enrichment Essentials: Brain work and enrichment activities to stimulate dogs mentally and physically. Debbie is a Certified Enrichment Mentor and incorporates brain work into all her behavior plans.
- Stranger Danger: Consultations to help dogs overcome fear of strangers and build confidence in new situations.
Certifications
Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT)
Specializations
Puppy training, obedience training, separation anxiety, fearful and shy dogs, enrichment, behavior modification
Training Methods
Positive reinforcement, force-free, fear-free
Customer Reviews
“Debbie was the kindest dog trainer! She helped me so much with my new puppy! Could not be more thankful!”
—Jordan M.
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.
