Hélène Fontaine
Hélène Fontaine's journey into the world of dogs began in 2003 when she adopted her first Beauceron, Bakara. This led her to join a dog club, where she became involved in obedience training and competitions. She later became a volunteer instructor at the club for over ten years. In 2007, she obtained her dog trainer certificate from the Royale Saint Hubert.
The arrival of her other dogs, Muse and Olaf, sparked a deeper interest in understanding canine behavior and communication. She sought out training from Benjamin Girault, who helped her delve into the complexities of human-dog interactions. In 2015, she discovered mantrailing and continued her education in this field with Angélique Hennuy and Patrick d'Artois. In 2022, she completed a coaching course in canine behavior with Dr. Joël Dehasse, a pioneer in veterinary behavioral science. She also became a certified Fear Free professional in 2024, focusing on low-stress training methods. She is a member of the Belgian professional association CaniFed.
Training Philosophy
Hélène Fontaine's approach to dog training emphasizes respect for the dog's natural instincts and individual needs. She believes in building a strong bond between the dog and owner through positive reinforcement and fun activities. She is passionate about using evidence-based methods and staying up-to-date with the latest research in canine behavior.
Services
- Mantrailing: This activity allows dogs to use their natural instincts to track scents and solve puzzles, strengthening the bond between dog and owner.
- Coaching in canine behavior: She provides guidance and support to owners who are facing behavioral challenges with their dogs.
- Accompanying veterinary care: She helps dogs and owners prepare for veterinary visits and manage stress during procedures.
- Training for dogs who are fearful or reactive: She uses positive reinforcement techniques to help dogs overcome fear and anxiety.
- Training for dogs who are less mobile or elderly: She provides tailored training programs to help these dogs stay active and engaged.
- Training for dogs who are reactive to other dogs: She offers training in a safe and controlled environment to help dogs learn to manage their reactions.
Certifications
- Dog trainer certificate from the Royale Saint Hubert (2007)
- Certified Fear Free professional (2024)
Specializations
- Mantrailing
- Canine behavior coaching
- Accompanying veterinary care
- Training for fearful or reactive dogs
- Training for less mobile or elderly dogs
- Training for dogs who are reactive to other dogs
Training Methods
Hélène Fontaine uses positive reinforcement methods, focusing on rewarding desired behaviors and creating a positive learning environment for dogs. She believes in building a strong bond between the dog and owner through clear communication, patience, and understanding.
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.
