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Certified dog trainer
Pamela Rhodes
Pamela Rhodes

Pamela Rhodes

Pamela’s rescue dog Buster struggled to cope with the challenges of daily life when he arrived in 2011, and during her long mission to help him thrive she was inspired to continue her education in training, behaviour and counselling at the Academy for Dog Trainers.

Training Philosophy

Pamela follows a code of conduct that does not include aversive methods or equipment, and therefore will not use pain, fear, startle, shock, intimidation, choke or similar methods to motivate your dog. There is ample evidence in the scientific literature that training, handling and behaviour modification can be accomplished without the use of these methods, which have potential side effects such as fear.

Services

  • Separation Anxiety
  • Puppy training
  • Private Classes
  • Dog training
  • Anxious or Fearful Dogs
  • Remote Services

Certifications

  • Certificate in Training and Counselling (CTC)
  • Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT)
  • Fear Free Certified Professional

Specializations

  • Separation Anxiety
  • Puppy training
  • Dog training
  • Anxious or Fearful Dogs

Training Methods

evidence-based practices that are grounded in science and are also ethical, humane and effective

Customer Reviews

Jenny & Family
Pamela has made a huge difference to our busy, family life. Our pet Ted had such a fear of other dogs that walking him had become a chore. Pamela has put the enjoyment back into owning a dog. Her concise and easy to follow advice has given us the confidence and ability to successfully walk him around other dogs again. We found the email communication really helpful, especially Ted’s homework. Pamela is always there if I have a question. I would highly recommend Pamela to anybody wanting help with their canine companion!

WALTER & LILY
Working with Pamela has been a joy. She has been attentive and flexible when working with our little sausage dog, Azuki, who suffered with Separation Anxiety.
We initially tried to treat Azuki's issue ourselves but there is no replacement for a certified trainer. She provided useful information to our vet who was happy to prescribe Azuki appropriate medication to support the training process. With the slow and steady training plan in place, we have seen Azuki's general confidence and Separation Anxiety related issues improve considerably. The plan is easy to follow, it keeps us all accountable, and the weekly reassessments were great to talk to Pamela about any questions we had that week, and to see what his current level of comfortable duration was. We really appreciated having all the steps written down, as we knew that all we had to do was to follow the very specific instructions.
A few months later and Azuki has now been comfortably left for over an hour, when previously he couldn’t do more than 30 seconds! We will continue the training ourselves and can't wait to see even more improvements!

KERI & ANDY
When we reached out to Pamela we were in need of someone who could help us leave the house and have our dog, Ellie, be comfortable and settled on her own. After our initial consultation/assessment it was clear Ellie wasn't comfortable and we could only manage a few seconds outside the house before she became vocal and worked up.
Pamela eased us into the separation training process (entirely remotely), sharing spreadsheets to track progress over time and provide us with daily missions to help Ellie feel more comfortable. The spreadsheets really helped to keep us accountable with her training.
We made quick progress with Pamela and have been absolutely delighted with how comfortable Ellie is on her own. We have been able to leave her for over 3 hours now - fantastic when just 2 months ago we struggled with 10 seconds.
We always wondered if Ellie had separation anxiety or just felt left out because she wanted to be involved with whatever we were doing. Either way, the training works and is so useful whether your dog has separation anxiety or FOMO!
We 100% recommend Pamela and her separation training for dogs. She is supportive, friendly and on hand with a kind, reassuring voice.

We've got the answers for your questions

Who are the dog trainers listed on this page?

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.

How can I select the right trainer for my dog?

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.

How do I ensure these trainers are competent?

All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.

Why is positive reinforcement emphasized, and what is it?

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.

Are these trainers equipped to address specific behavioral problems?

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.

How do I initiate a training program with a trainer?

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.

How do group sessions differ from private ones?

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.

Which training techniques do these trainers abstain from?

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.

When can I expect to see results using positive reinforcement training?

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.

Can I attend a training session to observe before committing?

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.

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