Whitney Blake Buchman
Whitney's animal training journey began in 1992 with her loving 8-year-old Doberman mix. She trained her for state and local obedience competitions. She acquired her B.S. degree in Animal Ecology with a minor in Biology at Iowa State University. From there she went into the zoo field where she eventually became a curator. In 2010 she began teaching group classes for basic dog obedience part-time with the Garden City Recreation Commission and Garden City Veterinary Clinic. In 2018 she left the zoo field to start Buchman Best Behaviors to help the community understand their furry family members. Since the switch, she has been happy to help more and more families in SWKS and surrounding states with fear-free/pain-free methods. From basic obedience, puppy training, to reactive animals that need a gentler touch.
Training Philosophy
Whitney utilizes a variety of training techniques with a focus on modern operant conditioning emphasizing positive reinforcement and animal choice. She believes in fear-free and pain-free methods.
Services
Whitney offers a variety of services, including:
- Group Classes: 10-week course teaching basic obedience, pet advocation, and how to think like a trainer. Maximum of 5 participants. $1100 plus a $1 per mile travel fee for those outside of Garden City or Holcomb.
- Online Consultation: One-hour sessions via Zoom to create behavior plans and work towards functional behaviors. $60 per session.
- Day Training: Whitney works with your dog 3 days a week and then works with you and your dog 1 day a week so you know how to maintain what they have learned. $300 for one week or $900 for one month (includes 4 weeks of day training) plus a $1 per mile travel fee for those outside of Garden City or Holcomb.
- Private Sessions: One-hour sessions working directly with you and your pups to get a behavior plan going. Best for aggressive/reactive dogs. Prices vary based on the number of sessions:
- 1 session: $125
- 3 sessions: $325
- 6 sessions: $550
- 10 sessions: $750
- Clients can start with smaller session packages and upgrade as we go.
- There is a $1 per mile travel fee added to those outside of Garden City or Holcomb.
Certifications
Whitney is a Karen Pryor Academy student.
Specializations
Whitney specializes in basic obedience, puppy training, and reactive animals.
Training Methods
Whitney uses modern operant conditioning emphasizing positive reinforcement and animal choice.
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.
