Blog – Page 11

Dog Training Blog Posts Coming Soon

July 28, 2015 by sharon Leave a Comment

Hello and welcome to the At Your Service Dog Training blog!

Please pardon the mess. This website is still under construction, so I have not yet written any blog posts. Look forward to seeing future posts on these and other topics:

Why does my dog scratch during training?
Train Your Dog to LIKE Wearing Gear
When do I use punishment when training my service dog?
Can any dog become a service dog?
Group classes or private training: Which one is right for your dog?
Is Management on Your Dog Training “Bucket” List?
And more!

black tan and white German Shepherd dog lying down

Tamir traveled quite a distance to meet with me (upstate New York, about 2 hours each way) about her German Shepherd Dog service-dog-in-training, Merlin.

Your information and guidance at our meeting was fantastic and I felt charged up to proceed on our partnered canine/human journey. The handouts are a wonderful resource. Also I read your story and was deeply moved by your courage and exploratory spirit.

My goodness Sharon, you are so very, very generous with your reply. I did read all the… Read more

TAMIR and Merlin, Service Dog Consult

Sharon met with Alison and her Chihuahua puppy, Pearl, for a behavior and training consult. Then Alex began training lessons with Pearl. Here’s what Alison had to say after Pearl’s consult and first lesson.

Sharon thank you so much. It was wonderful meeting you as well! I felt particularly reassured by your incredible manner with Pearl, the scenarios you walked me through for each training point, and the way you were committed to making it fun. Such a joy.

Alex thank you so much for wor… Read more

Alison Sinkler & Pearl "Bringing out the best"

Josh and Kim contacted us about their recently adopted dog’s extremely fearful behavior. Scout appeared to have been raised without human interaction and was frightened by people, the television, cars, etc. Even after two months in his new home, he often seemed “frozen” in fear, and despite his new family’s gentle and loving ways, it was hard for him to take treats around Josh and Kim, let them touch or approach him, etc. After the consult, Kim emailed Sharon Thank you for your time and patie… Read more

Kim-Marie Carrasquillo & Scout - fearful dog consult

White pitbull lying on floor with several treats on his paw.

The suggestion of a cheap bath mat or towel that we could gradually cut smaller has been very helpful. I appreciated that each SD Foundations group class began with working on that– it has become semi-default for hitch while away from home. The time in classes/ homework exercises on zen while standing or moving were next level for us. Look at That has been very effective with both dogs and people, and “Watch me” has become a good indicator of whether he’s “in the game”. I’ve appreciated your enc… Read more

Elexy and Hitch - Service Dog Foundations Class

Cindi started lessons with me because her service dog, Zoe, would only retrieve toys, and she wanted her to retrieve her keys. Here’s what she said after Zoe’s first lesson with At Your Service: 1 day after Zoe’s lesson: “I have Zoe down to a little piece of cloth picking it up and bring it to me. I decided to put it on my key chain and she brought it to me. Then I put another small one on my phone and she took a couple of times to bring it to me but after a few times she is doing it now….… Read more

"excited elated and shocked" - Cindi and Zoe the Service Dog

In August 2015, I went to Mountain Hooves and Paws to collaborate with horse trainers Kinna Ohman-Leone KPA-CTP and Gene Ohman-Leone KPA-CTP. Kinna and Gene have trained several rescue horses who had some major behavioral issues, including fearfulness and aggression. Our focus was to improve my own horse handling and training experience and to help Kinna and Gene take their training to the next level. We all succeeded! How people use our bodies around horses can be a critical part of training… Read more

Kinna and Gene Ohman-Leone with Spirit, Sole, Carson, and Benny

Melissa is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer in the Boston area and author of Considerations for the City Dog. She got in touch with questions about a service-dog-in-training she’s been working with. After I recently sent her some requested materials and answered more questions, she followed up with the email below. When I asked if I could post it on my website, she added further comments about working with me. Sharon? You are amazing. You truly are a dog-send.
I’ll talk with her about th… Read more

"A look behind the curtain"--Pet Dog Trainer Melissa McCue-McGrath

Just letting you know that your visit was exactly what we needed! It was a great reminder to Neale and I about enforcing the right behaviors, and reminding ourselves that all we need to do is 15 min a day. And the Be a Tree lesson with Clara was INCREDIBLE! She’s excited to tell her friends when they come over. I’ve ordered a second crate for upstairs in our bedroom, and bought an extra leash for tethering. Most of her meals/snacks today were out of the treat ball while in the play pen… Read more

Update :) [Sally's Puppy Consult with Christina & family]

Dog Training Blog Posts Coming Soon

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