Janine Strada Vander Yacht

CPDT-ka, CCUI, SAPT, CTDI, PST

I do puppy basics which includes proper socialization, trick training, confidence and relationship building. I am a Certified Control Unleashed Instructor and I work with fear-based reactivity and overarousal. I work with Separation Anxiety and am also a Predation Substitution Instructor and use force-free methods to train guardians and dogs safe alternatives to chasing wildlife that also satisfy a dogs natural desire for this behavior. I work mostly one on one and design training that fits the individual dog and their guardian. I will occasionally run a class for two or three teams as the need arises.

I have helped a number of extremely fearful dogs become more confident and relaxed in their world. I also work with fear reactivity and help teach dogs an their guardians the skills necessary to navigate their lives in a calm and focused manner.

I am currently in the process of taking a behavior course to strengthen my knowledge and skills in the area of dog behavior training. My training plans are fluid and based on each dog and guardians needs and desires. All plans are based in kindness and never use pain, fear or discomfort. I believe every dog is an individual and what works for one dog may not work for another so I am constantly studying and expanding my knowledge to help each dog to the best of my ability. I realize the more I learn, the more there is to learn!

The first dogs I ever took to a training class were my German Shepherd and my Bernese Mountain Dog. A trainer had been recommended to me that used choke, prong and shock collars. I didn't know any better and believed everything they said. Fortunately both my dogs were extremely resilient with wonderful, stable temperaments and great confidence so I didn't immediately see the damage this type of training could do. Then I got my border collie. Ronan was a sweet, sensitive boy and when we started training there I immediately saw the change that overcame him. I knew I needed to look for something else and that's where my education journey began. Ronan thrived under these kind, gentle, non-punitive methods. I kept learning more and more with Ronan beside me. I started helping with agility classes and then running training classes for my local club. Ronan loved it and was my clown and demo dog. Then Striker came into my life. He was my first Mini Aussie and the smartest dog I'd ever met. He was also the most challenging with general anxiety, dog reactivity and a myriad of strange health issues. If I had ever tried punitive training methods with him he likely would not still be here. I kept learning and learning, studying dog behavior and applying everything I learned with Striker. I became a teaching assistant in our Reactive Dog Class and decided becoming a dog trainer was what I wanted to do with my life. After a few more years of taking more classes I was chosen to be one of a small group of people to go to Devon, England to train, met the most amazing group of trainers there, retired from my job, started my business and got my first certification. My training career was started!

Seeing the lightbulb moments in both the dogs and their guardians and watching their relationships grow.

I didn't come up with this but train the dog in front of you