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Cyndi McLellan
903.825.2420
214.908.3451
In-Home Dog training for Tyler, TX and the surrounding areas.
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Why "in-home" training?
Your dog is trained in his/her environment. Fewer distractions, less stress.
Sessions are tailored to meet your specific obedience goals.
Individual behavioral problems are addressed. You don't pay for what you don't need.
Flexible training schedules to fit your lifestyle.
Personal one-on-one training means more time solving your dog's problems.
903.825.2420 or 214.908.3451
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Dog Training as a Win-Win
"Cyndi, I love him so much and he's really a good dog, but...."
In week I talk with people in Tyler, Texas and the surrounding areas and the conversation starts with this sentence. And it's so true -- your dog is a really good dog! He's a dog who just doesn't totally understand what you want or expect. That doesn't make him a "bad" dog any more than it makes you a "bad" human. Training can save you money by eliminating destructive behavior, can lower your stress level, and as one client recently told me, can save your dog from Craig's List!
I believe every dog owner would like to have a well-mannered dog who is a pleasure to be around. Perhaps you've tried an obedience class at one of the big box stores. Fido may have done well and graduated at the top of his class, but somehow the newly acquired behavior didn't quite transfer to your home. You may have thought of joining a training club, but feel somewhat intimidated by all those really serious dog people. You just want Fido to stop jumping on Aunt Susie and peeing on the carpet when you aren't looking. Spending big bucks to send your dog off somewhere for training is more of a commitment than you want to make, and besides, who wants to be without their dog for 6 weeks? And you do worry about the methods they might use to train him when you aren't there. You've heard the horror stories of dogs returning home from those training centers, very well trained but somehow losing the spirit of the dog you sent.
I train pet dogs who live with people who dearly love them and want them to be a part of the family. My goal is for dogs and their humans to live happily together and have a mutually satisfying bond. Unwanted behavior is the single most common reason dogs are given up. Your dog deserves a forever home and you deserve a dog that will bring you pleasure and companionship. My training philosophy is built on the following:
Reward based training
Positive reinforcement
Owner education focused on how dogs learn
Professional tips to eliminate unwanted behaviors
Information on various training tools and equipment
Training? Why Training?
The statistics are staggering - in a survey conducted by the National Council on Pet Overpopulation, it was revealed that 96% of all dogs who are surrendered to shelters or rescue, had never received any training. These dogs ended homeless or euthanized due to behavioral problems -- they just were never taught how to live in a human world after humans brought them into it. Surrendering the "problem" dog was just a quick fix to one of the symptoms of not training a dog you invite to join your family. To add to that sad statistic, many people will then go get another puppy or dog (kind of like saying you are going to get a new husband/wife without "those" problems) only to find the same challenges show up again. Einstein said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Was he thinking of these dogs who were never given a chance in life?
Training your dog can change these statistics. We bring another species into our lives and our homes, don't we owethem a chance to learn the rules of the household? And as one of my early mentors used to tell me, "It's not the dogs, it's the people!"
If training your dog assured that he would have a forever home, that would be enough -- but there is much, much more. The bond that will develop between two different species is amazing and unless you've experienced it, you can't know the magic. We are only scratching the surface of what having a pet can do for your well-being, physical as well as mental and emotional. Children can learn leadership, discipline and self-control. Knowing that there is one creature who depends on you, allows you to depend on it and is non-judgmental and reliably available for unconditional love, is a priceless gift in this impersonal and often harsh world.
The Female Version of Good Dog Carl,
Good Dog Molly!
My best friend, Molly, 7-yr. old "Rescue" who taught me that "Rottweiler" is Canine for 'Teddy Bear'!
*Special thanks to Lisa (you know who you are) who trusted me with this girl!