Lightning Bug dog training

Lighting the way forward with Positive Reinforcement dog training and pet care

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My Philosophy

Positive Reinforcement

Our dog’s time with us is short. Why spend it using forceful or aversive training methods that harm our relationship with them? I utilize modern, science-backed, positive reinforcement training methods to help you build a lifelong, secure bond with your canine companion.

Instructive

Dog training isn’t just for dogs- it’s for the people, too. I strive to create a community of well-educated, confident, and compassionate pet parents. I work with pet parents to help equip them with the skills they need to problem solve and set them up for lifelong success.

Testimonials

“I can’t say enough good things about Rebecca. I started working with her when I first brought my puppy home. I hadn’t had a puppy in a long time and wanted to make sure I had everything I needed to be successful. Rebecca was knowledgeable in working with Owen and able to provide me easy, in-home exercises I could fit into my schedule. She adapted as he grew and modified things if we were struggling. Owen has come so far from a fearful puppy, and I’ve learned so much from Rebecca. She’s helped me create a stronger bond with Owen through positive reinforcement by making training fun for us both.

-Britton and Owen

"Rebecca is very knowledgeable and hands-on. My dog can be timid with new people, but he warmed up to her very quickly. She is great at explaining dog psychology, and helps me understand what I should do and how to achieve the results I am looking for."

-Dan and Breck

FAQ

  • The dog training industry has come a long way since the days of Cesar Milan and dominance theory. While it is true that aversive training methods such as prong and shock collars can achieve the desired results, it comes at the expense of a dog’s welfare and your relationship. Additionally, it can result in larger issues down the line, because it does not address the root cause of an issue. Positive reinforcement is modern, science-backed training that meets dogs where they’re at and helps them build confidence and autonomy while addressing behaviors at the source.

  • This will depend on a number of factors. Dogs can start to learn basic skills quickly with clear communication and consistent practice. However, true behavior modification takes time. With management and clear direction, you should see small improvements for certain behaviors after a few sessions. True training and behavior modification will take longer, and the big changes may take more patience to see. Ultimately, your commitment to managing your dog’s behaviors and practicing with them between trainings will go a long way in helping their success.

  • Like so many other things in dog training, the simple answer is, “it depends”. Ultimately, my goal is to equip you with the skills and confidence to forge onward without my help and get you to a point where you no longer need me! How long that takes depends on the complexity of the behaviors we are addressing, as well as how much work you are willing to put in between sessions. True behavior modification doesn’t happen in a one-hour private lesson, but in the minutes and hours that you put in on your own.

  • Did you know there is no national regulation for dog trainers in the United States? That means anyone can call themselves a dog trainer. As a pet parent, that can make it difficult to know if you’re making the right choice. When choosing a trainer, it’s important to look for someone whose dog training values align with yours and who follows best practices to achieve success through the least invasive methods possible. Look for examples of success in their own dogs and dogs they have worked with, and ask questions to make sure they use appropriate, safe, science-backed training methods.

  • In addition to dog training, I offer pet sitting services for just about any animal. I know that your pets are a part of your family, and when you are away from home, you want to know they are being well cared for. For more information about my services, please see my service page.