Dog Training

Fully Enjoy the Relationship with Your Dog

ABP clients typically seek ABP pet dog training or companion dog training because they wish to address (or preemptively avoid) behavioral issues which can cause frustration or anxiety in the household and prevent the owner (and their family) from fully enjoying the relationship with their dog. 

All services, regardless of their goals (e.g., pet dog, service dog, therapy dog, etc.), begin with The Six Pillars of Dog Training Wisdom, which consists of a two-part Zoom session. A second session is available for face-to-face interaction if possible. For a single dog, the total duration is four hours, and for two or more dogs, it is five hours. This initial session serves as the foundation for all training.

The Six Pillars of Dog Training Wisdom is a proprietary program that Rachel has been developing since 1999. Filled with information based on science and experience, this discussion and coaching session helps people gain a realistic understanding of how to take ownership of their dog’s training. The training orientation is based on a force-free approach, aiming to understand how dogs learn and how individuals must consider their individual dog’s needs in order to train them to be well-mannered and enjoyable to live with.

Using mnemonics, visuals, metaphors, similes, case studies, a sense of humor, and an individualized approach tailored to each individual, couple, or family, based on a solid social work background, clients will receive a clear formulaic approach that, if followed consistently and with patience, has been proven to help improve their dog’s behavior and make them a better pet.

Additionally, each Zoom client receives a plethora of follow-up materials by email to further clarify how to proceed in their training journey.

Common behavioral issues or dog training goals may include (but are not limited to):

  • Reactivity;
  • Bite history;
  • Resource guarding;
  • Separation anxiety;
  • Leash pulling/lunging;
  • Hyperactivity;
  • House training and crate training;
  • Puppy training;
  • Integrating dogs with other animals in the household, for example pet cats;
  • Generalized anxiety; 
  • Poor impulse control and lack of boundary; and 
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The ABP foundational principle of, ‘training the owner to train the dog’ means working closely together with the owner at all times.  Equipping them with knowledge and tools to better understand their dog, have realistic expectations of them, and embed training and behavioral reinforcement into their daily interactions.  This approach is paramount to achieving a sustainable shift in the relationship dynamic and the dogs behavior. 

The end game for ABP pet dog training and companion dog training is a happy, well-rounded, confident companion animal fully and harmoniously integrated with the family unit and who can travel with equanimity, at the side of their owner, into any situation required of them. 

 

Testimonials

“Rachel is a talented, focused trainer. She is so gifted with her dog training skills. Rachel had our dog doing basic commands on the first day. I highly recommend her!!”
Jen Zidar
2020
“I would highly recommend Rachel and A Better Pet for dog training as well as for "owner training". Rachel is very knowledgable and a great trainer. She knows how to train both the dogs and the owners! Our experience was exceptional. Our dog is so much better for being with Rachel and her companions!”
Nancy Randall
2020

Dogs, like human beings, if nurtured, loved & educated with healthy, uncluttered, straight-talking kindness, offer love, health, humor, devotion and joy. Little else -- if anything or anyone -- offers so much as does a well trained, healthy dog

Schedule Your 2 Part Zoom session

To complete the Six Pillars of Dog Training Wisdom.

Work one-on-one with Rachel—from anywhere in the world—through this personalized, four-hour training.

Over the course of two sessions, spaced one to two weeks apart, you can collaborate with experienced dog trainer, licensed independent social worker and A Better Pet founder Rachel Friedman.

Working with your unique dog and with your specific needs in mind, you will learn the foundations of successful, positive-methodology dog training and how you can immediately begin putting it to use to transform your dog or puppy into a better pet!