“My dog doesn’t listen. I wish he’d calm down, too.”

Basic Manners

Summary

Point A

  • Pulling on leash
  • Not coming when called
  • Ignoring basic commands
  • Hyperactive
  • Jumping on family, guests, strangers
  • Incessant barking or pawing

Point B

Enjoy a calm, focused dog who happily responds to your requests, walks by your side, and actually comes when you call. A dog who knows how to politely greet family members, guests, and strangers. A quiet dog who’s a joy to be with at home and out in the world.

Let me help you connect the dots between Point A & Point B so you can fully enjoy your dog’s companionship.

Choose Your Personalized Basic Manners Training Path

Coaching Path—You learn to train your dog

We’ll meet once each week in your home. I’ll show you how to work with your dog and set you up with the week’s training homework.

Day Training Path—I train your dog for you

We’ll still meet once each week in your home. But in between I’ll train your dog for you, getting him ready to show off and transfer her new behaviors to you at the end of each week. Recommended for busy dog owners looking for the fastest results.

How I Work

All dog training begins with a 90-minute Initial Consult, which is $225.

At this consult, we’ll work together to set goals and carve a personalized path to reaching them, building around your household and lifestyle and your dog’s learning needs.

If you choose to pursue training, personalized sessions will be billed at the rate of $125/one-hour session. Discounts are available for packages of four (4) or more sessions.

All training will be a positive experience for dog and human alike, based on sound scientific principles. Learn more about my approach to training.

Ready to connect the dots to Point B?

Call or email me to set up your Initial Consult today.

Phone: 484.800.1233
Email: melanie@melanieceronephd.com

A Quick Training Tip: Replace No With Yes

It’s cultural instinct to tell dogs no or punish them when they misbehave. Ironically, saying yes works much better. Dogs are fairly simple creatures. If a behavior works for them (barking at you to get attention, for example, or pulling on leash to move forward toward an interesting smell), they’ll keep doing it, even if you tell them no or punish with a leash jerk. What to do instead then?

Be sure your dog doesn’t get rewarded for behavior you don’t like

If your dog is pulling, stop moving forward. You might even turn around and move in the other direction. If you’re consistent, your dog will learn the fastest way to get where he wants to go is to walk with you instead of pulling you. Likewise, if your dog barks for attention, get in the habit of ignoring him, or even getting up and walking away.

Be sure your dog DOES get rewarded for behavior you DO like

Teach yourself to notice when your dog isn’t barking. Make a point of rewarding him with your attention when he’s being quiet. He’ll soon learn that being quiet pays off. Similarly, offer a treat now and then when your dog chooses to walk right next to you, and you’ll find him by your side more often.

“Teach yourself to notice when your dog IS behaving.”

Your Basic Manners Dog Trainer

Melanie Cerone, Ph.D.

Melanie loves to watch basic manners training connect the dots between dog and client. A happier client and happier dog make for a happy dog trainer.

Learn more about Melanie.