About
K9 Manners Matter
Michelle Vickers
Certified Dog Trainer
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I am a Certified Dog Trainer through Animal Behavior College, an AKC Canine Good Citizen (C.G.C.), Tricks, S.T.A.R Puppy, and Temperament Test Evaluator. I also have a Bachelors degree in Human Resource Management from The University of Akron.
I began training dogs 16 years ago through a corporate store then moved to an AKC All Breed Club where I spent the greater portion of my training career.
My home is filled with four dogs of all sizes and ages. Dally is a Catahoula Leopard dog, Steve the Chihuahua, and Lizzy a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon and Rozin a Rhodesian Ridgeback.
We have enjoyed many dog activities including, obedience, tricks, rally, agility, barn hunting, canine good citizen, therapy work through Therapy Dog International (T.D.I.), and beginning our journey in conformation with Lizzy and Rozin.
My husband and I have 3 daughters whom participate in youth rodeo and a small hobby farm that includes horses, chickens, goats, a pet pig, guinea pig, and cats.
In Loving Memory of Quin, Spud, & Judi
Training Philosophy
I offer Positive Reinforcement training which is treat based training that rewards the dog for correct behaviors to make them happen more often. Clicker training is not required but definitely recommended.
Positive Reinforcement works to reinforce the behavior using what the dog finds as a motivator/reward and most often, dogs find food as highly reinforcing.
This is a fun and motivating way to train your dog and keep them wanting to learn more.
Yes, we are going to use treats to train and motivate your dog to do cues/behaviors. If done properly they will NOT rely and need treats forever. However just as in the human world we all perform better when we are working towards an end REWARD.
There will be no forcing, pushing, or popping to teach dogs cues.
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