Our Certifications and Our Experience. Most dog training services are NOT certified, despite the claims of many that they are. The difference can be ending up with the pet you always wanted, or a long term problem. In some cases an unqualified trainer can actually create or exacerbate problems. Many clients come to us after their dog was trained elsewhere, only to realize that their pet was soon not behaving, not listening to them, and still had the same behavior problems that they were originally concerned about. Today, the advertisement of "certification" is quite common. Many of these "certifications" are simply bought via membership in an organization, are acquired through an online non-accredited program, or are received after attending an afternoon or weekend seminar . Some attend courses that are specific to only one technique ( ie. strictly food based, or strictly leash and collar training ), and therefore do not have adequate knowlege to deal with a variety of behavioral problems. A more recent arrival in dog training are the "franchise" trainers. These are busineses that literally sell the title of "dog trainer" to any person who pays the fees. Franchise businesses can retain the same business name, but change trainers from one year to the next ( as one fails, a new buyer assumes the business). The extent of their education can be as little as a booklet package from the franchise.
Experience. Champion K-9 has been operating and helping people and their pets for 17 years.
During that time, we here at Champion K9 have seen many "trainers" come and go here in Monmouth County. We urge you to use caution in choosing a trainer and consider experience, education, and references, in choosing one. A pretty ad or website is no substitute for proven results and the skills that come with long term experience.
We have trained more than 3,000 dogs. This was done one-on-one and privately, only. ( No group lessons to inflate the numbers.) There is no sustitute for long term experience combined with a backround education and certification. As with many professions, your education gives you the foundation to begin, but it is the experience that comes from dealing with the thousands of different canine personalities that has enabled Champion K9 to excel in achieving results and become a premier training service.
Specialization. Our business is training dogs and educating owners in a private one-on-one environment at your home for the well being of both owner and pet. Don't be fooled by dog trainers who want to sell you electric fencing, pack their kennel with dogs, who are pet-sitters and dog walkers and offer training as a sideline business, who insist that only group training or strictly food treat training can obtain serious results. Champion K-9 is an acknowledged expert in many training and behavior modification techniques. We use both Operant and Classical conditioning techniques, and we customize our approach for each individual client and dog. Many of our clients come to us only after they have tried others, only to see that the results were not what they expected, or what they needed.
Our techniques are wide ranging. We are not strictly leash and collar, nor strictly food based, trainers. We approach each dog as an individual and determine the best technique that individual dog. In some cases a custom blend of techniques is the best option. This sets Champion K-9 apart from all other area trainers, most of whom are locked into one technique and are very closed minded about other techniques they know little about.
Real Life Training. Champion K-9 works with both owner and dog to achieve results that are meant to be used in everyday life with your dog. The goal is to make a connection between obedience and good behavior. Most training services miss this essential connection which results in both an unhappy owner and dog. We here at Champion K-9 routinely see dogs who have been trained in the commands, but utterly fail to behave at home. In our view, this is a failure, both to the dog and its owner.
Veterinary Support. Champion K-9 works closely with a number of local Veterinarians and Veterinary Hospitals in consultation on troublesome behaviors that sometimes have physiological elements that must be addressed medically, as well as behaviorally.
Veterinary References. Champion K-9 will give each potential client at least one veterinary hospital as a reference, and we encourage each potential client to call that reference. A veterinary reference is the very best we can offer. A large number of the clients that come to Champion K-9 are via direct referral from local veterinarians who have seen more than a decade of positive results from our service. Approximately 80% of our business comes from veterinary and client referrals.
Champion K-9 has long term proven methods for improving your dogs behavior and giving the owners control for the long haul. We have had a tremendous amount of success training dogs of all ages, breeds, personalities, and with a wide range of behavior problems.
