Happy Wags About Us

Why a certified Trainer/Behavior Counselor?

Unfortunately, there are no laws governing the training of our canine friends. Anyone can call themselves a trainer. By choosing a professionally certified trainer, you can be assured that they have completed a program which has given the trainer the best possible background in the field of training. They have been tested by a group of peers on their methods, techniques, and have proven themselves to be a qualified and humane trainer.

A certified Canine Behavior Counselor has gone further in their education. They have completed a program which equips the Counselor with the education, knowledge and practical training to treat and help prevent all kinds of behavior issues and problems. They understand what normal canine behavior is and what is not. Whether it is an aggression problem, fears, housetraining, or something else, a certified Canine Behavior Counselor can help you and your canine friend.

Dorrie Wilson, CBC has been training animals all her life, but professionally training dogs since 1990. She completed the Canine Behavior Counselor/Trainer program as a full time intern at the Animal Behavior Center of New York, and received certification as a Canine Behavior Counselor/Trainer/Instructor, through the Association of Companion Animal Behavior Counselors (ACABC). She is also a member of Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). By attending lectures and seminars, Dorrie continues her education and keeps up on the latest science of Canine Behavior Modification and Training Techniques. In addition to training and behavior modification, Dorrie has served on the Board of Professional Certification for new Counselors, as Editor for 'The Behavior Counselor' newsletter for the ACABC. She lectures on Canine Behavior and training, gives presentations for elementary age children on Pet/Dog Safety and Care, and is an evaluator for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test. Dorrie, her husband John, and their Dachshunds participate in the AKC sports of conformation, obedience, tracking and earth dog events. Dorrie and her dog Hannah are very active with Therapy Dog work as well.