My Story...
Like many dog trainers and dog lovers, my history with dogs started in childhood. Luckily for me, I was able to grow up with two family pet Bichon Frise’s. During my collegiate experience at UC Davis, I acquired a pit bull-mix, Kiyah, who led me to the world of dog sports and training. Together, we train in dock diving, French Ring, and Nosework, and have so far earned a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) award, Canine Good Citizen Urban (CGCU), and a BH, an obedience title in the German working dog sport of IPO/Schutzhund. I believe the teamwork that training in sports with your dog cultivates is incredible, and even the bond between a well-trained pet and owner is profound.
I was selected to attend the Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers intensive Immersion Program on a scholarship, and learn from one of the top trainers in the country, and world-renowned dog trainer, Michael Ellis. I continued at the school after my Immersion Program, to help demonstrate and assist in class as a staff trainer. I am no longer working full-time at the school for dog trainers, and I am back in the Bay Area, ready to help my community have a safer, easier and happier relationship with their pets or working dogs.
I was selected to attend the Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers intensive Immersion Program on a scholarship, and learn from one of the top trainers in the country, and world-renowned dog trainer, Michael Ellis. I continued at the school after my Immersion Program, to help demonstrate and assist in class as a staff trainer. I am no longer working full-time at the school for dog trainers, and I am back in the Bay Area, ready to help my community have a safer, easier and happier relationship with their pets or working dogs.
My Philosophy...
Faster is not always better. Too often, dog trainers use only one type of training method for every dog, aiming to produce the quickest results. Yet, there is no cookie-cutter method for dog training. Dogs and their humans are unique, and training should be approached with this in mind. This is why I have decided to start a business that uses flexible training methods that are specific to each family and dog, and teaches owners a variety of humane and safe skills to maintain an obedient dog, and prevent, manage, and/or eliminate unwanted behaviors.
Education is everything. Many dog trainers focus on the dog, and forget or are unable to properly educate and communicate with the owner. This leaves owners feeling less informed and less in control. Teaching has always been a part of my professional and personal life, and I am dedicated to teaching my community. When people receive the education and support on dog training and dog ownership that they need, they become smarter and more successful community members, and happier pet owners.
Finally, people often say, "I want my dog well-trained, but I don't want them to be a robot," or "I don't need my dog to be perfectly well trained." My usual reply is this: the more training your dog has, the more freedom your dog can have, and the more experiences you can enjoy with your dog! My dogs are frequently off-leash outdoors, travel with me often, and express their unique personalities every day. I don't know about you, but I find extreme joy in watching my dogs be free, knowing that they are responsive and safe! While you can always just train the bare minimums, life with a completely trained dog is much more rewarding and relaxing.
If you want to know more about me or my training approach, please email, call, or set up a free consultation!
- Hillary Bressler
Education is everything. Many dog trainers focus on the dog, and forget or are unable to properly educate and communicate with the owner. This leaves owners feeling less informed and less in control. Teaching has always been a part of my professional and personal life, and I am dedicated to teaching my community. When people receive the education and support on dog training and dog ownership that they need, they become smarter and more successful community members, and happier pet owners.
Finally, people often say, "I want my dog well-trained, but I don't want them to be a robot," or "I don't need my dog to be perfectly well trained." My usual reply is this: the more training your dog has, the more freedom your dog can have, and the more experiences you can enjoy with your dog! My dogs are frequently off-leash outdoors, travel with me often, and express their unique personalities every day. I don't know about you, but I find extreme joy in watching my dogs be free, knowing that they are responsive and safe! While you can always just train the bare minimums, life with a completely trained dog is much more rewarding and relaxing.
If you want to know more about me or my training approach, please email, call, or set up a free consultation!
- Hillary Bressler