Lynn Brown, CPDT-KA
Dog Trainer & Behavior Consultant
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Building better relationships
through training.
408-218-8332
I provide private training consultations
and group classes in the San Francisco Bay Area.
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A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ME
I grew up with a house full of pets and a love of animals.
However, it wasn't until December 2000 when I adopted
Franklin, a tenacious mini dachshund, that I was set upon
the road to what would become my life's passion - dog behavior
and training. Franklin's tenacious spirit and drive to work meant I had to find
things to keep him busy and engaged. We attended many different training and
dog sports classes (an agility dachshund?!) I poured over books, attended
seminars, and mentored with trainers to learn all I could about training, communicating and building a relationship with my new best friend.
Now I work with owners to share the knowledge I've gained from my dogs,
my fosters, and the shelter dogs I've worked with over the years.
TRAINING
I've been training dogs and teaching people how to train their dogs, individually and in group classes, for over 20 years. My goals as a trainer are to give owners the skills necessary to build better relationships and solve behavior challenges with their dogs using reward-based, positive training methods grounded in learning theory.
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What is reward based training and why is that important? See what the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior has to say about training methods in their Position Statement on Humane Dog Training.
Training opens up the communication between dog and person. It's where the relationship and the foundation of trust begins. If you want a strong relationship with a dog, start with a strong positive training foundation and you can't go wrong! See what my clients say.
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SHELTER WORK
Over the years I have continued to volunteer for local shelters, working with shelter dogs, developing behavior modification plans, running large and small dog playgroups, and handling dogs of all breeds and temperaments. I've also run volunteer and staff training sessions, and implemented kennel enrichment programs to help dogs in shelters while they wait for their forever homes. My time in the shelters is some of my most rewarding work. If you want to make a difference in a dog's life, volunteer at a shelter. See what the shelters say.
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RESCUE
I have worked with Our Pack Inc. rescue a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to saving and improving the lives of Pit Bulls and Chihuahuas through rescue, training, shelter and owner support, and education. Over the years, I've helped evaluate dogs to ensure the best foster and adoptive placement, counseled foster homes on behavior and training, and provided training support and advice to Our Pack adopters and dog owners in the community.
CONSULTING
I worked as a consultant providing content and building online training & education courses for all Wag Hotels handlers and playgroup staff.
Courses included training in
dog-dog interactions and
behavior, handling best
practices, and training
junior trainers in basic
dog training concepts
and hands-on skills.
CERTIFICATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS
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Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
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Qualified emergency responder for Red Rover and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
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Canine Training Professional with the Pet Professional Guild (PPG)
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Supporting member International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)​ ​​
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Professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)​​
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Elite Fear Free Certified® Trainer​
Shelter Dog Playgroup
SERVICES
New Puppy &
New Dog Training
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House Training
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Crate Training
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Basic Manners
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Socialization
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Mouthing/Biting
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Jumping
Kids & Family
Training
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Preparing for Baby
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Building Better Relationships Between Kids & Dogs
Leash Manners &
Reactivity Training
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Leash Reactivity
Does your dog bark or pull on leash when he sees another dog or person? I can help!
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Distraction Training
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Real-World Training​
Consultations &
Help With
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Behavior Problems
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Multi-dog Households
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Finding A Dog
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Pre-Adoption Help
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CGC Training, Evaluation & Certification
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Private Training
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Group Classes
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Evaluations
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TRAINING TIPS
The Rules of learning
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If a behavior is rewarded, it is likely to increase
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If a behavior is not rewarded, it is likely to decrease and can be extinguished
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If a behavior is associated with a disagreeable experience, it is likely to decrease
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​Look for ways to "catch your dog doing something right" and reward him. Using rewards, such as treats and praise, builds motivation and confidence, and helps create a strong working relationship.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
How Science is Revolutionizing the World of Dog Training
An excellent Time Magazine article on how scientific research has changed dog training methods. "Much has changed about the way that science is applied today. As canine training has shifted from the old obedience-driven model directed at show dogs to a more relationship-based approach aimed at companion dogs...." A must read before selecting a dog trainer.
Dominance Theory & The Term "Alpha"
Outdated thinking based on scientific research of captive wolves in the 1970s. Much of this research has now been renounced and updated by Dr. David Mech, the expert and senior scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey who was largely responsible for the original scientific study.
Read more about it in Dr. David Mech's 2008 article Whatever Happened To The Term Alpha Wolf?
And in Pamela Buitrago's article: Debunking the Dominance Myth
An excellent article by Jeannette Cooperman in The Wildest newsletter. "When petting a dog, there's a fine line between being affectionate and being annoying." If you're truly a dog lover you should know the difference.
Great video by Dogkind Training illustrating how to determine whether a dog wants to be petted. After all, petting should be pleasurable for ALL parties involved.
Suzanne Clothier's "He Just Wants to Say Hi"
A very long article but worth the read. Respect the fact that your dog has a need for, and a right to his personal space, and so do those dogs you encounter out in your neighborhoods.
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Doggie Body Language
What is your dog trying to tell you? This poster provides great insights into your dog's body language. Illustrated by Lili Chin starring Boogie the Boston Terrier.
Follow @LynnTheDogTrainer on Instagram