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Welcome to Poodles to Pit Bulls Dog Training! I specialize in progressive, kind dog training methods that are effective and thoughtful. My focus is to keep training fun for everyone while I coach you how to train your dog. I work with all breeds, ages, and sizes of dogs, and primarily see clients in Queens and Brooklyn, NYC. Most of my work is focused on behavior modification with reactive, fearful, and aggressive dogs, but all behavior concerns are welcome! Take a look around and let's get started! - Ettel Edshteyn, Owner/Behavior Consultant
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Ettel Edshteyn is the best dog trainer you will ever have the good fortune to work with. Learning to clicker train my dogs has been fantastic– training sessions are fun for me and them. Her tactics are gentle, humane, and easily teachable. The improvement has been dramatic. His territorial aggression has basically disappeared and he is so much more comfortable with us handling him [. . .] He is clearly a much happier dog, and we are much happier owners. We are so grateful for Ettel's patience and understanding. We really felt like she cared about us and Rudy, and was invested in helping us. |
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How to Choose a Dog Trainer
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When your dog is driving you crazy and you're at your wit's end, it's time for a professional to step in and give you a helping hand. The trouble is, how do you know which one to go with? There are so many options, each one seems better than the last, how do you choose? Well, here are a few factors to keep in mind to give you and your dog the best experience possible.
Method - You want to find a trainer who understands and respects dog body language and knows how to change dog behavior without causing distress, fear, or discomfort in the process. You want your trainer to have a strong working understanding of the scientific principles that drive behavior, and how to use them to change behavior effectively. Look for a trainer who focuses on finding the things in life that motivate your dog (treats, toys, play, access to favorite places or individuals, etc.). It's an incredibly powerful training tool, and when harnessed properly, can lead to amazing things. Education - Just like you wouldn't go to a doctor whose only education was watching House M.D. on television and "treating" his own children, you don't want a dog trainer who doesn't have a formal education and professional experience. Unfortunately, the dog training industry is still unregulated and that means anyone can make a website and start "training" dogs. There are several reputable dog training schools nationwide, as well as a variety of certifications, and even college degree programs that are applicable to the dog training profession. Also keep an eye on continuing education. You want your dog trainer to be attending at least a few seminars, webinars, conferences, expos, etc. a year, as well as staying up to date on currently published books and DVDs. There's a pretty big dog training community out there, and you want your dog trainer to be a part of it! Guarantees - A great trainer who really understands dog behavior will never give you a guarantee on behavior. There are just so many elements and variables at play with each case that there is simply no way to guarantee behavior. Behavior will always be fluid, dogs will always be learning. So much depends on the dog, on the owner, on the home environment, etc. A great trainer will, however, make sure that you are satisfied with your progress as well as understand what reasonable expectations should be for your situation. A Good Coach- When you think of a dog trainer, you think of someone who works with dogs, right? Funny enough, most of the "work" a dog trainer does is with you, the dog's owner. You want to find a dog trainer who is a good coach and can teach you the skills you need to work with your own dog. It's great that the dog trainer knows how to train dogs - they're a professional! You want to find someone who can teach you how to manage and change your dog's behavior when you're with your dog every day. You want a trainer who is calm, patient, empathetic, and an excellent listener and communicator in order to foster the skills and confidence in you to tackle your dog's behavior problems at home, on your own. For more information, check out the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior's tips on finding a trainer. |
