K-9 Psychologist

The K-9 Psychologist, led by Certified Master Trainer Val DeSantis, is dedicated to providing comprehensive dog training solutions for dogs of all ages, breeds, and temperaments. Founded on the belief that every dog is an individual with unique needs and learning styles, we offer a personalized approach to training that fosters a strong bond between dog and owner. With nearly 30 years of experience in the field, Val DeSantis brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every training session. His journey in dog training began with a passion for understanding canine behavior and a desire to help dog owners build meaningful relationships with their pets.

Our Approach to Training

At The K-9 Psychologist, we don't believe in using outdated or forceful training methods. Instead, we embrace positive reinforcement techniques, focusing on building a foundation of trust and respect between dog and owner. We recognize that training is a partnership, and we work closely with our clients to create customized training plans that address their dog's specific needs and challenges. Our methods are:

• Science-Based: We utilize training principles grounded in canine behavior science, ensuring that our techniques are both effective and humane.
• Positive Reinforcement: We reward desired behaviors, creating a positive and encouraging learning environment for your dog.
• Personalized: We understand that every dog is unique, and we tailor our training approach to your dog's individual personality, breed, age, and learning style.
• Holistic: We consider the overall well-being of your dog, taking into account their physical health, mental stimulation, and social needs.

Services We Provide

We offer a wide range of training services to meet the diverse needs of dog owners and their furry companions:

• Puppy Programs: Our comprehensive puppy programs provide foundational training for dogs aged 12-16 weeks, covering essential skills such as housebreaking, basic commands, socialization, and bite inhibition.
• Older Puppy Adoption Training: For dogs 16 weeks to one year old, we provide a program tailored to help them adjust to their new home and build upon their existing skills.
• Basic Training and Commands: We teach essential commands like sit, stay, come, down, and heel, along with leash manners and loose-leash walking.
• Behavioral Modification: We address a variety of behavioral challenges, including hyperactivity, anxiety, fear, aggression, excessive barking, destructive behavior, food guarding, and separation anxiety.
• Socialization: We help dogs develop appropriate social skills by exposing them to a variety of people, dogs, and environments in a controlled and positive manner.
• Operant Conditioning with Clicker/Marker: We utilize the power of clicker training to teach dogs desired behaviors through positive reinforcement.
• Special Needs Training: We work with physically challenged owners and their dogs to develop customized training plans that cater to their unique needs.
• Poison Proofing: We educate owners on potential household hazards and provide techniques to keep their dogs safe.

Beyond these core services, we also offer a variety of additional resources, including customized training plans, ongoing support, and educational workshops.