How I became a dog trainer
I got my first dog "Pacer", a German Shepherd/Irish Setter mix, when I was 17 years old. Like most new dog owners, I made a lot of mistakes. "Pacer" pulled on the leash, chewed the furniture, and she was aggressive toward some strangers. Taking her for a walk was difficult at best. When "Pacer" was 9 years old, my sister gave me a book on dog training. This is where I first heard the term "Pack Leader". I learned how to stop "Pacer" from pulling on the leash and stopped her from chewing the furniture. The aggression eased but didn't disappear. Still the last 4 years of her life were much happier!
Shortly after "Pacer" died, I acquired my second dog, a Shletie I named "Amber". I was determined not to make the same mistakes. Right from the start I used the training methods I learned from the book. "Amber" was very smart and learned quickly. She was a dominant dog and I had to use my authority as "Pack Leader" on several occasions.
When "Amber" was 2 and 1/2 we found a stray German Shepherd mix puppy. I put an ad in the paper, called the local veterinarians and shelters, but no one reported missing a puppy. After two weeks we decided to keep "Buster". I trained him using the same methods I used on "Amber".
Both dogs were trained so well, I could take them anywhere. I took them to horse shows (I also own and show a Morgan horse), hiking in the White Mountains, and even to the Deerfield Fair (when pets were allowed). I could put them in a sit-stay (together or alone), leave for 15 minutes or more, and they would be exactly where I left them when I returned. When I took them to the vet, people would often ask me if they had been to obedience school. I would proudly reply, "No. I trained them my self."
Over the years I had many friends and family ask me to train their dogs. I was good at it and a lot of people told me I should become a dog trainer. I shrugged it off, not really thinking I could make money doing something I loved until...
"Amber" passed away at the age of 14. A few months later, I purchased my second Sheltie , I named "Justin". By the time "Justin" was four months old he knew all the basic commands. He would even "heel" on and off leash! My vet was so impressed she jokingly asked if I could train her dogs. That's when my brother and my veterinarian convinced me to take a course and become a certified trainer.
I did a search on line and found Animal Behavior College; the same school the 'Petco' trainers go to. I graduated with a 92 GPA. I wanted to learn more , so I did another search and found Thompson Direct Education (now Penn Foster Schools). From Thompson I learned about agility, hunting, search and rescue, assistance dogs, and recreation like 'Fly Ball', and much more... I graduated from Thompson Direct Education with a 96 GPA. I started watching Cesar Millan 'The Dog Whisperer' I was fascinated. I studied his methods, and I follow them. That's the "Dog Psychology" I use in part of my training. It works instantly (in most cases). I have been able to save at least six dogs with aggression issues, thanks to Cesar Millan's method. I have trained many dogs with great success, utilizing all my training techniques.
I go to seminars and read everything I can find about dog psychology and how dogs think. The best way to train a dog is to think like a dog.
I have found that my unique method of combining dog psychology with classical training works better than classical training alone. I teach you how to be the "Ultimate Pack Leader"!
(Buster passed away at the grand old age of 14 1/2)
Most people never find their true passion. I found mine! I love what I do and it shows, through my "Happy" customers!
Paula J. Mears ABCDT, TEDCDT - Certified Dog Trainer
Member IACP
Me with my dog 'Justin'.
Photo by Brian Perry