A Happy Dog is a Happy Dog
Our Method
RELATIONSHIP BASED DOG TRAINING
" We rescued a very smart but challenging pup. A year after she has been working with Gaia, Girlie is a rock star! Gaia not only taught me training techniques but also how important my emotions, reactions, and behaviors are to effectively communicate what I want her to do. Gaia is a skilled trainer and truly devoted to dogs, but "she has been there" and understands the human emotions and perceptions that ultimately affect building a relationship with and training your dog. " -- Michael White, PhD
FOUNDATIONS
The foundation for shaping a courageous and confident dog includes Clear Communications. Dogs need us to communicate with them in ways that THEY understand.
We need to be calm and clear before we expect that of them. The process from initial training to having truly fun times involves forming new habits, seeing things from a different perspective, and practice. My job is to show you how this happens and to support & help you on your own journey. Your dog needs to be recognized with mindful regard for who he or she is. I can help you with that, bringing out the best in you and the special in your dog. I specialize in your relationship with your German Shepherd.
YOU CAN TEACH AN OLD DOG NEW TRICKS!
One client had a 9-year-old Lab who pulled so hard on the leash that the client's shoulder got dislocated. We worked with them and their dog and now they are happy walking, in a mindful relationship, with one another and no more pulling.
NO BAD DOGS
Dogs don't have "good and bad" or "right and wrong." They simply have "works" and "doesn't work." Dogs begin to respond when we meet them where they are and position ourselves as their benevolent guardian. They need to feel safe; they need to feel included & have things be interesting; and they need to be rewarded in ways that matter to them.
AM I THE RIGHT TRAINER FOR YOU?
"Many times your dog simply needs direction. // Every dog needs the feeling that they have done well."
I follow James French and his Trust Technique method, among other modalities described above.
My career as a Relationship-Based Dog Trainer in Santa Fe has been intense. It began before the Covid shutdown, and I worked with clients with dogs who bite, clients whose marriages were shaky and it was affecting the dog, and clients who had German Shepherds, Cattle Dogs, Chihuahuas and Rat Terriers, Doberman Pinschers and Labradors.
Now I realize that I work well with people with German Shepherds and other High-Drive Dogs but I will be happy to work with your little guy too.
Give me a call and let's see if I am the right trainer for you.
