Dog Talk Trainers
OUR TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
The Dog Talk training philosophy is based on the principles of Classical and Operant conditioning and a solid knowledge of canine communication and body language.
Our classes and behavior management techniques are science- based and designed to promote a strong bond of love and respect between dog and human companions. We teach you to train your dog to reliably respond to a variety of verbal cues in a confidence building environment.
We use a “clicker” to make a short and distinct sound to mark the exact moment the dog has done the right thing. In the learning phase, dogs get a high value food treat immediately after every click. Your dog will quickly learn to repeat behaviors which have a positive consequence. The clicker is a clear and precise way to let your dog know exactly which behaviors are being reinforced and eliminates confusion. The need for punishment and harsh handling methods is eliminated.
Once the verbal cues have been learned, the click and food treat are replaced with “Life Rewards”. In other words, your dog will have learned to work for what he/she wants. “Sit” before you open a door, “Down” before you give a food bowl or, “Wait” at the top of the stairs, etc. Dogs do what works! Your dog will work harder to “get it right”, and unwanted behaviors will decrease. You will find that clicker training is a fun and effective way to create great behavior.
The clicker is very effective in desensitizing and counter conditioning programs. Clicker taining helps fearful, timid or reactive dogs to become more comfortable and confident and decreases fearful and/or reactive responses.
At Dog Talk, we believe that individual attention also pays off. In our puppy, basic and upper level classes, we maintain a teaching ratio of one instructor to 5 students and class time allows for lots of practice and individual guidance for each student.
The Dog Talk Trainers
Kathy Bower
Kathy started as an assistant with Dog Talk five years ago and now instructs, as well. Training came as a natural extension of her love for her first dog, Raven, and her work with horses. “Clicker work just makes so much sense, once you understand it. The animals love it and they progress so much faster”. Kathy now lives with dog Stryder and cats Misha, Mouse, Mithril and Flores. She competes at 2nd level dressage with her Thoroughbred, Adamant and sometimes does clicker work with him. back to top
Ellie Clinesmith
Ellie is the proud mom of 3 Australian Shepherds, Chisom, 9; Jolie,8; and Kona, 1. In 2001, she attended Dog Talk semi-private classes with Chisom, and saw the impact of positive training methods in his life. “I love the opportunity to teach others how training can build their relationship with their own dogs!”
Ellie competes in USDAA and AKC agility with Jolie, and is preparing Kona for competition also. She is also an agility instructor, Buckeye Region Agility Group (BRAG). When she’s not with her dogs, she works as a pharmacist at a local hospital. back to top
Dara Gillis
Dara became affiliated with Dog Talk eight years ago as a client with her boxer, Oscar. After Oscar became a Canine Good Citizen, Dara joined the Dog Talk staff as an assistant and then an instructor. She has since gone through the program with her youngest boxer, Hannah and continues to enjoy the relationships developed with her animals through both instructing and learning. "The communication tools learned through the Dog Talk experience are such a valuable asset in understanding and loving all animals." In her other life, Dara is a music teacher at Delaware Hayes High School. She lives in Delaware with Oscar,8, Hannah, 5, and her husband Mark. back to top
Michele McGrath
Michele McGrath is founder, consultant, and instructor for Dog Talk Training and Behavior Service, Inc. Michele devotes herself full-time to helping people have the kind of relationships they want with their canine family members. As a leader in the development of positive-based training in the Central Ohio area for the past 15 years, Michele says, “My best days are spent helping someone change behavior to provide a better life for both dog and handler.”
Michele is a member of The Association of Pet Dog Trainers, (APDT); a graduate of the Principles and Techniques of Behavior Modification course at Purdue University and has twice been a presenter at the Midwest Veterinary Conference (behavior track). Michele and her Keeshond companion, Kiefer, participate in a variety of dog sports including agility. back to top
Trish Melcher
Trish shares her home & life with 3 Keeshonden, Sisko 11, Kira 9 and Quincy 7 all clicker trained! She started with Dog Talk as a student in 2000 and joined the staff as an assistant. Soon she became an instructor of Puppy and Basic classes. "I love the fact that I'm able to train my dogs in a very positive manner, one that makes my dogs want to be with me & work with me." Trish is a certified graduate of the Dogs! course at Purdue University. She attends the behavior lectures at the Midwest Veterinary Conference and many other canine training and behavior seminars annually. Trish works in the Information Technology department at Columbus College of Art and Design. back to top
Heidi Reid
Heidi first attended Dog Talk classes in 2002. "After just one night of clicker training, I threw out my choke collar and leash corrections. Dog Talk is committed to using the gentlest and kindest methods working with dogs and their owners." Heidi joined the Dog Talk staff as an assistant in 2002. She assists in Puppy and Basic classes and also instructs basic and reliability classes. Heidi attended two national clicker training expos and attends the behavior seminars annually at the Midwest Veterinary Conference. Heidi lives in Reynoldsburg with her Akita 2, Miko 13 and Italian Greyhound Sasha 6, as well as her husband Bill. back to top
Rhonda Smith
In 2001 Rhonda and her Shih Tzu, Keifer, were students in Dog Talk's Semi- Private class. "I can personally attest to the power of postive training!." Initially, Keifer was afraid of everything and people or dogs could hardly get near him. Now, he goes out and about with ease and often solicits greetings from new people. In the fall of 2006 a new Shih Tzu puppy; Brody, was added to the household requiring Rhonda to employ all of her training skills to create harmony. Shortly after, she joined the staff of Dog Talk and currently works the puppy class and teaches and assists basic classes. back to top
Jana Widner
Jana is lead instructor for Dog Talk’s Puppy Headstart Class in addition to working as a Veterinary Assistant at Norton Road Veterinary Hospital. “Puppy Class is a blast! I love being part of positive foundation training for these little ones.” Jana’s interest in canine behavior has led her to complete the "DOGS!" training cousre at Purdue University along with various national training and behavior seminars. She also enjoys time with her own "pack" at home, Chevy, Bourbon and Tippy. back to top