Cindy Hoppes has extensive experience with dogs from a variety of sources. She has been the owner of an in-home petsitting service since 1999 and is accredited through Petsitters International. She is also a Professional level member of The International Association of Canine Professionals and an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. She has cared for dogs from tiny Yorkies and Chihuahuas to massive Kuvaszok and St Bernards. Her interactions with them in their home environments and neighborhoods have given her insight into a lot of training issues that owners deal with.
She has also been a volunteer for The Berea Animal Rescue Fund, an extended stay shelter, as a dog walker & fund raiser. Her experience with the shelter has taught her about some of the special needs that rescued dogs have in adjusting to their new homes and families.
Cindy began her training career studying with and interning for three years with Michelle Blount. Cindy bases her training techniques on the philosophy and styles that Michelle Blount promotes. These emphasize structure, positive reinforcement and an understanding of how dogs learn.
An emphasis in training for the handler is about educating them regarding canine behavior. Understanding how dogs think (and how they don’t think) clearly has an impact on training. Most behavioral problems develop simply because the owner doesn’t know dog behavior and therefore is incapable of setting proper leadership within the pack.
The methods used are balanced. Positive reinforcement along with structure and limits achieve great results without stressing the dogs. Motivation is the key to getting a dog to learn. Structure is the key to getting a dog to perform. Once basic respect issues are in order, teaching can proceed effectively and corrections are required infrequently.
The goal is to create trustworthy and responsive companions. These are dogs who can perform in real-life situations and are a pleasant addition to the family.