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Positive Reinforcement Dog Training
What is positive reinforcement training?
Positive Reinforcement dog training means that you teach your dog through the use of consistent rewards and acknowledgement. There is no fear, pain, or aggression involved. It may not seem like a big deal to correct your dog using a collar that beeps or gives a small shock- but what are we really teaching them? TO FEAR US! A positive reinforcement training system teaches dogs to listen because they WANT to, not because they HAVE to.
I think we can all agree that a healthy relationship with our furry companion should be centered around love and teamwork, NOT fear and pain. Every dog is capable of learning how to behave through positive reinforcement training. This system will teach you and your dog to properly communicate as you learn what motivates, excites, and triggers them. Most importantly, this is fun, for you and your dog! It’s time to grab your pup and start doing some Trick 4 Treats!
Hello! My name is Emily and I have been a professional dog trainer since 2020. Prior to that, I attended Michigan State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Biology and Zoology. I have been fortunate enough to do some incredible things in my life; study penguins in Antarctica, work at a natural history museum in South Africa, work as a county park supervisor, and so much more. All of these experiences have taught me is that there is nothing I love more than working with dogs. Whether its helping a rescue get placed with a loving family, teaching owners how to communicate with their dog through positive reinforcement, or the look of amazement on an owner's face at the end of a board and train program- dog training always manages to make me smile.
As a positive reinforcement dog trainer, I believe that any dog can be taught to behave through love, support, and repetition. My goal is to perfect you and your dog's communication skills using stress-free, fun methods. You should always be playing on the same team as your pup- not against them!
Meet the Pack
Emily Hicks
Zuko
Meet Zuko- Miracle Puppy #1
Zuko was born in December 2021. He unfortunately did not have a good start to his life. Zuko was involved in abuse situation that left him paralyzed for much of his early puppyhood. Don't worry- Zuko proves every day that he is a fighter! He has regained all of his mobility and loves people, animals, and catching his tennis ball.
Zuko will assist as a demonstration dog when the situation allows.
Sokka
Meet Sokka- Miracle Puppy #2
Sokka was born in March 2022. Just like his brother Zuko, Sokka had a "ruff" start to his life. He was surrendered with two broken legs. If you meet Sokka, you would never be able to guess he was injured (other than the bulged shoulder and cute limp!) He is adventurous, sassy, loves to cuddle, and will do just about anything for a treat!
Sokka will assist as a demonstration dog when the situation allows.
Derrick Houston
Hey there! My name is Derrick Houston. It was through observing Emily, plus the training of my own two pups, that began my passion for positive reinforcement training. In the past year and a half of my "observation/training" period, it has been truly inspiring getting to witness the bonds created between owner and pet through understanding and teamwork. Since officially starting in January of 2023, I have already been lucky enough to train group, private, board and train, and behavioral classes. I am looking forward to learning all the amazing quirks our furry friends can posses, as well as teaching others how to better understand and communicate with their pups.
My Furbaby's Resort
We are a team of highly dedicated people who simply care about the well-being and safety of those fur babies you love most. We want you to feel confident in the care of those critters while you’re away and for them to feel the love even when you’re miles away.
We have a large property with plenty of space for dogs to run around on and work out their wonderful energy. With a fenced-in area for the dogs and a generator for emergencies, rest assured their safety is our top priority!
The business owner, Bobbie Jo, has always been passionate about animals, as she grew up with many of them. Her mother started rescuing ferrets, and that’s where the idea began to get into the business of helping animals.
It all started with a bird sanctuary, then dog boarding, and was certified in Force-Free Positive Reinforcement Training. She has a special needs kitty, so she can also help with fur babies that might need a bit more special attention! She loves bettering the community, and this is her outlet!
BOOK A class
The Basics: 2 Week Board & Train
900$Every weekYour dog will spend 2 weeks at My Furbaby's Resort in Fenton, MI to establish and learn all basic cues through the use of positive reinforcement training.Valid for 2 weeks- All basic cues (ex. sit, focus, leave it, come)
- Loose leash walk in all environments
- Behavioral training (ex. jumping, barking, crate training)
- Immersive home environment training
- 3 in home acclimation sessions following the program
Beyond Basics: 4 Week Board & Train
850$Every weekYour dog will spend 4 weeks at My Furbaby's Resort in Fenton, MI to establish and learn all basic cues, leash walking, level 2 cues, and establish protocols through positive reinforcement training.Valid for 4 weeks- All basic cues and skills covered in The Basics plan
- Level 2 cues (ex. heel, place, stay, and settle)
- Real life protocols (ex. what to do when company arrives)
- Behavioral training (ex. jumping, barking, crate training)
- 4 in home acclimation sessions following the program
Basically Everything: 6Wk Board & Train
800$Every weekYour dog will spend 6 weeks at My Furbaby's Resort in Fenton, MI. This program covers The Basics AND Beyond Basics training plans and AKC's Canine Good Citizen certification training.Valid for 6 weeks- All basic cues and skills covered in The Basics plan
- All level 2 cues and skills covered in Beyond Basics plan
- All necessary skills to pass AKC's Canine Good Citizen exam
- Expert at home and public behaviors and protocols
- 5 in home acclimation sessions following the program
BOOK A Board & train Program
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Lori & Clyde 🐾
My dog and I have been through three classes with Emily. She is a fantastic and enthusiastic teacher. When teaching a new activity, Emily explains why dogs think and behave the way they do to help facilitate learning new tasks. She is a natural who shows compassion and love for animals. The classroom environment is positive and energetic, making my dog excited for class days. The activities taught are explained thoroughly, demonstrated and for the stubborn behaviors broken down even further to ensure the dog understands what the handler expects. At the end of class Emily points out the successes as well as tips to help work on activities throughout the week to master what was taught. The classed are interactive and designed for success. The last several months have proven so beneficial for my dog and I. Emily's classes have been far beyond my expectations. We are so grateful for what you have taught us. Thank you, Lori and Clyde🐾
Teness & Duncan 🐾
I can’t say enough good about Emily! Emily is a phenomenal trainer, with both knowledge in animal behavior and compassion. She brings her best professional feet forward and truly cares about her clients! My dog and I have been with her since she first started. My boy is almost 2 now! We started when he was just a small pup. Not only are her methods affective, but she treats her clients with care and respect. She’s not afraid to think out of the box either! She has been such a huge help and support in training my service dog! I’m proud to say she’s part of our team!
Meagan, Patti, & Ryker 🐾
If you are woofing around for an AMAZING dog trainer, no need to look further. Emily is hands down the best. We have had the pleasure of taking multiple training classes with Emily! She was amazing with our pittie, Ryker. As society has mixed feelings about Pitbulls, we wanted Ryker to be very well mannered. Emily, did not let us down! Ryker listens amazingly thanks to her. Not only was she there for us during class, she was always there for us outside of class as well. You can tell she is very passionate about what she does. All the dogs loved her. We would always joke around and say that Ryker loves her more than she loves us. The one thing we loved most about Emily is that she does does not judge a dog by it’s breed. She never looked at Ryker and limited his potential. She always pushed Ryker to do and be better. Have you ever seen a pit bull push a shopping cart? Or any dog push a shopping cart while walking on their two back legs? No…well she was able to train our dog to do it! It’s an awesome party trick to show off to your friends and family.
