about

Hi! I am Alex Bond and I am a pet dog professional. I have worked with pet dogs in various ways for 30+ years, as a Veterinary Assistant, Dog Sitter and Walker, Surgery Assistant for a shelter clinic, Foster Mom, and Shelter Volunteer.

Beginning my formal behavior and training education and career has been the most fulfilling experience of my life. I am passionate about helping pups and dogs find their place, not only in our hearts, but fitting into the family and household to the best of their abilities.

My goal is to help build a mutually beneficial and respectful relationship between you and your dog. I’m not focused on obedience of old, but rather determining what works for your family and dog, not every family dog needs the same skills.

I am committed to continuing education and integrate new ideas into my training. I keep up with the new science and I do not have a one size fits all “system.” There is so much happening in canine behavioral science!  Today’s technology allows me to have so many teachers, the best professionals in the world are accessible for learning opportunities.

Certifications and Professional Associations

• Certified CCPDT-KA through Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers® (CCPDT.) CCPDT requires continuing education and is the leading independent certifying organization for the dog training profession.

• Pat Miller Certified Trainer (PMCT)

• Fear Free Certified® Professional

• Professional member of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and adhere to their standards

• Professional member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) and adhere to their standards

• Supporting member of the IAABC 

Methodology

I use positive reinforcement methods to encourage your dog to learn behaviors we want, to take initiative, to have agency in their lives, and to learn to handle the stressors of everyday life as best they can. I also teach management and provide you with appropriate outlets and activities for your dog. I help you teach your dog to think!

The first priority of training is to meet your dog’s needs, when we remember this, our training is so much easier! I will teach you to understand how your dog communicates with you and help you communicate more effectively with them.

I will not use fear, pain, pressure, or intimidation in training or behavior modification. There is no need to ever use electronic (shock) collars, prong (spike, pinch) collars, choke collars, or slip leads. All of these tools work via pain, fear, and/or intimidation. They do work to shut down behaviors, however, they do not teach our dogs what to do.

I adhere to the standards of training and behavior modification set by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviorists:

AVSAB-Humane-Dog-Training-Position-Statement