Dog training on the road…again!

27 years ago, I lost my partner to cancer. My kids were grown and it was a turning point in my life. At 40, young at heart and a gypsy to my core, I decided to take my Los Angeles based, , dog training business of 17 years, to the road. With 1 horse and 3 dogs in tow, we hit the road with the first stop, being Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, now known as Best Friends Animal Society, in Kanab, Utah. I had been a liaison trainer referral for them, in Los Angeles, for 5 years prior to my short 5 month stint at the sanctuary, as their head trainer. After that time I continued eastward training at different shelters, fosters and sanctuaries for the next year and a half. Yes, I did rescue a dog at BFAS, a young 9 month old black Cattle Dog mix, who I named Silhouette, ‘Silly’ for short. We were now, 1 horse and 4 dogs on a mission to help save more shelter dogs by helping to educate staff and foster caregivers about body language and behavior, across the country. It was a cherished time in my life and now under different yet similar circumstances, I find myself here again.

Many factors had me take to the road again and without much detail, because there’s a lot that went into this decision, from the emerging and continuing pandemic, aging horses, now at retirement age, living their best lives in a small herd on 20 acres, my older sister diagnosed with cancer and crazy conspiracy minded people, has the gypsy in me come alive, with a more experienced and deepened passion fo animal advocacy.

I traded my car in for a high roof van and converted it into a camper van that I can live in ,with my two doggies, Leela, a Rottweiler, and grand protector, now 10 months old and Timber my little Morkie who turned 9 this year and a mighty dog in her own right, and we three are once again training on the road. Now almost 4 weeks in, and adjusting quite well,  we are having a blast with our newfound freedom and fun with doggies in training, up and down the west coast, USA. YIPPEE!!!

I am no longer doing Board and Train but am doing Stay and Train; which means I come to you and the dogs stays home with you and I take your dog with me 4 hours a day for two weeks. You get to keep your pup at home but have me and my two awesome teacher doggies, every day for two weeks. We have afternoons apart where you can practice what I’ve taught you and your pup. We’ll start up again in the morning. Of course, keeping to the Covid guidelines and we’ll work wherever the issues occur; in town, on walks, with other dogs, jumping on people, whatever you and your dog are needing help with. After our two week training session, I take a week break to enjoy the area, readying ourselves for our next 2 week doggie/client in need. Is that you?

In addition to Stay and Train, I am also available for private, one-on-one sessions and full day workshops, where you will learn about dog body language, basic obedience and behavior. I am also booking dog body language workshops/lectures at shelters and foster caregivers. I’ll head your way as my schedule permits. If you are interested in private one-on-one training, workshops, lectures, please contact me to find out where I am and availability. I’m happy to fit you in. Workshops are limited to 6 dogs.  No aggressive dogs in workshops. 

Since we set out just weeks ago, I have had two Stay and Train pups. Gemma, a 5 month old Golden Retriever and Tucker a Cattle Dog mix, with much success.

Beginning our dog training van life we set out to the west coast, USA from San Diego to Washington, my next stop, is southern OR. I have room for 1 more pup for a private session, or shelter/foster workshop.

Leela and Tucker, a 10 month old Cattle Dog mix, my pup in training these past two weeks, had a fantastic time playing and Leela was the best teacher dog for him, because he is fearful of other dogs and loud noises.  After a careful introduction, they were fast friends and she’s solid in town, we worked in town where he felt much safer walking with Leela and Timber. He was quite calm and much less reactive towards other dogs and noises. It was a win win for all and my clients are thrilled and Tucker is experiencing much relief and their continued training will further is relief.

If you are in need of help with your dog or know someone who is, please contact me for availability. 

About the author: Jill Breitner, is a professional dog trainer, award winning author, writing articles for Dogster, The Whole Dog Journal, Animal Wellness and her own blog. She is also a dog body language expert, loving and living her life on the west coast of the USA. She is the author of Dog Decoder, a smartphone app about dog body language recommended and used by veterinarians, shelters, trainers, educators and guardians worldwide. It’s available in iTunes and Google play. Jill, is Fear Free Certified and has been teaching gentle handling/basic husbandry skills to clients dogs for 40 years. She helps you to be your pets advocate for a happier and stress free life. She also does online dog training, worldwide. Join Jill on her  Dog Decoder Facebook page