More news links:

• Shepherd Express: Hero of the week (also hero of the month years later- see video above)

• Milwaukee Magazine: Milwaukee's 'Rescue Gang" is Not Like Other Animal shelters

• Milwaukee Magazine: The Rescue Gang Redefines Milwaukee Animal Rescue

• Media Milwaukee: Rescue Gang Dog Shelter Opens Its Doors to the Public

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Rescuing dogs allowed me to find my place in the dog training world. I specialize in positive reward based ecollar training, advanced obedience, off leash, and behavior modification training including nuisance behaviors, fear, anxiety, reactivity, and aggression. I've learned through mentorship programs with Alicia Bloomfield, Dallas Hamilton, Ted Efthymiadis, Ashley Netten, Jeremy Majors, and Cameron Thompson. 

My approach to training is going to differ from what you’re used to if you’ve been on the hunt for a trainer. My training philosophy is focused on balanced and dog psychology techniques, which basically means I focus more heavily on your dog's states of mind, rather than using harsh or treat only training. My goal is to help show your dog clear expectations in a way that they can understand. My programs work towards teaching which behaviors are acceptable through tons of positive reinforcement, relaxation techniques, counter conditioning with rewards, as well as negative reinforcement for unacceptable behaviors, which in the end makes for a well rounded, well balanced dog. My programs work towards restructuring relationships between you and your dog to allow for more freedom and trust.

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Sofie Dandy, Dog Trainer & Behaviorist

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Balanced Canine Academy's Training Philosophy

What we don’t want to see in your dog:

• Ignoring commands.

• Annoying nuisance behaviors such as pulling on the lead, excessively barking, lunging, jumping, climbing fences stealing from tables or in the trash, chewing inappropriate items or destroying the home.

• Running away from the home.

• Aggression towards people or other animals.

• Fear, anxiety, nervousness, running, and hiding.

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What we want to see:

• Listening to commands when asked the first time asked.

• A strong and positive relationship between you and your dog!

• A fun, happy dog who's able to enjoy the world without being stressed.

• Being comfortable with the world in general.

• Realizing nothings going to happen to them if they let their guard down.

• Relaxation, peace of mind, calmness.

• Ability to self soothe and work through stressful situations.

• Staying by you off leash without a worry of running away.

• Walking calmly without pulling or reacting.

• Impulse control.

How do we achieve this?

• Learning to communicate with your dog in a way that they will understand exactly which behaviors you want to see and which behaviors you don't want to see.

• Continuously reinforcing your dogs good behaviors, even after you've overcome your dogs behavioral issues. Rewards should be given for your dogs entire life, not just only when "training."

• Incorporating structure with your dog into your daily life. 

• Recognizing behaviors in yourself that are traveling through the leash to your dog.

• Understanding why state of mind, energy, intentions, body language, and mirroring are important.

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If this sounds like something that will be of benefit for you and your dog, I could be the trainer for you! The first step is to set up a phone consultation by calling or submitting a contact form below.