(703) 906-0479

(703) 906-0479

  • Home
  • About
  • Programs and Prices
  • More Info
  • Policies
  • Training Trainers
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • More
    • Home
    • About
    • Programs and Prices
    • More Info
    • Policies
    • Training Trainers
    • Resources
    • Blog
  • Home
  • About
  • Programs and Prices
  • More Info
  • Policies
  • Training Trainers
  • Resources
  • Blog
Canine Counselor Inc

Phyllis Smuland, Dog Trainer and Owner - Established 1990

Phyllis Smuland, Dog Trainer and Owner - Established 1990Phyllis Smuland, Dog Trainer and Owner - Established 1990

Workshops

Tailoring Training According to Temperament Oct 23-25, 2022

Want to Improve the diversity of dog training skills?

Washington DC Metro Area (Lovettsville, VA)


  1. Evaluating dogs and reading temperament*
  2. Aggression and when its crossed the line
  3. Resource Guarding
  4. Temperament and the connection to behavior problems.
  5. Puppy behavior and how to curtail probable problem behaviors before they start.
  6. Training for temperament. How reading dogs correctly and modifying training accordingly can raise the effectiveness of training.
  7. Combining Obedience and Behavior solutions into your training program.
  8. Fearful dogs 
  9. AND MORE!!

  • *Select dogs will be used in the training and evaluation process.
  • *Qualifies for 24 continuing education units (CEUs) for the IACP. 


Want to expand your flexibility and diversity as a dog trainer? Phyllis and Julie consider each dog's individual temperament when devising training plans.  The first step starts with accurate evaluation of each dog, then create ways to connect with, rehabilitate, and train the dog according to the temperament.  By applying a wide range of techniques and methods, Phyllis and Julie can show trainers how to individualize training per dog that creates better results, better relationships, and longer lasting behavior changes. Learn how to apply the right technique at the right time with the right dog.  


Phyllis Smuland has 35+ years experience training and evaluating dogs.  She bases her training plan for each dog on the dog's individual needs and behavior issues.  Her assessment of the dog at any given time during training must be accurate to give the dog the appropriate training. We strive to be non-judgmental and welcoming.  During this workshop, Phyllis will teach students her savant-like evaluation process using students' dogs.  Then the students can practice evaluating dogs.  Next we will come up with a training plan for each dog based on our evaluations.  Phyllis will share why she will perform different training techniques including food reward, behavioral downs, building trust and corrections at each stage in training.  Phyllis uses the right technique for each dog at the right time. She combines, relationship, obedience, and behavior modification to achieve remarkable transformations in her clients' dogs. Learn which technique with what timing works for each dog to get the ultimate training results. Phyllis has used a pack of 9-12 dogs throughout her career to assist her.  She also started the first Pit Bull rescue in the US in the 80's and has extensive experience with pit bulls.


Julie Hart has been training dogs for 12+ years.  She started fostering dogs and was a client of Phyllis' when she adopted her dog Annie. After studying under Phyllis and several other trainers, Julie became a trainer a few years later. Julie moved to New Mexico in 2012 and continued training and rehabilitating dogs while being involved in several dog rescues as a consultant and trainer.  Her specialty is fearful and feral dogs.  Founder of Rescue Dogs Responsibly and the Fearful Feral Dog Task Force, she has extensive experience with fearful and feral dogs.  Julie combines many methods to rehabilitate her foster dogs and training dogs and uses her pack of four dogs for assistance.  


____________________________________________________________________________________


FEEDBACK from previous workshops


"....  It was very fascinating learning about  some of the nuances of dog behavior and how to manage them. While I am sure it’s often difficult to deliver unpleasant messages about someone's dog, I find that you do so in a very non-judgmental way which is greatly appreciated. "


"It was different from others I have attended - in a good way. Came away with the understanding that a dog's temperament can't necessarily be fixed...which other trainers won't say or believe. I learned alot and appreciate the time spent with my dogs"


"I felt like I learned perspectives I hadn’t known before and validated some of the things I knew. It also taught me a gentler approach to training."


"I have been to a lot of seminars and I felt this to be one of the best as far as helpful hands on information. Phyllis' and Julie's knowledge will help many trainers."


"No judgement.  Very welcoming to everyone."


_________________________________________________________________________________

Location: Lovely acreage near Frederick Maryland


When: October 1-3, 2021


Cost: $425 for 3 days, working spot $50 extra


CONTACT:

Julie Hart

caninecounselorinc@gmail.com


HOW TO REGISTER:  Email Julie at Caninecounselorinc@gmail.com.  She will then send you an invoice to pay via Square online


IF YOU WANT TO BRING A DOG FOR A WORKING SPOT, please email Julie at caninecounselorinc@gmail.com to register your dog.  A working spot is $50 additional fee.  We will email you an invoice for the working spot that is separate from the ticket price.



Lodging Options:

In Progress



At-Your-Location Consulting

Want continuing education but don't want to leave work?

We come to you.  Phyllis can travel to your location to help you fine tune and improve training/ rehabilaition for the dogs in your care.  Whether you are a solo dog trainer, dog care facility, pet owner with a pack of dogs, dog rescue, or other dog care professional, we can  expand your knowledge and teach appropriate use of training techniques. We start by evaluating dog behavior and temperament properly to develop a training plan.  We believe not one size fits all, and if temperament is not taken into consideration, the training will fall short, especially for problem dogs.   Phyllis uses her instinctual knack for reading dogs to pinpoint what the dog needs to train and rehabilitate successfully.  She utilizes her pack of dogs to help her help dogs and can teach you how to do the same.  Phyllis is adept at using many tools, including food and an e-collar, and can how to use the right tool at the right time with the right dog.  Canine Counselor Inc thoroughly transitions training to the client which results in long lasting success for both dog and client.  We believe trained dogs should be happy content dogs.  If you want to deepen your understanding of dogs and how to help them through understanding dog and pack behavior, this option is for you. Private instruction for your team at your location.  Phyllis' assistant, Julie Hart, specializes in rehabilitating fearful dogs and can share her process along with Phyllis' expertise.   Phyllis has built a 35 year long successful business based on her methods and client services simply by word of mouth.  Her training programs are priced higher than most, with a waiting list, because the level of training and client service is top notch. We strive to give our consulting clients that same high level of service.

Price $995 per day plus travel costs, minimum three days.


Phyllis with her pack of dogs circa 1989

Phyllis with her pack of dogs circa 1989

Photo Gallery

Reading dogs


    Copyright © 2018 Canine Counselor Inc - All Rights Reserved.