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Behavior Consulting and General Manners for the Family Dog
When you trust Valerie with your dog's education, you'll find that she brings extensive knowledge, professionalism and a joy of facilitating relationships between dogs and their people to her lessons. She teaches people with as much patience and compassion as she teaches dogs.
Whether your dog needs basic manners training or help with aggression, studies have shown that force-free training based on the science of how dogs learn is the best choice for your furry family member. It's what your dog would choose!
for general manners classes
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click here
for behavior consulting
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click here
Special Announcements
CLOSED MAY 26-29 FOR MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
NO PUPPY SOCIALIZATION CLASSES ON SATURDAY MAY 27
GETTING A PUPPY THIS SUMMER?
Plan ahead! You can register for puppy classes before you have your pup, or have picked out a name. Name and vaccine info can be updated later. Registering early ensures you get a spot in class.
Not sure when to start puppy classes? Read HERE about the importance of early socialization and why it is ok to start class before vaccination is complete.
general manners classes
behavior consultations
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Street Sign on Harris St
Facility front door
Saturday Socialization set up
Street Sign on Harris St
About Me
Valerie Balwanz
CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, PMCT
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Valerie is certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers as both a Certified Behavior Consultant (CBCC) and a certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT). She also holds a certification from the Peaceable Paws Academy (PMCT). She is a member of the Pet Professionals Guild, an organization of force-free training professionals. Valerie is a certified CGC tester for the AKC. Her training services have received the Charlottesville Family Favorite Award and the Daily Progress Reader's Choice Award several years in a row. Many of the area's veterinarians recommendnd her services and bring their own dogs to Valerie fo training. She has been training dogs for over 12 years.
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Information
Charlottesville Dog Training
Classes are held at 918 B Harris St, Charlottesville VA 22903
Click here for
classes and schedule
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In class we use clickers to expedite the learning of new material. If you prefer to use a different "marker" other than the clicker, that's no problem. Many of my students use "yes".
None of the training uses force, fear, or threat of pain to achieve results.
You are always welcome to observe a class before signing up.
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In class you will...
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Learn to understand what can encourage a dog's unwanted behavior, and what to do about it
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Learn how to stop saying "No" and start teaching your dog what you DO want him to do instead
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Allow your dog the freedom of choice, and watch how quickly he learns to choose the right things
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Give your puppy the best possible start in life with a puppy program that emphasizes early socialization
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Connect with old friends and make new ones in a welcoming environment and small class size
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Build a relationship with your dog based on the joy of working together that will last a lifetime
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At this time, the business does not offer dog day care, board and train or pet sitting services
Love My Clients
