I received my Bachelor's degree in Animal Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation from Canisius College in 2015. During my time there, I studied the behavior of a captive population of beluga whales. This led to my first professional training position - with marine mammals! After graduating, I moved to a small island in Washington State where I worked for two seasons as a Marine Naturalist for a whale watching outfitter. In my spare time, I volunteered at the local animal shelter which sparked my interest in companion animal behavior.
In 2016, I accepted a position in the behavior and training department at Lollypop Farm where I remained for 4 years. There, I taught group classes and private lessons for members of the public, performed dog behavior evaluations, and carried out behavior modification for cats and dogs who weren't quite ready for adoption.
In 2020, I left to start Young Lion Training and Behavior with my training partner, Rebecca. It was a smooth transition to working for ourselves and I love the work-life balance I'm able to maintain. Doing so helps me to be the best trainer that I can be. I have two dogs and a cat of my own, and they all love training just as much as I do!
Certifications:
Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed
Dog training services include
- Reactive dog training
- In home training
- Puppy training
More info about Alex Ferrente's dog training:
We offer in-home and virtual behavior consultations, continued coaching, day training and group classes for dogs of all ages and across a range of behavior challenges. One of our favorite services to provide is our puppy starter package - where we can get your puppy started off on the right foot from day one!
Behavioral issue focus:
Basic manners, impulse control, reactivity, resource guarding, cat-dog introductions, and more.
Dog training methods:
We adhere to the humane hierarchy and never use or recommend aversive training techniques. Private training always starts with an initial behavior consultation followed by a written training plan, and the type of follow-up sessions depend on the case. For clients who like to work more independently, we offer more intermittent coaching every few weeks. And for clients who prefer more accelerated, hands on guidance, we offer multiple times per week day training sessions - as well as some hybrid options between those two.
Why I became a dog trainer:
I've always been interested in animal behavior and dog training/behavior consulting has been such an effective way to help a large number of dogs and their humans live more harmoniously together. I love having a career that allows me to advocate for science-based, ethical training methods.
My favorite part of being a dog trainer:
My favorite moments are when clients can see and feel proud of the changes they've worked so hard on with their dog. It also feels pretty special to be one of so many dogs favorite people.
My #1 dog training tip:
Be kind, patient, and set them up for success by breaking your goals down into tiny, achievable steps!
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Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you
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David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development.
David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners.
Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature.
David is based in Salem, MA.
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