I'm Karen DiCostanzo, KPA CTP, CPDT-KA, certified professional dog trainer and behavior consultant. I want to help you live your best life with your dog! Learning the art and science of training animals has forever changed my life in an extremely positive way. I'd like to show you how to enrich your relationship with your canine companion while achieving your dog training goals!All great relationships are based on effective two-way communication. For this reason, one of the first things I'll teach you is how to understand your dog's communication signals and, in turn, express yourself in ways your dog finds both clear and pleasant.From Crazy Dogs to Calm Ones Many years ago, I became intensely interested in dog training and behavior modification after adopting a rescue dog my first dog ever. It was a baptism by fire: I soon learned that in addition to serious health issues, he suffered from a panic disorder called separation distress.Later, I adopted a large dog who drove me nuts with nuisance barking, lunging and pulling like crazy on leash, jumping all over people, chasing small animals, reacting to people and dogs, and more, so I definitely feel my clients' pain!I learned to speak dog to address my own dogs' issues, and today, I share my insights with those who want to work toward their dog training goals while deepening the bonds of love, trust, and understanding they share with their pets.Fear-Free Certified Professional I use a modern, holistic, relationship-based approach and have seen my training methods dramatically improve the lives of hundreds of dogs and their humans! My education background started with an intensive professional dog training apprenticeship with a certified professional dog trainer. After that, I logged hundreds of hours of hands-on teaching and training so that I could earn my professional certification credential (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) in 2017. The following year, I became a Certified Fear Free Professional through Fear Free Pets, and in 2019, I earned a professional credential as a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP). I'm also an approved AKC CGC Evaluator. In 2021, I earned a certificate in Dr. Susan Friedman's highly regarded Living and Learning with Animals Course in applied behavior analysis, and I'm currently working toward a professional certification in canine behavior consulting.
Certifications:
CPDT-KA, KPA CTP, AKC CGC Evaluator
Dog training services include
- Aggressive dog training
- Deaf dog training
- Reactive dog training
- Service dog training
- In home training
- Puppy training
More info about Karen DiCostanzo's dog training:
We provide training help to address or proactively prevent problem behaviors like reactivity, aggression, skittishness, and separation issues. We also offer puppy training, along with ESA/service dog training. In-home and remote private lessons offered, along with day training. All breeds, sizes, and ages are welcome. Appointments available weekdays, evenings, and weekends to accommodate busy schedules!
Behavioral issue focus:
Reactivity, aggression, skittishness, separation anxiety, impulsivity and hyperactivity
Dog training methods:
We use a positive reinforcement training approach to help solve or avoid undesirable behaviors while teaching life skills and manners. We start with an initial consultation in which we discuss the effective use of management techniques and veterinary intervention, if appropriate, along with hands-on training to teach your dog desirable behaviors. Based on our initial consultation, we will coach you through easy-to-follow training instructions designed to meet your dog training goals. After each training session, you'll receive a short summary, including resources and next steps to practice with your pup.
Why I became a dog trainer:
Many years ago, I became intensely interested in dog training and behavior modification after adopting a rescue dog my first dog ever. It was a baptism by fire: I soon learned that in addition to serious health issues, he suffered from a panic disorder called separation distress.Later, I adopted a large dog who drove me nuts with nuisance barking, lunging and pulling like crazy on leash, jumping all over people, chasing small animals, reacting to people and dogs, and more, so I definitely feel my clients' pain!In 2022, I adopted a large dog who exhibits hyper, impulsive behavior on an all-too-frequent basis. Helping him has allowed me to empathize with my clients whose dogs have these same behavior issues.I learned to speak dog to address my own dogs' issues, and today, I share my insights with those who want to work toward their dog training goals while deepening the bonds of love, trust, and understanding they share with their pets.
My favorite part of being a dog trainer:
Learning the art and science of training animals has forever changed my life in an extremely positive way. I love sharing what I've learned to help my clients and their dogs live their best lives together! I greatly enjoy helping my clients enrich their relationships with their canine companions while achieving their dog training goals. All great relationships are based on effective two-way communication. For this reason, I teach my clients how to understand their dog's communication signals and, in turn, communicate clearly with their dogs with kindness and compassion.
My #1 dog training tip:
We all know that dogs need daily physical exercise, but not everyone realizes that dogs desperately need ample mental enrichment every day. This means giving them activities that enable them to slow down and think. Decompression "sniffaris," foraging for food (indoors or outdoors), and nose work games are excellent for this.
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![Sniffspot Dog running on field](https://static.sniffspot.com/packs/img/blog-banner-1-900.e55f6e25afcfcf29.jpg)
Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you
![David Adams photo](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/49b67a552edd9d7b45e4dc649e6a12c5.png?d=identicon&r=PG&s=64)
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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