You Silly Dog uses compassionate, effective, pain and force-free training methods based on positive reinforcement. Alisa wants to help you build trust and cooperation between you and your dog, therefore she does not advocate the use of choke, prong and shock collars, or aversive methods such as yelling and hitting. She will teach you how to be proactive rather than reactive, to teach rather than correct, to reward rather than punish, to guide and not force, to show your four-legged friend respect and meet them at their level.
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It is a gentle, yet effective approach to training-a modern science-based alternative to punitive "traditional" training. Often referred to as "force-free" training, it is based on the psychology of how an animal learns. The philosophy focuses on encouraging and rewarding a dog's good behavior. It also emphasizes having a well-mannered dog over having an "obedient" dog.
We often don't know what our new dogs have experienced in their past. The reasons given to the shelter or rescue aren't always the complete story. Your dog may have been found as a stray or given up by his previous people for unknown reasons. Worse yet, he or she may have been discarded after being used in a puppy mill.
As soon as possible! There is a lot of training and education needed for both puppies and their parents. I'd recommend starting right away so we can go over how to potty and crate train your new puppy, how to start getting puppy comfortable being left alone, how to reduce nipping and chewing and similar puppy concerns.
Always address the "whys" - what's happening on the inside of your dog to manifest the external behavior. I make suggestions but never mandates. Be wary of anyone who says "you must do it this way" or doesn't have a valid explanation for why. It can be very hard to stand up for yourself and your dog, especially when you are paying a professional.
Reviews (10)
Jessie Tang
Feb 20, 2022
Our was recommended by my Veterinary to reach out to "You Silly Dog" to start training our 3 month old puppy. Signing up was a breeze and Alisa was very responsive. Alisa was really patient with my energetic puppy. She reassured me that our puppy's behavior was a norm and it's fixable/train-able. She sent informative PDFs prior to our first appointment and sent follow ups after our training session. Her prices are reasonable. Her philosophy on dog training is positive re-enforcement, which has worked for us. We look forward to our upcoming appointments with her.
Bob Carman
May 22, 2021
Alisa at You Silly Dog is fabulous! We have a 1-1/2 year old "still puppy" named Cody. Overall, he is a pretty good boy; but had a few issues that definitely needed to be addressed (nipping, jumping, stay). Alisa came to our house 4 times and did wonders. Cody is so much better! Alisa was very pleasant and helpful and really worked with us too in learning the skills. And Cody loved her! The value for the price was amazing. I would highly recommend You Silly Dog! Janice Carman
Rachel Blank
Apr 22, 2021
Sarah Dalton
Mar 03, 2021
Alisa at You Silly Dog was a tremendous help with training my 6 month old rescue puppy. My pup really took to her positive reinforcement training methods and quickly improved on many foundational commands and activities such as 'leave it', loose leash walking, recall, stopping nipping, 'going to bed' among others. She also sends great resources for enrichment and detailed training methods for future reference. Not to mention she was a great person to work with and very COVID conscious! Thanks, Alisa!
Cait Arena
Feb 21, 2021
I'm so grateful for Alisa and highly recommend training with her. I rescued a 2 yr old pitbull mix who began jumping and nipping out of excitement. Alisa gave very thorough and specific strategies that focused on positive reinforcement. I appreciated how personalized Alisa made the process and you can tell she truly cares about helping your dog to become the best they can.
Gulielma Fager
Nov 22, 2020
Harvey Gordon
May 10, 2020
Ozzie is a 3 y/o/ Australian Shepard with Cockerspaniel mix. The individual training with Ozzie was just as easy as it was with his sister, Maggie. However, after two virtual lessons, I now walk both dogs at same time - maintaining full control at all times. The virtual training was easy to understand and easy to demonstrate. We practice each day for 10-15 minutes each outing. I'm seeing results immediately, Image may contain: dog
Betsy D. Keim
Feb 18, 2020
Alisa is amazing! We just finished her basic skills class and in 6 weeks we have a different dog. Our dog, Bela is 2 years old, deaf, 60 pounds and full of energy. Bela was running the house as our commands were literally falling on deaf ears! Alisa taught us to communicate with Bela using hand signals. She now follows instructions like a champ! I can't recommend Alisa and You Silly Dog enough. Not only is it amazing and informative but Alisa is incredibly well priced! I can't wait to take Bela to her tricks class!
Jayze Vo
May 30, 2019
My clownish and playful young dog and I had a pretty dreadful time with another dog training club, and I contacted Alisa to see if we could just start over with her Tricks class. Right away she worked hard to schedule the class and prepare the attendees. My dog is SO MUCH HAPPIER now that I am building my confidence back. You will NOT find a snobby and somewhat hostile trainer or other dog owners here. All the tension and confusion has lifted and we are blossoming in class. Thank you Alisa! She took this picture, he really loves her :-
Stephanie Baringer
Nov 28, 2018
Alisa is amazing! After having done a puppy socialization class elsewhere, I went to YSD for general obedience. I have now done multiple classes with her and our now 7 month old Aussie. He is full of energy and she has been amazing with helping us redirect it with positive reinforcement. Her passion about dogs and training has motivated me to be a better trainer for my dog.
He has really responded to all of her training and she even noticed the tremendous difference in his behavior towards the end. I recommend YSD to anyone who asks how I got such a well behaved boy.
He has really responded to all of her training and she even noticed the tremendous difference in his behavior towards the end. I recommend YSD to anyone who asks how I got such a well behaved boy.
