About

christinedog.jpgPuppy Love, LLC is a full range pet care and dog training service, founded in 2001 by Christine Pazdalski, pet dog trainer and behavior counselor. The Puppy Love philosophy of training comes from a lifetime of experience with dogs, a B.A. in psychology and studies in animal behavior, and a deep commitment to animal welfare: ”When I decided to start training dogs, I sought the expertise of well-established canine behavior experts, would-be mentors, and so-called ‘master trainers.’ I learned a lot. Unfortunately much of what I’d learned was what not to do. Most of the trainers who were willing to teach were using forceful, fear based, or abusive methods that I knew I would never be willing to employ; from alpha rolls to harsh choke chain corrections, to remote-controlled shock collars, even a horrific practice known as ‘hanging,’ which is exactly what it sound like… lifting the dog’s entire body from the ground so he hangs by his collar (intended to show the dog that you’re serious.)

So I began educating myself in every positive reinforcement technique I could. Some required the use of clickers for every single behavior you want to teach. Other positive training programs advised never to use the word ‘no,’ lest you destroy your dog’s sense of security and self-esteem.

In the end, I came up with an approach that is positive, simple, fun, and sensible. The truth is that the most effective and rewarding way to train our pets is really not so different from the way we teach our young children what is OK, and what is not. So often, people are told not to treat their dogs like their kids, or not to give them too much affection, and other warnings which make the dog lover’s soul sink. I’m happy to be the one trainer to break ranks with the rest. Contrary to conventional dog training thought, viewing oneself as a ‘dog mom or dog dad’  can be a healthy and helpful way to relate to our canine companions. The key is knowing how to be the kind of parent your pup needs you to be. *FYI, dressing your dog up in cute outfits while refusing him his daily walks is not being a good dog parent!

Puppy Love teaches you:

Puppy Love Positive Dog Training programs are simple and effective, esteem-building techniques that make you and your dog feel better and more confident about what you’re doing, whether you want your dog to learn fun tricks, participate in agility training, or the basic commands and good dog manners we all want our pups to possess. Our approach is one that true dog lovers can really sink their teeth into.

Puppy Love Dog Training techniques never involve the use of physical punishment, pain or fear.