The Successful Mix, LLC

Pet Behavioral Counseling and Dog Training

Private behavioral counseling personalized to meet the needs of you and your pet.
Appointments made in Rockingham County at 3126 Caverns Dr, Keezletown, VA 22832 (near Harrisonburg).
Also offering small group classes!

Home Aggression & Reactivity Training & Manners Cooperative Veterinary Care Specialty Training About the Trainer Testimonials Links


Picture of black and white dog tugging on fleece tug, person is seated holding end of tug with one hand

Are you at the end of your rope?

Frustrated with your dog’s behavior?

Embarrassed by the barking and lunging on walks?

You love your dog --- but sometimes, love isn’t enough to solve behavior challenges.

Whether it's pulling on the leash, jumping on guests, or ignoring commands, I understand how tough it can be.

It’s time to turn frustration into success.

Imagine calm walks, polite greetings, and a dog who listens.

Successful training starts here.     Email me to get started!

Get coaching and guidance from a certified professional dog trainer — and turn everyday moments with your dog into happy, tail-wagging wins.

POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT     ~     BEST PRACTICES     ~     EFFECTIVE

Reinforcement is a powerful tool that eliminates the need for forceful or punitive teaching strategies.


   "Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else."  Fred Rogers
 

Here are concerns you might be looking for professional assistance to resolve that I can help you with:
 

MANNERS & TRAINING:

  • BASIC OBEDIENCE, MANNERS TRAINING
    • Learn how to motivate your dog to do what you ask.
  • NEW PUPPY TRAINING and MANAGEMENT
    • Let me provide me with guidance to get off to a great start!
  • COMING WHEN CALLED!
    • Does your dog look when you call, then return to what he was doing?  I can help!
    • Does your cat always seem to disappear when it’s time for their vet appointment?  I can help!
  • WALKING ON LEASH without pulling  I can help!
 

AGGRESSION & REACTIVITY:

  • REACTIVITY to or barking at other dogs or people
    • Are you embarrassed to take your dog on a walk at the park or around the block?
  • AGGRESSION.
    • Has your dog bitten or growled, snapped, snarled, threatened to bite?
    • Are the dogs in your home fighting with each other?
 

COOPERATIVE VETERINARY CARE:

  • TRAINING FOR COOPERATION with at-home husbandry care...
    • Husbandry care: what's that?
      • Do you struggle to clean your dog's ears?
      • Do you struggle to clean your dog's teeth?
      • Do you struggle with nail trims or to trim the hair on your dog's feet?
  • COOPERATION from your dog for care at the VETERINARY PRACTICE
    • Is your dog required to wear a muzzle for exams? I can help you with MUZZLE CONDITIONING
    • Is your dog unable to relax for vaccinations?  I can help!
 

SPECIALTY TRAINING:

  • DOG SPORTS: Motivating your dog to engage with you
    • Does your dog distract frequently?
    • Does your dog bark when watching other dogs on course?

  • TRICK TRAINING
    • Build a deeper connection with your dog by training fun and creative tricks.
    • Do you want to have THAT DOG who you can show-off how brilliant they are with visitors to your home?
      • It can be rewarding to show off your dog's creative tricks to friends and family.
      • If your dog is fearful of visitors, helping them learn to respond to fun trick cues can give them something else to focus on.
    • Do you want to have THAT DOG who you can show-off how brilliant they are when you take them shopping with you?
      • It can be fun to show off your dog's talents to store personnel. Store personnel love it and you might get extra assistance.

  • RETRIEVE GAMES
    • Do you have a dog who picks up items then plays keep-away?  I can help!
    • Maybe you struggle with a dog who doesn't show interest in toys?  I can help!

  • CANINE FREESTYLE
    • Build a deeper connection with your dog by training tricks and skills to put into a dance routine.

  • NOSE GAMES and SCENT DETECTION
    • Provide your dog with more enrichment through Nose Games and Scent Work.



  • Training for the whole family
    • I enjoy including young family members in the training lessons
  • Get assistance on a schedule to meet your individual needs.
    • Meet weekly (recommended for the first several weeks for best results)
    • Schedule appointments bi-weekly or monthly
      • After we've been working together for awhile and you understand how to shift criteria or are maintaining behaviors this might be a good option for you.

I am a thoughtful, experienced and creative trainer - check me out on Facebook!   

 

Reward-based approach to help you resolve the problems you are experiencing with your pet.

Learn how to help your pet feel safe to demonstrate their friendly and sociable personalities.

Help for puppies, adolescents and adult dogs. Yes, your adult pet can be trained too!

Specializing in dogs who demonstrate reactivity to other dogs, people or delivery / pick-up vehicles in your neighborhood or on your walk.

Specializing in dogs who are challenging to motivate.

Learn how to use positive reinforcement to build your pet's confidence.

 

NO CHOKE CHAIN         NO PRONG COLLAR         NO SHOCK

BECAUSE WITH YOUR BUSY SCHEDULE, YOU NEED TO LEARN STRATEGIES TO SLIP TEACHABLE MOMENTS INTO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE

BECAUSE YOU WANT INTERACTIONS WITH YOUR DOG TO BE FUN

BECAUSE YOU WANT TO LEARN HOW TO ACHIEVE BETTER COOPERATION FROM YOUR DOG

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