Hi, I’m Alyse Mineroff
KPA CTP, CPDT-KA
I aim to help every pet owner I work with live in harmony with their canine companions. Taking both the needs of the human and the dog end of the leash into account, I’ll create a training plan that leaves you both happy and fulfilled. Raising a dog surely takes a village, and I am committed to being a supportive part of the team in your dog’s corner.
My Qualifications
KPA CTP – KAREN PRYOR ACADEMY CERTIFIED TRAINING PARTNER
Karen Pryor Academy is the gold standard for professional dog training programs. Certified Training Partners successfully complete an intensive training program that covers theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and effective coaching techniques. They have also demonstrated a high level of competency through a variety of examinations and practical assessments. Their education is centered around the most modern and scientifically-proven training methods.
CPDT-KA – CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL DOG TRAINER, KNOWLEDGE ASSESSED
The Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers provides this certification to those who have demonstrated that they possess the knowledge and experience to work effectively with dogs and people. Certificants pledge to use humane, science-based training methods and are required to continue their education on a regular basis.
Meet the hungry dogs
Hunter
Hunter is a German Shepherd who I raised from puppyhood to be a guide dog. While he excelled in the program, he was not qualified to guide due to a minor medical issue. We adopted him back as our forever pet, and he has since become my companion dabbling in dog sports and was my partner dog during my KPA program and certification!
Samus
Samus is a Samoyed who is quite fearful of the world around her. She has taught me so much about supporting a fearful dog and has no doubt made me a better trainer. In true Sammy fashion, she enjoys woo-ing, chasing frogs and rabbits, and terrorizing her older brother.
Ahri
Ahri is a German Shepherd puppy who joined the pack to participate in dog sports! She is spunky and smart, and will be training in the sport of Schutzhund/IGP as well as others. A much more intense dog than my other two, she certainly keeps me on my toes. I can’t wait to see her reach her potential as she matures!
My approach
At Hungry Dog Training, we use a rewards-based approach, focusing on setting our dogs up to make the right choices rather than correcting them for making the wrong ones. This applies to the human end of the leash as well! You will never be shamed for your dog’s behavior. Instead, we’ll work together to teach you and your dog how to live harmoniously together.
I follow a simple formula when working with dogs
Meet the dog’s needs
Learning is inefficient or even impossible if a dog’s physical, mental, and emotional needs are not met. This may include increasing physical exercise or giving them appropriate outlets for natural dog behaviors, such as sniffing or chewing. A good training plan starts with addressing these needs.
Manage the environment
The more a dog practices an undesired behavior, the more often that behavior will occur. Prevention of unwanted behaviors needs to happen before replacing them with better ones. We let the dog make choices in training since that is how we teach them to make good decisions, but we need to make sure we set them up to make the correct choice, which is where management comes in.
Teach new behaviors
Learning theory tells us that reinforcement drives behavior. “What do you want your dog to do instead?” is the question we are interested in here. You can’t truly solve behavioral problems without replacing unwanted behaviors with more appropriate ones.
