About Marie Smith
Certified Professonal
LIMA Compliant
Positive Reinforcement
No Shock Collars
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Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Marie Smith is a certified professional dog trainer in DuPage County, Illinois. She graduated from Karen Pryor Academy with a KPA-CTP. Marie also passed the CPDT-KA certification exam with Certification Council For Professional Dog Trainers. She is a member of APDT, Association of Professional Dog Trainers. And she is an American Kennel Club CGC Evaluator. She continues her education with frequent webinars, seminars, and conferences.
Positive Reinforcement
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Marie will not put a shock collar on your dog. Instead she will evaluate your dog's behavior with a keen eye on how the environment, social factors, and emotions are influencing your dog's actions. She will create a training plan for your dog that minimizes conflict and maximizes success.
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LIMA Compliant
Even if you don't choose to work with Marie, knowing what LIMA Compliant means will benefit your dog. L.I.M.A. is an acronym:
Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive. LIMA Compliant trainers will not punish your dog to change behavior. Instead they will focus on the dog's environment, physical health, emotional well being, and above all, fostering a trusting relationship between you and your dog.
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Positive reinforcement training doesn't mean waving a treat in front of your dog's nose. In fact, one phrase Marie's students tire of hearing is, "Empty hands, please." Positive reinforcement is a system of training that encourages the dog to try new things, build new skills, and make good choices. Marie believes that dog training is something we do with our dogs, not to our dogs. Through training we create a trusting partnership. The dog knows what to expect from you. And you know what to expect from your dog.
No Shock Collars
Does Positive Reinforcement Work?
YES!
Meet Marie Smith's Dog, Noelle
Type 1 Diabetes Alert Dog