Service animal trainer teaches about dogs and cats and why they do what they do.

I'll start out by simply saying that Jamie Robinson is a great trainer and teacher. I started training my own dogs for obedience competitions in 1976. I've worked with a number of trainers and dog training clubs so I do have the experience to choose a dog trainer.

I have a traumatic brain injury, and as a result, I have brittle bones and walk with a cane. I've had seizures and I am very hard of hearing, because of the TBI. On top of it, I travel a lot for my work. The day came when my Dr suggested a service dog to help me, in several ways.

I interviewed a number of trainers before I found Jamie Robinson. You can find dog trainers all over; some are good, some OK, and some are incompetent. Training a service dog for a task is not the same as training a dog for obedience work. The human might literally have to trust their life to that dog. Every dog is different and the same training methods will not work with every dog. A so-so trainer isn't as big of a deal with basic obedience training; it IS a big deal to find a good one for a service dog.

I am an informed consumer, but it's still difficult to find a really good service dog trainer; there is a lot of fraud and mis-representation. There are the 'wanna-bes' that mean well, but do not have the skills. I knew what I wanted and what I didn't want. Jamie is a world renowned trainer with decades of experience, and well respected by her peers, yet she's down to earth. That means a lot to me.

It was important to me to be hands on with my dog, so I wanted to find an instructor that was experienced, knowledgable, patient and kind. Not just patient with the dog - patient with me. Training a dog often isn't nearly as hard as training the human! Humans often don't listen - and aren't consistent.

A lot of people think taking a dog to a class once a week, or leaving their dog with a trainer for a month means they don't have to do anything themselves and the dog comes out perfect. In the real world, that is "baloney." There's such a thing as an owner's responsibility. The trainer doesn't live with the dog; the owner does. you have to be consistent in keeping the dog sharp with the important skills.
So...you have to do your homework with your dog. I wanted a trainer who had homework that was useful and would build skills, AND that included things the dog would enjoy doing. That makes it so much easier for the owner. In my many interviews, I found only one who offered really good homework for clients and that was Jamie. Jamie's methods in and out of class set you and your dog up for success - and will help you to develop a deep bond between you are your dog.

I wanted an instructor who offered small classes with the possibility of an extra one now and then, if I was having a hard time. I'm embarrassed to say that sometimes I think I'm paying attention, but realize later that I've missed things.
I find it valuable to be able to watch other people ignore the trainer's instructions during training! LOL
I'm serious though. It's actually really helpful to watch others as they do their training; it's invaluable to be able to have an "A HA" moment and then realize what it was that she was trying to tell YOU.

I'm a lot better now at catching myself when I do things that confuse my dog - and it's thanks to Jamie's gentle prompting and correcting. Her classes are great. They're small enough so everyone gets attention. Jamie is beyond patient - she doesn't make people feel dumb when we don't listen. I've seen her repeat and explain things in the same patient voice literally hundreds of times with some people.

Dogs respond to Jamie in a way that always makes me smile. I'll never forget the first time I met her, sitting in on a puppy class to see how she handled them. There were crazy 8 week old pups of all sizes running around the room and Jamie just stood still in the middle. She would softly say something now and then when one would look her way. Within 5 minutes, or less, all of the puppies were quietly sitting at her feet. It was impressive and I wanted to know what she was doing. Jamie knows how to teach people so that they get that same response from their pup.

To sum it up, Jamie has a unique way of interacting with dogs. She offers her clients the chance to learn about how dogs think, how they learn, and how to keep up their training when you leave her class and are on your own. Her exercises might seem similar to others you've read about, but Jamie always has a twist to them that makes them work better. The extra bonus is that the dog enjoys doing them and sees all of it as Play.
It is a nice reward for the human to see how the bond builds, the dog and you both learn the tasks and are able to accomplish what you'd hoped to.
I recommend Jamie wholeheartedly, and without hesitation, and so does my incredibly well trained Service Dog, Sophie. :-)

Loretta

Jamie trained a service dog for my daughter who has a rare medical condition. Her dog has saved my daughter's life on more than one occasion and has reduced the number of hospitalizations she has had. Not only did she train her dog, but she also trained us humans to know how to recognize the dog's alerts and how to maintain her training through her training academy, video consults and phone contact. All of Jamie's training methods are positive and fun for the dog and for us! Every time we interact with Jamie, we learn something new. Highly recommend Jamie!!!

Loretta

Jamie trained a service dog for my daughter who has a rare medical condition. Her dog has saved my daughter's life on more than one occasion and has reduced the number of hospitalizations she has had. Not only did she train her dog, but she also trained us humans to know how to recognize the dog's alerts and how to maintain her training through her training academy, video consults and phone contact. All of Jamie's training methods are positive and fun for the dog and for us! Every time we interact with Jamie, we learn something new. Highly recommend Jamie!!!

Tina

Anytime I have asked a question I have received an immediate response. I have always been satisfied with our communications in any subject.

Tina

Anytime I have asked a question I have received an immediate response. I have always been satisfied with our communications in any subject.