LORI HAMILTON'S DOG TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
Our trainers use balanced dog training teaching methods. We use both rewards and corrections to create a communication system between the dog and its owner. We find that all tools in a dog trainer’s toolbox have a purpose when used correctly. By not limiting ourselves to one approach or type of equipment, we open the doors to make training a positive, fair, and effective experience for each dog and its owner and to move the dog forward.
As balanced trainers, we start training new commands and behaviors with rewards (either food or a toy) to positively guide the dog in the right direction. Once the dog understands the command, we slowly add distractions to increase the level of discipline the dog has for that command. When we are sure that the dog understands what is being asked of him/her, we can then hold the dog accountable for disobeying a command. This is when a correction would be given. A correction can be a touch, a word, or a small pop of the leash.
“When done correctly, corrections allow us to create very clear information about what is and isn't allowed, and what should and shouldn't be done. Corrections not only enable us to reinforce practical obedience, but they also help us to influence and cultivate the proper state of mind and discourage the unhealthy state of mind” (O’Shea, The Good Dog)
Our goal is to cultivate the connection between the dog and its owner. By doing this we create well balanced dogs that owners are proud to take anywhere.
MEET THE STAFF
Lori is Pet First Aid and CPR Certified
Lori Hamilton
Owner & Head Trainer
Lori Hamilton, born and raised in Silicon Valley, over the last 12 years she has trained over 2000 dogs through individual and group training classes. Her methods effectively solve unwanted behaviors while making training fun and rewarding for both the owner and the dog.
Her specialties include but are not limited to:
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Dog/People Aggression
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Anxiety
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Obedience Training
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Any Breed - Any Size
Dog training begins by helping family members become the “Leader of the Pack.” Lori trains her dogs with the foundation of the “Pack Dog Theory.” According to this theory, dogs are born into a pack, and when they join your family they become part of “your” pack. In every pack there needs to be a leader—that leader needs to be you!
Lori’s training empowers her clients to incorporate their dog into everyday life. This includes correcting unwanted behaviors while teaching each dog to be an obedient and well–rounded member of the pack.
Amy Gist
Trainer
Amy joined the LHDT team in 2014, where she began developing her skills under Lori Hamilton as an apprentice.
Since 2015 Amy has worked on her own, training clients and their dogs. Amy enjoys helping her clients develop better communication with their dog, which, in turn, leads to effective training and amazing results.
Amy realizes that not all dogs learn the same way, which is why she customizes the training to accommodate every dog and their owner to ensure a great outcome. Her goal is to get your dog motivated and engaged so that training will be a fun, exciting, and satisfying experience.
Amy is Pet First Aid and CPR Certified
Moriah Silva
Trainer
Moriah has been working for LHDT since March of 2021. She has previously trained dogs for two years but has been working with dogs her whole life. Moriah graduated from CSU Chico with a Bachelors in animal science and has researched dog behavior for the last three years. Moriah strives to help clients achieve better communication between them and their dog, through learning to provide the guidance and engagement needed to create a well balanced dog. We are happy to have her on our LHDT Team!
Danyel Gabbert
Trainer
Danyel began training with LHDT in 2020, and prior to joining the team trained professionally for over 2 years. Danyel has extensive experience working with a variety of dogs of all different breeds and temperaments.
Danyel enjoys helping to empower owners to develop the skills they need to improve their relationship with their dogs. Allowing them to create a more confident, happy, well behaved dog they can enjoy taking anywhere. She is committed to seeing dogs and owners grow together and create the dog they always wanted.
Danyel has two rescue dogs of her own and is passionate about assisting owners with behavioral problems they feel overwhelmed with managing. Danyel’s diverse skills and experience allow her to adapt to each dog and owners specific training needs to help you achieve your goals. Danyel makes training fun, easy and enjoyable so you can spend more time with your dog and include them in all your families adventures.