WELCOME TO CANINE ETIQUETTE - the site built for dogs and their owners for the sake of good manners!
Hello - I am Cathy Lee-Stephens, CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL dog trainer and AKC approved evaluator. I am also a HOPE for Animals volunteer trainer, foster and rehabilitator. I am a native of South Louisiana and an avid dog lover. No one is as silly over their dogs as I am.
It has taken three years of hard work & training to achieve my knowledge and certification. I love sharing my knowledge & skills with you & your amazing dog!
As I worked with local shelters and pet owners I realized I wasn't the only dog lover that had no clue what to do with my dog. We aren't born knowing how to be a dog's master or "parent" but I can show you how!
I have worked with many different dog issues over my years of training from biting issues, agression, jumping, seperation anxiety, housetraining, getting a dog to adjust to a new home and many others. I will NEVER EVER give up on a dog but I will and have given up on owners who did not want to listen but most importantly didn't have a commitment to their dog. I look at my dogs and my clients dogs as a member of the family. If you don't want to spend time, love and energy with your dog -- may I ask why did you get a dog? Would you want someone in your life that didn't want to spend time with you, love you or show you a sense of value and worth?
My philosophy is dog training (as rearing children) begins at home. Dogs aren't self-taught. If they were everyone and every dog would be perfect and we would have no need for shelters--what a great thought. The reality is that we aren't born knowing what a dog needs just as a dog isn't born knowing how to be a human. It's two totally different worlds!
There are no perfect dogs and no prefect owners. I am not perfect, my dogs are not perfect but my dogs are trained, happy, socialized and we are a happy family where I am their leader.
I constantly bring dogs home from rescues and work with them on training, rehabilitation and work out issues to help these "rescue" dogs become wonderful family pets. When I bring a rescue into my home they immediately become part of my own pack and my dogs accept them as such. I don't give my dogs or the new rescue members a chance to decide if they want to get along--there is no choice--this isn't their decision to make, it's mine.
My training methods are positive reinforcement methods to have a win-win situation for the owner and dog. I have listed many success stories for you in the dog owners own words. I do have references if you desire to contact some of my clients. My motto is "A trained dog is a happy dog!" I have seen this with my own pack of seven dogs as well as others dogs. Not sure how to handle your dog's behavior or need some guidance? Please come on in.....the treats are fresh and plentiful!
