Another factor that adds to the success of every training program we offer is the way they are custom tailored to your specific dog’s needs. At Wolfman’s Canines, we understand each dog is an individual and for this reason, each dog learns at a different pace. A rigorous schedule of daily interaction facilitates your dog’s motivation and learning process, and when combined with our professional dog trainer’s ability to listen to what you and your dog’s needs are, this is how a solid foundation is built. At Wolfman’s Canines, we choose the best methods for each dog in order to achieve a basic understanding of the principles of desired dog behaviors. We only have one expectation, and it is that you will put the same, if not more energy into the success of your dog than we do. With that being said, every dog will have individualized goals for their specific needs. These goals and targeted behaviors will be outlined in detail between you and the trainer prior to the start of your program. Although two dogs may have similar issues, their course of treatment might be significantly different. Our goal is to help facilitate a major quality of life improvement for both dogs and their owners.

We will go about this by always working at the speed of which the dog can handle. We never ask for more than we can replenish. We recharge the dogs with lots of positive reinforcement, stimulating socialization play sessions, and of course treats! We will start in the kiddie section of the pool with lots of floats and slowly work our way into the deep end.

Our lead canine behaviorist, Walter received education through the Dunbar Academy. The Dunbar Academy is a dog training program created by Dr. Ian Dunbar, a veterinarian, who received his doctorate in animal behavior & psychology at University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Dunbar researched the development of social hierarchies and aggression in domestic dogs. After he completed his certification and training, Walter apprenticed in 2021 under Kelly Dunbar (Co-founder of the Dunbar Academy).

Walter will apply these basic principles of dog behavior and psychology through relationship centered, science backed methods each day your dog is in his care. We are more interested in long term behavioral change and adaptations and less on short term, “easy fixes.” Our methods and techniques are always evidence and experience based. 

At Wolfman’s Canines, your dog will be shown a new way of life through a research supported process, also known as CLASSICAL CONDITIONING. Classical conditioning is a learning process that creates a conditioned response through associations between environmental triggers. We will create positive associations where negative triggers once existed, in order to create new pathways! Our consequences for undesired reactions or behaviors towards (like another dog or car going by) are simple redirections. Redirections are either done by simple leash redirections or lure away from the unwanted behaviors with food. By redirecting that energy, we can harness it into a wanted behavior, such as an automatic sit when you come home or completely ignoring the barking dog across the street. Turning a negative reaction into a neutral or positive response is what we are after! Research backed methods for longterm results!

Our training programs utilize tonal change, redirection, lures and rewards (FOOD, FUN & FREEDOM) to accomplish the training goals we set out to achieve with your dog. We NEVER use unreliable and inhumane e-collars, choke, prong collars, or leash snapping in any of our training programs. Our lead canine behaviorist is certified from the ADPT (Association for Professional Dog Training) and adheres to their LIMA (Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive) protocols.

At Wolfman’s Canines, we are ‘positive reinforcement dog trainers’ who use tonal change and redirection for unwanted behaviors along with treats and verbal praise for desired behaviors.

Yes! Walter Mott is our Lead Canine Behaviorist! Walter is a SIRIUS Accredited Dog Trainer through the ADPT (Association for Professional Dog Trainers), a member of the IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants) as well as an experienced AKC Certified Evaluator. Walter was educated at the Dunbar Academy, which advanced and expanded upon the positive reinforcement principles that he had already been practicing for over 15+ years with his own dogs

Another part of Walter’s journey to co-founding Wolfman’s Canines is his experience in working with wolves! In 2019, Walter worked as the Co-Director of Animal Care and Chief Engineer for a Non-Profit Wolf Rescue in the mountains of Colorado that doubled as a housing project for homeless veterans with PTSD. He was not only feeding and caring for 13 wolves, he was also building and maintaining the enclosures they were living in. This experience gave Walter a lot of insight into where dogs come from and how to differentiate canine body language and behavior!