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About
My Work
Through science-based positive reinforcement & holistic practices, I equip you with tools to teach new skills, meet your dog's needs, & effectively address unwanted behaviors. I'm here to help you find long-term solutions.
My Credentials
I am a proud graduate from Victoria Stilwell Academy & a VSA-Certified Dog Trainer. I have specialized training and certification in canine aggression from Michael Shikashio's program "Aggression in Dogs".
I am also a Fear-Free Certified Professional and I hold a Career Technical Education credential in Agriculture & Animal Science and a Bachelor's degree from California State University Northridge.
My Mission
I'm committed to guiding you on this transformative journey of building a positive relationship with your dog. Achieving long-term results requires consistency & effort. I'm here to provide expert support every step of the way.
Meet Your Trainer
Leah Bornstein
CDT-VSA & Fear-Free Certified Professional
My journey into the world of dog training isn't just a career choice; it's a calling that stems from a deep and abiding love for animals and their people.
Driven by my childhood passion with a desire to heal and transform relationships between dogs and their guardians, I received my dog training certification through Victoria Stilwell Academy (VSA), which emphasizes science-based, positive reinforcement (R+) training techniques. I also completed specialized training in canine aggression through Michael Shikashio's "Aggression in Dogs" program, enabling me to address complex behavioral issues. I am also a Fear-Free certified professional, trained to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in pets during veterinary visits and other care experiences.
Always a lifelong learner, I obtained a K-12 Career Technical Education credential in Animal Science. Channeling my passion for canine science, I pioneered a Humane Education program tailored for high school students and young adults aspiring to become positive reinforcement dog trainers.
With a focus on addressing the underlying needs and emotions driving your dog's behavior, I emphasize communication and understanding to enhance the bond between dogs and their guardians. I believe in consistency, patience, and a learning mindset to facilitate transformation in every dog-human team.
For me, the love of an animal is unmatched. During my downtime, you'll catch me snuggling with my two rescue pups, Tucker and Zoey, enjoying playtime with my three cats, Michael, Georgie, and Diva, and savoring quality moments with my mare, Sally Rose!
My Training Approach
I believe in a comprehensive and holistic approach to training that addresses every aspect of your dog's physical, emotional, and behavioral well-being. I work with you to uncover and address the root cause driving your dog's behavior, implementing management and prevention strategies to set you and your dog up for success. Each dog is unique, with their own personality, behavior traits, and life experiences. I work collaboratively with my clients to ensure each training plan is tailored to your unique needs. My training methods are rooted in force-free and positive reinforcement philosophies, ensuring a safe and stress-free learning environment. My mission is to empower you with the knowledge and tools to meet your dog's needs effectively, allowing them to be their authentic self while peacefully and safely coexisting in your human world. I understand the challenges you may face with your dog's behavior, and I know how exhausting it can be to try to do this alone. I am here to support you every step of the way.
Common Misconceptions of Positive Training
Reframing outdated belief systems goes a long way towards seeing long-term results & building a stronger bond with your dog!
MYTH #1:
Positive training doesn't work for all dogs & doesn't fix behavior.
Positive reinforcement is a versatile science-based approach that can truly transform the behavior of any dog, regardless of breed, age, temperament, or background. Dogs with behavior issues, such as fear, anxiety, or aggression, can especially benefit from positive techniques. By focusing on rewarding desired behaviors and encouraging skill-building, we build confidence and trust in your dog, helping them learn and thrive.
MYTH #2:
Positive training means you can't correct your dog's behavior.
The more important question to ask is HOW do we teach our dog what we want? Positive training is about encouraging and rewarding behaviors we want to see more of in our dogs. However, this doesn't mean that we never address unwanted behaviors. Instead, we use redirection techniques to guide our dogs towards more appropriate behaviors rather than resorting to punishment. Positive reinforcement emphasizes the use of methods that build trust and confidence between you and your dog. It's not just about the end result but about the process of getting there.
MYTH #3:
Positive methods are slow & ineffective compared to punishment-based training.
While punishment-based methods appear to work quickly, they often come with significant drawbacks. Techniques like yelling, physical corrections, & shock collars will temporarily suppress your dog's behavior but may also lead to fear, anxiety, and even aggression. These methods fail to address the underlying cause of behavior. Positive training uses techniques that meet your dog's needs. This approach rewards desired behaviors, encouraging your dog to repeat them. Although it may take longer initially, this creates lasting change without the negative effects of aversive methods.
MYTH #4:
Positive reinforcement training is permissive & lacks boundaries.
Positive reinforcement training is not about allowing dogs to do whatever they want. Instead, it's about proactively teaching them the behaviors you want to see by rewarding those behaviors. This approach includes setting clear rules and boundaries to prevent unwanted behaviors and using management techniques to set your dog up for success, teaching your dog what is expected of them in a positive and constructive way.
MYTH #5:
You need to use treats forever if you stick with positive methods.
Treats are a powerful tool in rewards-based training because they provide an immediate and tangible reward for your dog's good behavior. This is highly effective in helping your dog learn new behaviors quickly. The ultimate goal is to teach your pup to enjoy performing the desired behaviors, rather than relying solely on food rewards. So once your dog has learned a behavior, you can gradually reduce the frequency of treats and replace them with other rewards such as praise, toys, or access to activities they enjoy.
MYTH #6:
Using treats or rewards for training is bribery.
With bribery, the reward is given before the behavior to coerce a response. With positive training, rewards are given after the behavior is performed to communicate with your dog that they made a good choice. Dogs do what works, and they are often very food-motivated. If performing a certain behavior works to gain access to a high-value reward like a treat, your dog will repeat that behavior again. As the behavior becomes more established, treats can be phased out or used less frequently. Using treats in training is like earning a paycheck for going to work; it's a reward for a job well done.
Learn more about your dog's behaviors and how to address them!
Love from customers!
Contact Us:
💬 TEXT: (408) 882-1976
In-Person Service Counties:
Santa Clara, San Mateo, Alameda
We are located in:
Gilroy, CA
DISCLAIMER: Although behavior may be modified, the dog is never “cured”. A dog’s behavior is ultimately the responsibility of the owner. As a result of the changeability inherent in all behavior, I cannot offer a guarantee of an animal's future behavior.
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