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Are you in need of professional dog training services in Scranton, PA? Look no further than Highland Canine Training! We offer a wide range of dog training programs to help build strong relationships between dogs and their owners. Whether you need help with basic obedience training, behavior modification, or training for service dogs, our team of experienced trainers is here to provide proven and trusted solutions. We specialize in working with all types of dogs, including those that are considered “hard to train” by other trainers. Our goal is to help you achieve your training goals and improve the bond between you and your furry friend. Contact Belinda today to learn more about how she can assist you!
Services Offered
Board And Train Programs
Highland Canine Training offers comprehensive board and train programs for dogs. This program involves your dog staying at the training facility for a period of time, typically a few weeks, where they will receive personalized training from the expert trainers. During this time, your dog will learn important obedience commands, behavior modification techniques, and any specific skills that you would like them to develop. The trainers will work closely with your dog and provide them with the necessary socialization and mental stimulation they need to thrive.
Private Lessons
If you prefer a more one-on-one approach to dog training, Highland Canine Training also offers private lessons. These personalized sessions are conducted in the comfort of your own home, allowing the trainer to address specific behavior issues and provide targeted training for your dog. The trainers will work closely with you and your dog to develop a training plan that fits your goals and lifestyle. Private lessons are a great option for owners who want individualized attention and guidance throughout the training process.
Behavior Modification
If your dog is displaying problematic behaviors, Highland Canine Training can help. They offer behavior modification programs that are tailored to address and correct these issues. The trainers have extensive experience in dealing with various behavior problems, such as aggression, separation anxiety, fearfulness, and more. They use positive reinforcement techniques to reshape your dog’s behavior and help them become a well-behaved and balanced companion. The behavior modification programs are designed to address the underlying causes of the problem behaviors and provide long-term solutions for lasting change.
In-Home Training
Highland Canine Training understands that some owners prefer the convenience of training their dogs in their own homes. That’s why they offer in-home training services. With this option, the trainer will come to your home and conduct the training sessions in the familiar environment of your dog. This allows for more personalized attention and the ability to work on specific issues that may be unique to your home environment. In-home training is a great option for busy owners who want the flexibility of scheduling training sessions at their convenience.
Group Classes
For those looking for a social training experience, Highland Canine Training offers group classes. These classes provide a fun and interactive environment for dogs and owners to learn together. The trainers will cover basic obedience commands, socialization skills, and address any behavior issues that may arise in the group setting. Group classes are a great way to expose your dog to different people and dogs, helping them become well-adjusted and well-behaved in various social situations. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for owners to connect with other dog lovers and share experiences.
Protection Dogs
Highland Canine Training specializes in training protection dogs. These highly skilled and specially trained dogs are trained to provide personal protection to their owners and their families. The trainers at Highland Canine Training have extensive experience in training protection dogs, and they take great care to ensure that the dogs are well-socialized, obedient, and have the right temperament for this important role. Whether you’re looking for a personal protection dog or want to train your dog in protection work, Highland Canine Training can provide the expertise and guidance you need.
Search and Rescue Dogs
Highland Canine Training is proud to offer training programs for search and rescue dogs. These dogs play a crucial role in locating missing persons and providing assistance in emergency situations. The trainers at Highland Canine Training have the knowledge and experience to train dogs in search and rescue techniques, scent detection, and obedience. They work closely with search and rescue organizations to provide highly trained and reliable dogs that can contribute to life-saving efforts. If you’re interested in training a search and rescue dog or need a trained search and rescue dog for your organization, Highland Canine Training can assist you.
Conservation Detection Dogs
Conservation detection dogs are trained to detect specific scents related to wildlife, plants, or other natural resources. They play a vital role in conservation efforts by assisting in locating and monitoring endangered species, invasive species, and disease detection. Highland Canine Training offers specialized training programs for conservation detection dogs, focusing on scent detection and obedience training. The trainers have expertise in training dogs to detect a wide range of scents and can tailor the training program to suit the specific needs of conservation organizations.
About Highland Canine Training
Company History
Highland Canine Training has a rich history in the field of dog training. The company was founded with the goal of providing high-quality training solutions for dogs and their owners. With a passion for helping dogs and a commitment to excellence, Highland Canine Training has grown into a reputable and trusted name in the industry. The company’s trainers have years of experience and expertise in various training methods and techniques, ensuring that they can effectively address any behavior or training issue.
Reputation and Expertise
Highland Canine Training has built a strong reputation for delivering exceptional dog training services. Their trainers are highly skilled and knowledgeable, with a deep understanding of dog behavior and training principles. They have successfully trained and rehabilitated countless dogs, including those that other trainers considered “hard to train.” The company’s commitment to positive reinforcement techniques and their focus on building a strong bond between dogs and their owners set them apart from other training providers. Their expertise and dedication have earned them the trust and respect of clients and industry professionals alike.
Types of Dogs Trained
Highland Canine Training works with all types of dogs, regardless of breed, age, or size. Whether you have a young puppy that needs basic obedience training or an older dog with behavior issues, their trainers can provide the necessary guidance and support. They have experience in training various breeds and temperaments, including working dogs, family pets, and service dogs. Regardless of your dog’s training needs or challenges, Highland Canine Training can develop a training program that is tailored to their individual needs and your specific goals.
Specialization in Hard-to-Train Dogs
One of the distinguishing factors of Highland Canine Training is their specialization in training dogs that are considered “hard to train” by other trainers. These are often dogs with challenging behavior issues, aggression problems, or complex training requirements. The trainers at Highland Canine Training have the knowledge and experience to work with these dogs and provide them with the training they need to overcome their challenges. They approach each dog’s training with patience, understanding, and a positive reinforcement approach, ensuring that even the most difficult dogs can achieve success.
Meet Belinda Tsakonas
Background and Experience
Belinda Tsakonas, a skilled and dedicated dog trainer, is a valued member of the Highland Canine Training team. Originally from New Jersey, Belinda moved to Scranton, PA at a young age and has lived there ever since. Her passion for dog training began at the age of 12 when she got her first dog named Tweak. She trained Tweak in basic obedience and later taught her tricks, sparking Belinda’s interest in the field.
Transition to Dog Training
In 2009, Belinda enlisted in the U.S. Marines as a Combat Engineer. After over seven years of active duty, including a deployment to Afghanistan in 2013/2014, Belinda was medically retired in 2018. As she contemplated her next career move, she began to think about how she could help fellow veterans and people with disabilities using her passion for dog training.
Belinda recognized the invaluable role that service dogs play in assisting individuals with disabilities. She got a German Shepherd puppy named Grace and started training her for service work. Unfortunately, Belinda’s injury worsened, forcing her to temporarily halt the training process.
Passion for Helping Veterans and People with Disabilities
With her injury stabilized, Belinda began searching for opportunities to learn more about dog training. Her research led her to the School for Dog Trainers in North Carolina. Belinda made the move, taking Grace with her, and completed the intensive 24-week Master Dog Trainer program at the school.
Belinda’s own experience with disabilities and her desire to help others motivated her to specialize in training service dogs. She understands the unique challenges that individuals with disabilities face and is passionate about providing them with highly trained and reliable service dogs.
Complete Training Program at School for Dog Trainers
Belinda’s time at the School for Dog Trainers was transformative. The comprehensive program equipped her with the knowledge and skills needed to train dogs effectively and address various behavior issues. Her experience included hands-on training, classroom instruction, and mentorship from experienced trainers.
After completing the program, Belinda started an internship with Highland Canine Training as a service dog and pet dog trainer. She gained valuable experience working with a diverse range of dogs and honed her training techniques under the guidance of experienced trainers. Belinda’s dedication and passion for her work set her apart and made her an asset to the team.
Belinda has since moved back to Scranton, PA, where she offers her professional dog training services to dog owners in the local area. Her unique perspective as a veteran and a person with a disability allows her to connect with her clients on a deeper level and provide them with the support they need.
Belinda says, “There is a real sense of accomplishment in teaching owners and service dog handlers how to communicate with their dog or service dog. I enjoy seeing the progress the dogs make, from day to day and week to week. Improving the bond between owners and their dogs is so important to me. Communication is absolutely key to a successful relationship between dogs and humans, and I enjoy seeing the difference I can make to a family’s life – and a dog’s life – through this. I’m excited to help dog owners in Scranton to achieve their goals. I truly believe that through consistent dog training, we can make life better for everyone.”
Dog Training Locations
Areas Served by Belinda
Belinda proudly serves the following areas in and around Scranton, PA:
- Scranton
- Wilkes-Barre
- Old Forge
- Taylor
- Moosic
- Throop
- Clarks Summit
- Dickson City
Belinda understands the importance of accessibility and aims to bring her training services to dog owners in these communities. By offering her services in these areas, she hopes to make professional dog training more convenient and accessible for local residents.
Free Evaluations
For dog owners who are interested in Belinda’s training services, free evaluations are available. These evaluations provide an opportunity for Belinda to assess your dog’s behavior, identify any specific training needs, and discuss your goals and expectations. The free evaluation is a valuable first step in developing a personalized training plan for your dog.
Dog Training Programs
Highland Canine Training offers a variety of dog training programs to cater to the needs and preferences of dog owners. These programs are designed to address different aspects of training and provide comprehensive solutions for a wide range of training goals.
Private Lessons & Behavior Modification
Private lessons and behavior modification programs are two key training options offered by Highland Canine Training. These programs provide personalized training tailored to your dog’s individual needs and behavior issues. Private lessons involve the trainer visiting your home on a weekly basis to work directly with you and your dog.
During these sessions, the trainer will assess your dog’s behavior, develop an action plan, and provide guidance and instruction to help you achieve your training goals. They will also teach you techniques and strategies to maintain the desired behaviors in the long term. Private lessons are ideal for dog owners who prefer individualized attention and a focused training approach.
Group Classes
Group classes are another popular training option at Highland Canine Training. These classes provide a social and interactive training experience for both dogs and their owners. In a group class setting, your dog will have the opportunity to interact with other dogs and learn valuable socialization skills.
The classes cover various aspects of obedience training and address common behavior issues that may arise in group settings. The curriculum includes basic and advanced obedience commands, foundational search and rescue skills, puppy classes, and more. Group classes are a great way to expose your dog to new environments, people, and dogs, fostering their adaptability and sociability.
Private Lessons & Behavior Modification
Overview
Highland Canine Training offers private lessons and behavior modification programs to address behavior issues and provide personalized training for your dog. These programs offer a tailored approach to training and focus on improving specific behaviors that may be causing problems or concerns.
In-Home Training Sessions
One of the key benefits of private lessons is that they are conducted in the comfort of your own home. This allows the trainer to observe your dog’s behavior in their familiar environment and address any specific issues that may be unique to your home. The trainer will come to your home once a week for the training sessions, providing one-on-one instruction and guidance.
In-home training sessions are ideal for dogs that may exhibit certain behaviors primarily in their home environment. The trainer will work closely with you and your dog to identify the root causes of the behavior issues and develop a training plan to address them effectively.
Developing an Action Plan
During the initial evaluation, the trainer will assess your dog’s behavior and discuss your training goals and expectations. Based on this evaluation, they will develop a personalized action plan that outlines the specific training techniques and strategies that will be employed to address the behavior issues.
The action plan will take into consideration your dog’s temperament, previous training experience, and any specific challenges or triggers that may contribute to the behavior problems. The trainer will discuss the action plan with you, ensuring that you have a clear understanding of the training process and the expected outcomes.
Importance of Owner Education
At Highland Canine Training, they believe that educating dog owners is a crucial aspect of successful training. During the private lessons, the trainer will not only focus on training the dog but also teach you, the owner, the necessary skills and techniques to maintain and enhance the training results.
By actively involving owners in the training process, Highland Canine Training aims to empower them to become effective leaders and communicators with their dogs. This emphasis on owner education ensures that the training results are sustainable and that owners have the confidence and knowledge to continue reinforcing the desired behaviors.
Guaranteed Training Programs
Highland Canine Training stands behind the effectiveness of their training programs and offers a guarantee on all of their training services. They are committed to helping you achieve the desired results with your dog and are confident in their ability to address behavior issues and provide effective training solutions.
The guarantee includes free follow-up training for the life of the dog, ensuring that you have ongoing support and guidance even after the initial training program is completed. This commitment to their clients’ satisfaction sets Highland Canine Training apart and reflects their dedication to providing exceptional training services.
Group Classes
Benefits of Group Classes
Group classes offer a range of benefits for both dogs and their owners. These classes provide a social and interactive environment where dogs can learn and practice valuable skills while interacting with other dogs and people.
One of the primary advantages of group classes is socialization. Dogs have the opportunity to meet and interact with dogs of different breeds, sizes, and temperaments. This exposure helps them become more comfortable and well-behaved in various social settings, reducing the likelihood of fear or aggression towards unfamiliar dogs in the future.
Group classes also provide a structured and controlled environment for training. The presence of other dogs and distractions helps dogs learn to focus and follow commands even in the presence of distractions. This can be particularly beneficial for dogs that struggle with obedience in situations with distractions or high levels of arousal.
Furthermore, group classes offer a sense of community and support for dog owners. It’s an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share a love for dogs and are going through similar training experiences. Owners can share their challenges, successes, and tips, creating a supportive network that can enhance the training journey.
Curriculum Offered
Highland Canine Training offers a comprehensive curriculum for their group classes. The curriculum covers fundamental obedience commands, such as sit, stay, down, come, and leash walking. These commands provide the foundation for good manners and communication between dogs and their owners.
In addition to basic obedience, the curriculum may include more advanced commands and skills based on the specific class. This could include advanced obedience, specialized search and rescue training, puppy classes, or other specialized training programs. The trainers will guide you through the curriculum, ensuring that both you and your dog progress at a suitable pace.
Class Schedule and Duration
Group classes typically run for six weeks, with one class per week. The duration of each class may vary, but generally, a class session lasts for around one hour. This provides sufficient time for training exercises, demonstration, and practice.
The classes are designed to be engaging and interactive, allowing for hands-on practice and reinforcement of the training concepts. The trainer will guide the group through each exercise, providing individual attention and addressing any questions or concerns that arise.
How to Sign Up
Signing up for group classes at Highland Canine Training is a straightforward process. You can contact Belinda directly to inquire about upcoming classes, availability, and registration details. Belinda will provide you with all the necessary information and guide you through the registration process.
Spaces in group classes may be limited, so it’s recommended to sign up early to secure your spot. The trainers at Highland Canine Training are committed to maintaining small class sizes to ensure personalized attention and an optimal learning environment for each participant.
Contact Belinda Tsakonas
Phone Number
For dog owners in Scranton and the surrounding areas who are interested in Belinda’s training services, she can be reached directly at (570) 677-0426. Feel free to call or text her with any inquiries or to schedule a free evaluation for your dog.
If you prefer to communicate via email, you can reach Belinda at belinda@highlandcanine.com. She will respond to your email promptly and provide you with the information you need.
Social Media Presence
Belinda also maintains an active presence on social media platforms, such as Instagram and Facebook. Her social media pages provide a glimpse into her training sessions, success stories, and training tips. Following her on social media is a great way to stay updated on her training services and connect with other dog owners in the community.
Contact Highland Canine Training
Phone Number
For general inquiries about Highland Canine Training or to speak with someone from their team, you can contact them at 1-866-200-2207. Their knowledgeable staff will be happy to assist you and answer any questions you may have.
If you prefer to communicate via email, you can reach out to Highland Canine Training at info@highlandcanine.com. They will respond to your email promptly and provide you with the information you need.
Address
Highland Canine Training’s main facility is located at 145 Foxfield Drive, Harmony, NC 28634. This is where their comprehensive training programs are conducted, including the School for Dog Trainers. If you have any specific inquiries or need to visit the facility for a scheduled appointment, please contact them in advance.
Business Hours
Highland Canine Training operates during the following business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8am – 5pm
- Saturday: 10am – 1pm
Their staff is available during these hours to assist with inquiries, scheduling, and any other needs you may have.
Mission and Vision of Highland Canine Training
Industry Standard
Highland Canine Training aims to set the global industry standard for dog training. They strive to offer the highest quality training programs, employing humane and motivational techniques. They continuously adapt their training methods to meet industry standards and stay updated with the latest research and techniques in dog training.
Focus on Police and Military Working Dogs
Highland Canine Training has a particular focus on training police and military working dogs. They recognize the crucial role that these dogs play in law enforcement and military operations and are committed to providing the highest level of training for these specialized dogs. Their trainers have extensive experience in working with these dogs and are dedicated to enhancing their skills and abilities.
Enhancing Lives of Individuals with Disabilities
Highland Canine Training is passionate about enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities through the training of service dogs. They understand the unique challenges that individuals with disabilities face and are dedicated to providing them with highly trained and reliable service dogs that can assist them with daily tasks and provide companionship.
Enriching Lives of Pet Owners
Highland Canine Training believes that responsible dog ownership is essential for a fulfilling and enriching relationship between dogs and their owners. They strive to provide pet owners with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to train and care for their dogs effectively. By strengthening the bond and communication between dogs and their owners, Highland Canine Training aims to enrich the lives of both.
Highland Canine Training is committed to their mission and vision, and their trainers work tirelessly to achieve these goals. Their dedication to excellence and their passion for helping dogs and their owners make them a trusted and reliable choice for dog training services. Whether you’re seeking basic obedience training, behavior modification, or specialized training, Highland Canine Training has the expertise and resources to help you and your dog succeed.
