Training and Behavior Support
Helping you and your pet overcome challenges and build a stronger relationship.
Whether your dog or cat is a foster or adopted, the OPH Training Team is here to help with issues big and small.
Meet the OPH Training Team
Lisa
An experienced Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) with her own training business and shelter and rescue experience.
Francine
An experienced Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KSA) with her own training business and shelter and rescue experience.
Our training help is always at no charge and can be in the form of email, calls, or video conferencing. Since Covid, many trainers have started training “remotely”, and it can be very effective. We can address most problems, and you can contact us as often as needed. If in-person training is required, we can send you down the right path for it!
Positive Reinforcement Training
We want every adopted and foster dog and cat to succeed in their new home, and how we train matters. OPH encourages and supports positive reinforcement training, which teaches dogs what we want them to do and rewards those behaviors with things they value, such as treats, praise, affection, or play.
Why reward-based training?
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It makes desirable behaviors more likely to happen again.
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It encourages cooperation between dogs and their people.
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It allows dogs to learn without fear of making mistakes.
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It can be used for everyday skills as well as more serious behavior concerns.
Positive reinforcement is supported by veterinary and professional animal-behavior organizations, including the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, Association of Professional Dog Trainers, International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, and Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.
What we don't recommend
OPH does not recommend training approaches that rely on fear, pain, intimidation, or physical punishment, including shock/e-collars, prong or choke collars, leash corrections, physical force, or yelling. Research has associated aversive methods with increased stress, anxiety, avoidance, fear, and aggression.
Our goal isn't simply a well-trained pet. It's a pet who learns successfully, feels safe, and develops a trusting relationship with the people who love them.
Trusted Trainers, Behavior Experts, & Authors
With so much dog training advice available online, it can be difficult to know which sources to trust. Just as choosing the right trainer matters, it’s important to look for books, videos, and educational resources that are grounded in positive, reward-based training methods.
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) advises against trainers and behavior consultants who rely on dominance theories or confrontational training methods. Leading professional organizations, including APDT, CCPDT, IAABC, and the Pet Professional Guild, also support positive reinforcement approaches.
For reliable information on dog training and behavior, the OPH Training Team recommends resources from:
When exploring books, videos, or online training advice, look for resources that focus on teaching desired behaviors, rewarding success, building trust, and supporting your dog’s emotional well-being.