Los Angeles Dog Trainer, Cora Wittekind
Before starting her own training business (Prestigious Pooch) in 2012, Cora (CPDT-KA, FDM) worked in dog boarding/daycare facilities (in Washington first, then Southern California ) for over 8 years developing training programs to best suit dogs in that environment as well as providing one on one training to clients and their dogs in their homes. She volunteered with Alliance of Therapy dogs for 11 years as a member with her beloved chow mix Alice, as well as a Tester /Observer. She is a member of APTD, PPG and is a Family Dog Mediator (through Kim Brophey’s L.E.G.S. course). Cora lives an hour and a half north of Los Angeles in the Los Padres National Forest with her husband, Sim Williams (also a FDM trainer!) and their two dogs (Sadie and Rodney), and a few pet snakes.
Certifications: Certified trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, FDM (Family Dog Mediator),Member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG)
More info about service provided: We work directly with the owners and their dogs to try to get to the root of any behavioral “issue” that they’re experiencing. Once we have a better understanding of what is causing a behavior to occur, we will have a better chance of helping them with reaching their training goals. This includes reactivity (towards people, dogs, sounds etc.), anxiety, aggression, hyperactivity and any other behavior that the owner finds troublesome.
Behavioral issue focus: We prefer to arrange a short phone consult prior to meeting in person to discuss what the client is hoping to achieve with their dog, then set up an in home consultation with the client. We will then discuss each family members experience/relationship with their dog while observing their dog’s behavior and their personal interactions. We will then discuss theory of dog behavior in a relatable and understandable manner before developing a customized plan to help them reach their goals. R+, fun, reward based training for the whole family!
Training methods: We prefer to arrange a short phone consult prior to meeting in person to discuss what the client is hoping to achieve with their dog, then set up an in home consultation with the client. We will then discuss each family members experience/relationship with their dog while observing their dog’s behavior and their personal interactions. We will then discuss theory of dog behavior in a relatable and understandable manner before developing a customized plan to help them reach their goals. R+, fun, reward based training for the whole family!
Why I became a dog trainer: Cora has over 20 years of professional dog training experience, but a LIFETIME of animal experience.Growing up in rural Washington State, her family was active in wildlife rehabilitation and took in many raccoons, squirrels, and deer. Having a mother that was a Vet Tech, they would take in stray and unwanted dogs as well and work to prepare them for their new forever homes. It was through this experience that Cora found her passion for dog rescue/behavior and learned the importance of educating owners on how to build lasting relationships with their dogs based on trust and mutual respect. Which can be achieved by helping owners gain a deeper understanding of who their dog is and fulfilling their individual needs.
My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Sharing my experience and education with owners (and just about anyone else who will listen!) to better understand their dogs and the importance of fulfilling their individual needs in order to build a rewarding, lifelong relationship.
My #1 dog training tip: Ask yourself, “Why could my dog be displaying this behavior?” rather than, “How do we FIX this behavior?” This will help to gain a better understanding of what the dog is personally experiencing; the displayed behavior could just be a symptom of something much deeper. (Thanks Kim Brophey!)
Los Angeles Dog Trainer, Sim Williams
Before joining Prestigious Pooch in 2017, Sim Williams (FDM) had previously worked with exotic animals for over a decade in his hometown of Portsmouth in the UK. It was during this time that he had gained an extensive knowledge and insight into the welfare & behaviour of animals.
His journey into dog training started in 2016 and he has continued to build loyal & trusting clientele ever since. During this time, Sim has worked with a wide variety of dog breeds. He has helped to guide them and their owners through whatever behavioral issues that they may be faced with, all the while keeping training sessions fun, safe and judgement free.
It’s because of this extensive, firsthand experience with both private clients and board & train dogs that he is able to understand what it truly takes to be successful with behavior modification. Whether its reactivity, anxiety, “aggression” or any of the other emotional responses that come with the extremely complex canine mind, Sim understands that building initial trust is intergerial to long term success.
Throughout his journey, he has continued to regularly attend dog training and behaviour seminars and courses both physically and digitally and officially became a Family Dog Mediator in January of 2023.
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