About Anthony

My Approach

My approach is simple: I train dogs the way I train my own dog. In particular, I believe in taking a kind and compassionate approach when training and modifying behavior, using positive reinforcement based methods and following a LIMA approach (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive).

Positive reinforcement means reinforcing your dog for doing the right behavior. When a behavior is reinforced, it is likely to be repeated. Reinforcement can be in the form of treats, praise, toys etc. Through practice and consistency, the goal is to get your dog to respond to cues with little to no food.

I embrace this method of dog training because, more than anything else, we need to be our dog’s teacher and guide in life. Whether training or modifying behavior, our goal should be to teach, manage, and guide our dogs so that we can prevent and/or resolve issues. Teachers and guides do this by teaching skills, setting rules and boundaries using clear and consistent training.

Training and living with your dog should be a fun and enjoyable experience that forges a strong relationship between the both of you.

My Education

I am a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), a high-level industry-leading behavior certification. I am also an Accredited Dog Trainer (ADT) by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). I attended the Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training & Behavior. 

As I became fascinated with behavior modification, specifically working with aggressive and reactive behavior, I have had the opportunity to learn from some of the top behavior professionals in the industry today. Over the past few years I have been a student of renowned aggression expert, Micheal Shikashio, CDBC. I am also a student of renowned Applied Ethologist and behavior expert, Kim Brophey, CDBC who continues to challenge me and teach me. I got my start in behavior modification from my friend and mentor, Viviane Arzoumanian, CDBC, CPDT who pushed me to continue learning and exploring all I could about dog behavior.

I enjoy continuing my education in training and behavior modification. Currently, I have obtained seven professional certifications as a result of my dedication to helping dogs and their people.

Learn more about my certifications here.

I worked with Gerber in the shelter that I volunteered with for a year before adopting him. Gerber was known as my “love at fifth sight dog” because it took me five times of working with him before I started to actually like him! I still laugh at how I wanted nothing to do with him because he was so difficult. Then one day it became “love at fifth sight”. I saw how so many people didn’t like him and how judgmental and impatient they were with him. It made me think back to when I was in school and I struggled to learn and process the information being taught to me. Some people gave up, while others like my parents and some special teachers helped me become successful. I made it a point to visit Gerber and help him every day after work. Over time a special relationship was created. Then when I purchased my home I immediately adopted him and provided him with the home he deserved.

Gerber was not an easy dog to live with. He was my absolute pride and joy, but I learned how owning a dog with severe behavior issues takes a toll on a person and puts limitations on one’s life. When you think about it, living with a dog who has behavior issues is one of the most difficult things, especially when you love them. This is because as their owner we are responsible for helping them, teaching them and protecting them. We are responsible for their success. Whereas people, by comparison, are easy in retrospect because one can always reason with them, talk to them, and ultimately one has to allow a person to make their own decisions. This is not the case with dogs, unfortunately.

Gerber was a severe global resource guarder to the point where it seemed compulsive. He was protective of our home and of me. He was extremely reactive on-leash towards dogs and sometimes people. He was also very predatory towards animals, including dogs and even towards people in certain situations.

Gerber taught me so much as a trainer and a behavior consultant. I use much of what I learned from him in my work today. Gerber pushed me to get out and immerse myself in taking many continuing education courses and certifications in behavior and aggression, which has become my interest and specialty. I am so grateful for the journey Gerber took me on and all the wonderful gifts he gave me. My work with Gerber inspires me and motivates me every single day and as a result, I honor him with the work that I do.