About Being Companions

<h2>Positive reinforcement training built on species autonomy</h2>

<p>Being Companions describes itself as "humane and collaborative animal training." The method statement is specific: the business "uses science based, positive reinforcement methods that emphasize human/non human communication with respect to each species's autonomy and unique needs." It operates in Milwaukee and virtually.</p>

<h3>How sessions work</h3>

<p>Everything starts with a free 15-minute video or phone call to check fit – the site is careful to say that "no training information/plans will be conveyed" on that call, which is instead used to discuss positive reinforcement training, general concerns, pricing and next steps. One-on-one sessions are conducted in the client's home and customized to the individual training need; initial sessions run an hour and a half, with flexible virtual or in-person follow-ups. The first meeting covers the dog's history, the owner's specific goals and concerns, how positive reinforcement and marker training work, and coached practice teaching specific skills. Every private session includes a follow-up email with a detailed training plan written for that dog and owner, plus one follow-up email for questions and progress feedback.</p>

<h3>Trainer</h3>

<p>Sara Caron is named as the trainer and is described as "a School For The Dogs Certified Professional Trainer," having completed that school's "rigorous, 6 month long apprenticeship program focusing on the fundamentals of animal behavior and learning and practical dog training skills in 2021." She holds a BFA in Integrated Studio Arts and says she uses the observational skills from that training "to help dog guardians communicate compassionately with their dogs and to develop playful, curious, and collaborative relationships with them."</p>