About Method Dog Training

Science-minded training from Cedar Park

Method Dog Training is based in Cedar Park and works with dogs and owners across Northwest Austin, Cedar Park, Leander, Georgetown and the Austin metro area. Founder Joanna Elliott, who has an academic background in physics, cites over 15 years of hands-on experience with dogs of all breeds, ages and backgrounds, and describes her approach as science meets compassion.

How it works

Every case starts with a comprehensive evaluation of the dog's personality, family dynamics, training goals and the time the owners can commit, so that expectations are realistic. Sessions focus on reinforcing good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior, while teaching owners to be predictable leaders and giving dogs a clear understanding of boundaries and consequences. Plans adapt if a family's circumstances change. The first call is free.

Help offered

Services include pre-adoption advice on choosing a dog, first-time owner guidance, crate training, excessive barking, leash walking problems, jumping up, house training, fear and anxiety, and aggression toward dogs, animals or people. Joanna works closely with rescues, fosters and shelters.

What owners say

A foster volunteer wrote that with Joanna's help "positive behaviors were replacing the negative behaviors and it was amazing to see."