About ROOT Dog Training

<h2>In-home private lessons only, fear-free and force-free</h2><p>ROOT Dog Training's home page is explicit about its format: "I do not offer any classes at all. I do only in-home and private sessions (lessons)." Sessions are described as taking place in a dog-friendly, positive training environment in your home, and the page states that punishment and aversive collars are not permitted in any of its sessions.</p><h3>Method</h3><p>The page describes the approach as positive reinforcement using operant and classical conditioning, carried out with a clicker, praise, food and fun, and says "We NEVER train with the use of force, fear, physical manipulation or corrective collars." The stated aim is to develop well-behaved companion dogs that are part of the family, and the page puts equal weight on training the owner alongside the dog.</p><h3>Who it is for</h3><p>The home page addresses puppies, teenage dogs, adult dogs, senior dogs and dogs with specific behavioral issues. For puppies it recommends starting as soon as the puppy comes home to take advantage of the critical socialization period, noting that nine weeks old is not too soon, and covers sit, down, come when called, settle and leave it. For older dogs it describes work on managing energy and exuberance by teaching calmness, focus and attention. The page also offers Canine Good Citizen testing for owners interested in emotional support or therapy dog work.</p><h3>The trainer</h3><p>The site names Jody Haas-Wolfson as owner and operator, and credits her as a Certified Dog Trainer CPDT-KA, a Certified Fear Free Professional (AAVSB), a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and Instructor, and a certified dog trauma specialist who works closely with the veterinarian community. It says she is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and serves on its Ethics committee, is an active member of CCPDT and PPG and serves on committees in all three organizations, and states "I have over 12 years of dog training experiences in many different situations." Her stated background includes a Master's in Teaching and a Master's in Education.</p>