<-- Available Jan. 10, 2003!  Check it Out!

Best Viewed with Internet Explorer!

Behavior Problems?  Find Out What to Do to Get Help!
 

 

 

 

Click Here to Find Out About DISCOUNTS

I am Brenda Rushman, and I am lovingly owned by 4 dogs: 2 St. Bernards, a German Shepherd/Sheltie mix named Rody, and a young black lab/Irish Setter mix named Popeye .  I hold certification as a Canine Behavior Theorist, Canine Behavior Counselor, and hold a Diploma in Canine Behavior.  I am currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Academy of Canine Behavioral Theory.  I've been working on both a regional and national level as a behavioral counselor for several years with dog-owners just like you, who wanted to learn a way to work with their dogs WITHOUT using punishment or harsh correction.  I've worked with great success using these totally positive methods, with literally hundreds of rescued dogs and their owners.  

I work with all behavior problems, and also teach companion-style obedience on a private basis, but I specialize in working with aggression problems, using positive reinforcement as the basis for all communications. 

So.... what are the methods I use?

My methods are based in positive reinforcement... using REWARDS to get and keep the behavior you want, and WITHHOLDING rewards and management to get rid of behavior that you DON'T want.  It's very simple, and HIGHLY effective!

These methods have NOTHING to do with choke collars, prong collars, or shock collars.  I do not use or condone the use of these tools.

Learn PAWSitive Solutions to training and behavior problems!  If you've held off signing up for classes because you don't want to hurt your dog -- even when the instructor tells you to do it -- then this is your chance to learn humane, effective, fun ways to work with your dog!  If you've used methods in the past that made you feel bad, it's not too late for you AND your dog to start enjoying the benefits of truly fun and effective training methods!

I teach owners to work with their dogs based in communication and cooperation... lessons are geared toward LIVING, rather than the obedience ring!  You'll learn practical, logical, results-oriented, humane ways to cope with your dog's behavior or teach him new behavior, without using punishment or correction!  What this means, is that if you contact me, you'll tell me what you believe the problem to be -- and we'll work together to achieve a compromise!  Contact me for information on availability!

PAWSitive Solutions focus is on eliminating unwanted behavior through management, redirection, or withholding reinforcement, and teaching new behaviors using those items that the dog loves!  Clients will not be encouraged to use punishing methods, and no punishment or correction will be tolerated.

Fees: My hourly rate for all dogs except those exhibiting human aggression is $40 per hour, with a discount of $10 per hour (25 per cent) if the animal is altered (spayed or neutered). Dogs exhibiting human aggression represent a greater personal risk, and necessitate a higher hourly fee ($65 per hourly session) – ALL AGGRESSION CASE DOGS MUST BE ALTERED!! A 10% to 15% discount is available to clients wishing to purchase "blocks" of sessions: 4, 8, or 12 sessions. These discounted sessions will be paid prior to commencement.  See also Long-Distance Consults.

Fees Schedule – Human Aggression excluded

# Sessions

Flat Amount (A/NA*)

% Discount

Amount Saved (A/NA)

Amount of Check (A/NA)

1-3

$ 30/$ 40 ph

0

0.00

$30/$40 ph session

4-7

$120/$160

10%

$12/$16

$108/$144 (4 sessions)

8-11

$240/$320

12%

$28.80/$38.40

$211.20/$281.60 (8 sessions)

12

$360/$480

15%

$54/$72

$306/$408

Fees Schedule – Human Aggression (See Aggression Note, Below!)

# Sessions

Flat Amount

% Discount

Amount Saved

Amount of Check

1-3

$ 65 ph

0

0.00

$65 ph session

4-7

$260

10%

$26

$234 (4 sessions)

8-11

$520

12%

$62.40

$457.60 (8 sessions)

12

$780

15%

$117

$663

*A/NA = Altered/Not Altered
Call me with questions or concerns at (740) 676-6115.

** within a 30-mile radius... outside of this radius, there is also a charge for travel ($10 for each 30 miles -- if you are 50 miles from me, the traveling charge is $10.  If you are 65 miles from me, the traveling charge is $20).  If you are more than 1 hour away, you must schedule and pay for a 2-hour minimum session... at more than 2 hours away, you must schedule and pay for a 3-hour minimum, plus traveling charges.  See Discounts!  You are also more than welcome to bring your dog to me!  Contact me for a listing of pet-friendly motels in my area.

Aggression Note: the aggression rate reflects several criteria: severity, personal risk, the dog's bite history, etc.  This rate is not written in stone... it is based in whether or not I feel intimidated by the dog.  This means that, while I may quote a rate of $65 per hour prior to the assessment session, I may change the rate to either $30 or $40 per hour, once I've met the dog.  It may also mean that, 6 weeks later, I'll reduce the rate... and, some owners' rates never get reduced (for many reasons... owner commitment is a BIG factor).

I recommend use of regular flat collars for small, young puppies, and Gentle Leader headcollars for use with older dogs and bigger pups.  These collars can be purchased either ahead of time, or the night of our first, for $16 each, from me.

I teach dog-owners how to work with their dogs in a way that allows them to learn a spirit of cooperation.  No matter how big your dog is, your relationship with him will thrive using these methods!

Brenda Rushman  (740) 676-6115 (leave message)
Brenda@PAWSitiveSolutions.net