We take pride in our ability to adjust our training methods to best suit your dog.
We are balanced trainers. This means we find appropriate rewards and gentle corrections that honor your dog’s personality and desires, WITHOUT being harsh. Through techniques formulated to promote self-confidence and connection between dog and owner, we teach desired behavior with redirection, and give big rewards!
Our balanced training programs NEVER cause physical or emotional harm to the dog. We also keep in mind the idea that balanced training is not one size fits all. We choose tools, rewards, and techniques based on the dog’s needs, temperment and level of desired training. Our dogs form a positive association with tools we use, if they are needed, and receive positive reinforcement to enforce that healthy association through treats, toys and praise!
Our mission
We all want good dogs. We want to leave them alone at home without coming home to a mess. We want to have friends over without fear of jumping/biting/uncontrollable barking. We want to take walks and enjoy our best friends.
At Animal Training and Development, we understand. We believe that good dogs are products of good relationships, and we strive to help our humans understand that connection with their pup is their most valuable asset when teaching obedience. If you're willing to put in the the time and the work, your dog won't just learn the rules of the house, he'll become a contributing member of the household.
All our services begin with a private evaluation. Here, we can determine your dog’s individual “Dogality type”. Like people, dogs have distinct attributes that align them with one of five different root types of dogalities, similar to personalities in people. Based on the root dogality, we can give you special insight into the way your dog views the world and what types of training and activities best suits them. We’ll also discuss your training goals and guide you through our many options to help reach those goals. Finally, we will show you time-proven methods to help with common problems like jumping, digging, chewing, barking, housetraining and counter surfing.
Meet Mike Rowland
Mike Rowland, founder and owner, is a recognized trainer and expert in dog behavior and has been training dogs and their owners since 1988. Over the years he has trained over 18,000 dogs (and even some dingoes).
Mike is available for training and speaking engagements. To find out more about Mike and request his services, click here.
About Animal Training and Development
Animal Training and Development (AT&D) is a dog-training academy focusing on training humans and dogs from basic through advanced obedience, including Canine Good Citizenship. AT&D also is known for very advanced and specialized dog training.
Our services are sought out when dealing with problem dogs, behavioral issues, and aggression. We are recommended by area veterinarians. AT&D offers both group and private lessons. In addition to general obedience, AT&D’s advanced and specialized dog training includes Rally Obedience, Agility, Flyball, Dock Diving, Tracking, Canine Good Citizen training, Personal Protection Dog Training (training dogs to protect people), Therapy Dog Training, and Service Dog Training.
We also offer specialized classes and seminars including Occupational Dog Behavioral seminars for Rescue Groups, Animal Control, and Veterinarians (evaluating canine personalities and preventing dog bites) and Occupational Dog Bite Safety (preventing/avoiding dog bites).
We specialize in problem solving and placement testing, and offer Puppy to Placement Services (puppy selection, training and placement) and extensive Problem Behavior Solving services (includes aggression, digging, biting, jumping on furniture, and more).