About Us
About Us
Aloha And Welcome!
I'm Rachael, Owner and Trainer of Dog's Choice LLC.
As a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, dog mum, dog foster, and former Behavior Manager at The Maui Humane Society, I am passionate about offering education, support, and understanding to dog parents who may be struggling with behavior issues or those who want to strengthen the bond between them and their dog.
We are after all two very different species who communicate in very different ways- it’s no wonder issues arise at some point in our relationship!
My job is to learn all about your dog, what you love about them, and what behaviors drive you crazy! I’ll teach you how to speak dog while creating a fun and easy-to-implement training plan that meets your needs and helps restore harmony to your home.
About Our Training Methods
What training methods do you use?
We adhere to Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) principles. We also fall under the “positive reinforcement-based” and “force-free” training categories and believe in using the same methods for humans as well as animals.
Does dog training method matter?
Yes. The difference in training methodology is the difference between the behavior getting better or worse, being resolved or suppressed to manifest itself later, and the difference in your dog's relationship with you. Saving you time, money, and hassle. Additionally, these methods also bring you and your dog closer together. It’s a win-win! For more information, see Dog Training Science Resources.
Do you guarantee results?
No, it is impossible and unethical to provide a 100% guarantee on future behavior. Several factors affecting behavior are beyond our control, including but not limited to prenatal environment, age, health, and genetics. A competent, ethical, and knowledgeable behavior professional should never guarantee results.
Ready to grow your dog communication skills, learn fun, confidence building training exercises and bring harmony to your home?
Our Promise
We’ll Care for Your Dog like they were Our Own.
TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
I use Science-Based Positive Reinforcement Training, as this is the most humane and effective method of training. (For more information on the scientific evidence, check out the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviors' position statement on Humane Training)
As a Fear Free Certified Professional, I am committed to alleviating fear, anxiety, and stress in pets. Learn more at fearfreepets.com
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS:
• Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training & Behavior Certification
• Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers-Knowledge Assessed
• Fear Free Certified Professional Trainer certification
• TAGTeach Level One certification
• The Pet Professional Guild Member, 2020
• Enrichment Master Class Graduate March 2023
• Pro Pet Hero First Aid and CPR for Pets
CONTINUING EDUCATION:
• Control Unleashed
• Cooperative Care – Grisha Stewart Dog School
• BAT 2.0 for Aggression, Frustration, & Fear
• Aggression in Dogs Conference, 2021, 2022
• International Dog Behavior Conference, 2020, 2021
• Clicker Expo Live 2023
• Click to Calm for Instructors- KPA 2023
• The Practice of Enrichment & Training for Pet Professionals Enhanced Mentorship Program 2023-24
“I would say that it’s not just about your dog's learning but you learn so much as well on how to be a better owner and how to be more understanding of your dog. My top three benefits from our training is having my dog leash trained, understanding my dog’s body language, and being able to keep my dog’s focus! ”
-Julianna D
Our Promise
We’ll Care for Your Dog like they were Our Own.
TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
I use Science-Based Positive Reinforcement Training, as this is the most humane and effective method of training. (For more information on the scientific evidence, check out the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviors' position statement on Humane Training)
As a Fear Free Certified Professional, I am committed to alleviating fear, anxiety, and stress in pets. Learn more at fearfreepets.com
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS:
•Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training & Behavior certification
• Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers-Knowledge Assessed
• Fear Free Certified Professional Trainer certification
• TAGTeach Level One certification
• The Pet Professional Guild Member, 2020
• Enrichment Master Class Graduate March 2023
• Pro Pet Hero First Aid and CPR for Pets
CONTINUING EDUCATION:
• Control Unleashed ‘Help for your distracted, anxious, reactive, or easily aroused dog.’
• Cooperative Care – Grisha Stewart Dog School
• BAT 2.0 for Aggression, Frustration, & Fear
• Aggression in Dogs Conference, 2021, 2022
• International Dog Behavior Conference, 2020, 2021
• Clicker Expo Live 2023
• Click to Calm for Instructors- KPA 2023
• The Practice of Enrichment & Training for Pet Professionals Enhanced Mentorship Program 2023-24
“I would say that it’s not just about your dog's learning but you learn so much as well on how to be a better owner and how to be more understanding of your dog. My top three benefits from our training is having my dog leash trained, understanding my dog’s body language, and being able to keep my dog’s focus! ”
-Julianna D
The Dog's Choice Guarantee
As a VSA Positive Reinforcement-based, Force-Free and Fear Free Certified Professional Trainer I guarantee to put your and your dog’s needs first. Training sessions are made flexible to account for your individual dog’s learning style and comfort level. They will always have choice in what is reinforcing and can opt in and out of activities. By giving your dog a voice in their training journey they will gain confidence and learn faster.
