My interest and experience in helping people as a crisis intervention worker and adult education trainer has blended well with my interest in helping dogs and their owners use their relationship as an integral part of the training environment.
Always, in my nature, relating well to dogs and people, my personal and principal interests are in using the Owner/Dog companion relationship as an integral part of the training environment.
I do not use and do discourage the use of overtly aversive training tools such as choke, pinch or shock collars.
My methods are mostly in the Positive Reinforcement category of training.
When you were in school or among your family or friends, did you learn
best from those who were patient and understanding, that made learning fun?
Me too.
And your pet is no different. Dogs, like humans, learn best and easiest when
the process is made smooth, interesting, stress free and enjoyable.
That person in your life was the ‘teacher’ you will always look back to with
respect for understanding exactly how you learn.
We have all experienced the domineering individual who demanded your
learning under threats, fear, dread, stress and pressure. The best and easiest
way to learn is when the process is made smooth, interesting and enjoyable.
This way you become a sponge for learning. These understanding, patient,
consistent, and low stress methods are experienced no different for your
beloved pet dog’s learning process than it is for yours.
These are the methods I use when training with you and your pet.
What my clients have to say, shown below, reflect the positive results of my methods.
In addition to my ABC certification I also earned my Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and am a professional member of several organizations including. . .
Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers - CCPDT
Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed - CPDT-KA
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, Support: Dog Member
Animal Behavioral College - Honor Alumni - ABCDT
Truly Dog-Friendly Trainers
Association of Pet Dog Trainers - Professional Member - APDT
Animal Behavior Resources Institute Inc. -Behavior Educational Network, PRO
Association of Animal Behavior Professionals - Professional Dog Trainer
Numerous other animal learning, support, and shelter organizations
I am referred by veterinarians, clients, and pet businesses.
If you are looking for a Philadelphia area dog trainer who applies gentle trainig methods to help you with your pet dog, please review my web site, complete and submit your information on my contact page.
What my clients have to say
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Annmarie's Letter;
We adopted Lola in December, a Jack Russell terrier, approximately 2 yrs old, the only history we had on her is that she was a "puppy-mill" dog. Lola is all white and her four legs were stained yellow apparently from her previous living conditions., just one of many physical problems we discovered shortly after bringing her home.
I searched for the best dog trainer available since we did not know what type of behavioral problems we potentially could be facing.
An avid dog lover, I successfully raised two beautiful Doberman Pincers and worked with several dog trainers in the past, without a doubt Larry Stevenson is THE best trainer in the Philadelphia area. He was highly effective in creating a strong relationship between our family and our newly adopted dog, Lola.
He uses fun, positive methods, that are easy to learn and gave us very quick results.
Larry accomplished in one session what other dog trainers in the past took 3 or 4 sessions to complete. You get your moneys worth with Larry Stevenson, he is the real deal. Any negative behavior we see with Lola is directly related to our lack of follow through with Larry's advice.
We were amazed at how quickly we were able to train Lola and it has been 6 months since we hired Larry and we have had no problems with her. Lola is the absolute coolest dog on the planet, and we are so thankful to Larry for making her transition into our home smooth and easy.
Annmarie, Conshohocken, PA
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Christine's Letter,
Larry,
Kevin and I want thank you for everything you have done to help us.
With the experience we suffered with having to lose Roxie, our American Bulldog,
I was unsure about getting another dog, needless to say, didn’t plan on getting two!
We honestly believe that having you come in and not only help train the puppies,
but also teach us how to react, praise and train them has made the world of difference.
Zook (Jack Russell Terrier) and Max (Jack Russell/Pomeranian Mix) are two fun, loving,
well behaved puppies. But more importantly, there are no negative actions or reactions.
Your positive methods of training (dogs and owners!) has made this process of raising
two puppies so much fun for all of us.
Whenever someone comments on how great the puppies are we are always quick
to tell them about Larry Stevenson!
Sincerely,
Kevin and Christine G.
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Dorothy's Letter,
Before I bacame a pet parent, I knew of Larry Stevenson when I saw his card at Worldwide Aquarium. The words, "Gentle Approach Dog Training". impressed me.
A short time later and not prepared, I rescued a Four year old boxer, named Zoey.I knew I needd help, and Larry was the dof trainer I was looking for in order to help my dog adjust. Larry is teaching Zoey and me to relate through patience, love and positive dicipline. When I have concerns about Zoey, Larry is a phone call away, and this is a plus for me.
Sincerely,
Dorothy P. , Philadelphia, PA
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Kevin M.'s Letter,
Dear Larry,
I want to thank you for helping my mother out. When she bought her dog on an impulse and then came to a quick impasse, I was glad you were there to assist her. She hadn't had a dog for at least Thirty years and was never involved with any house training, etc. . . I knew she needed help. More than lay the ground work for trainiing you were able to give her encouragement. Like you told me, it is equal portions, the owner and the dog. You definitely put her on the right track and you can see the improvements after she contacted you. Your thoroughness can not be duplicated and you put her at ease with herself.
Thanks,
Kevin M., West Chester, PA
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SUPPORT
All the best,
Larry
CPDT #2091927
Gentle Approach Dog Training LLC
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