I am a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) tested and certified by the
Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers endorsed by veterinarians, veterinary behaviorists and other animal care professionals.

 

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 companions use their relationship as an integral part of the training environment. 

My methods are mostly in the Positive Reinforcement category of training. I do not use and do discourage the use of overtly aversive training tools such as choke, pinch or shock collars or deliberate jerking etc..
We have all experienced the domineering individual who demanded your learning under threats, fear, dread, stress and pressure. 

 

When you were in school or among your family or friends, didn't  you learn best from those 'teachers' who were patient and understanding, that made learning fun?

Me too.

That person in your life was the ‘teacher’ you will always look back to with respect for understanding exactly how you learn.

Your pet is no different.

Dogs, like humans, learn best and easiest when the process is made smooth, interesting, stress free and enjoyable. 

This way the learner becomes 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 and my certification as a CPDT-KA, I am a professional member of several training, behavioral, presentation and continuing eduation organizations including. . .

  

If you are looking for a Philadelphia area dog trainer who applies gentle trainig methods to help you with your companion 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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Letter from Rachel & Jeff

 

Would you have ever have thought that blind dogs need training?  Well, we are proof that they do. 
We were the proud owners of two blind Pugs, Woody and Cassidy. 

Sadly, Cassidy crossed The Rainbow Bridge in December 2011. 

 Just because they could not see, believe us, they are normal dogs in every sense of the word. 

 

We adopted Cassidy in October 2008 and Woody in May 2009.  Cassidy was a blind puppy mill rescue.  Cassidy was a good girl.  Cassidy got around our home just fine. 
Our main problem was trying to get her to trust us to go down steps. 

 

With Larry's help, some treats and a lot of patients Cassidy conquered her fear of steps. 

In May of 2009 we adopted Woody.  Woody was an owner surrender. 
His previous owner had other bigger dogs in the house and they would pick on Woody and abuse him. 

 As a result of that abuse, Woody lost an eye and he is blind in the other. 

Now that Woody has the good life; he also had a few issues that we needed Larry's help with.

 

Whenever we took Woody out for a walk, he would pull a lot on his lead and he wouldn't listen to us. 
If he sensed another dog's presence, he would freak out.  The hairs on his neck would stand up. 

 Larry spent a lot of time with us and Woody.  He told us what to look for with signs that Woody is starting

to stress out.  Larry also gave us suggestions on how to get Woody's attention and how to get him to

listento us too.

 

Since Larry gave us the tools and knowledge; Cassidy had no problems going down steps and it’s a
pleasure to take Woody out for a walk.  Woody hardly ever stresses out when other dogs are in the same vicinity.  The other day Woody totally ignored a crazed barking dog outside and just went about his business.

 

If you are looking for an excellent dog trainer, look no further!! 
We would and have recommended Larry to anyone and everyone.

 

Rachel & Jeff

 

Woody & Cassidy

 

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Amy’s Letter;

 

I began working with Larry about 4 months ago when my 13 year old Poodle,

Mickey bit another dog.

 

After 13 years of being spoiled with love and affection, being the "King of the house" and calling the shots, I began to realize that by trying to just provide only love and affection,

I had neglected teach him how to socialize with other dogs and how to do things that were asked of him.

 

Larry was truly the best thing that happened to Mickey.

 

Larry is the most nonjudgmental, caring and gentle person!

He showed me how to provide positive reinforcement for Mickey when he was listening to me and how to provide Mickey with the guidance he needed to make him feel even more secure, loved and happy!

 

I was always so impressed with how invested Larry is in ensuring that Mickey was learning and that I was provide the training in the most effective way.

He was always available when I needed some extra encouragement throughout the week, developed a well thought out training plan and was always coming up with new and interesting ways for Mickey and I to bond over the training.

Thus, instead of the training being a punishment for Mickey, it was something he looked forward to and would always get excited to see Larry at the door! Larry was able to help me improve Mickey's behavior more in 4 months than I was able to do in 13 years!

 

I would highly recommend Larry without hesitation to anyone who is looking for a trainer who is caring, knowledgeable and truly invested in the wellbeing of your pet.

 

 

Amy C., Philadelphia, PA   

 

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Barbara's Letter

 

Larry was a tremendous help to us in training our spirited German Shepherd puppy.

We knew we needed to work out some behavior issues before the puppy grew into a large adult. 

 

Larry gave us concrete, workable solutions to problems that were frustrating us,

particularly nipping and mouthing. He has an expansive knowledge of dogs and training/literature that is truly impressive.

 

We highly recommend Larry and believe all new puppy owners would benefit from Larry's services.

 

 

Barbara, Philadelphia, PA

 

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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., Philadelphia, PA

 

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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 need help, and Larry was the dog 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 training 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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Frankie: Nap Time

 

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                                                                                                  DOG  SUPPORT

      

                      

                                                 PROFESSIONAL MEMBER  

                    

    

  Always, in all ways, all the best,
                           Larry     
                           CPDT #2091927