Taking the Lead Dog Training

Taking the Lead Dog Training Certified Behavior Consultant & Professional Dog Trainer serving the Greater Philadelphia region
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It’s been a while since I introduced myself!I'm Dayna, a seasoned dog trainer with over 15 years of experience working w...
01/18/2025

It’s been a while since I introduced myself!
I'm Dayna, a seasoned dog trainer with over 15 years of experience working with dogs. As a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, I specialize in training methods that emphasize building strong relationships using reinforcement-based techniques.

I have worked with dogs of all ages, breeds, and temperaments including those with disabilities such as deafness, blindness, and mobility limitations. My boxer Charlotte, pictured here, is deaf!

Contact me to schedule your sessions for this winter! ❄️
Or share this with a friend that might need help with their pup. Virtual and in-person sessions are available.

Special thanks for these organizations and fellow trainers that trust me as a referral source for some of their clients (sorry if I forget anyone!):
Mostly Muttz Rescue
ACCT Philly
Familiar Hearts Animal Society
Harleysville Veterinary Hospital
Affinity Veterinary Center of Malvern
Hickory Veterinary and Specialty Hospital
Metropolitan Veterinary Associates
Peace, Love & Doggie Paws
Furry Elite
Providence Animal Center
Down to Earth Doglady
Phoenix Animal Rescue
Street Tails Animal Rescue
Kodi's Club Rescue
Dog Gone Good Dog Training
The Purrfect Pet Nanny
Bad B Dog Training
Chester County Canine and Critter Care

Photo: Mergliano Photography

01/13/2025

Mika is available for adoption at the Montgomery County SPCA - PA in Conshohocken. She loves training and is very smart! One of my go-to foundational exercises is to train this “name, touch, find it” sequence. This chain of cues can be useful in a TON of situations!

My pup Charlotte has had one medical issue after another recently. First it was her eye, then a cancerous mass, and most...
01/06/2025

My pup Charlotte has had one medical issue after another recently. First it was her eye, then a cancerous mass, and most recently a diagnosis of hypothyroidism. She’s on the mend but it’s been a whole lot of visits to the veterinarian!

If your dog isn’t comfortable at the vet, those visits can be stressful for everyone. Training can help improve their experience and I recommend working on:

Chin rest: in your hand, on your knee and on a chair. It helps stabilize their head for exams

Paw: allows the vet to more easily look at the sides and belly

Middle: gives the vet access to the back end of the dog while you stabilize your dogs head in between your legs

Muzzle restraint: every dog should feel at least somewhat comfortable wearing a muzzle. Some injuries and illnesses can be painful and dogs in pain are more likely to resort to biting during treatments.

Training is best done BEFORE your dog develops problems receiving veterinary care, but even if they have problems now, training can help! Reach out to schedule with me to improve your dogs behavior!

It is with a heavy heart that we remember the incredible Karen Pryor, a pioneering trainer and educator. Her groundbreak...
01/06/2025

It is with a heavy heart that we remember the incredible Karen Pryor, a pioneering trainer and educator. Her groundbreaking work has transformed the lives of countless people and animals alike. I am deeply grateful for her teachings, and both the animals and their humans will forever appreciate her commitment to kindness in training methods. Thank you, Karen, for your lasting impact!

Listen to a summary of her best book, Don’t Shoot the Dog, on my podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dog-training-book-club/id1694226430?i=1000618261695

As the end of 2024 closes in, I’m grateful to spend time with some homeless animals. May 2025 bring them the loving home...
12/31/2024

As the end of 2024 closes in, I’m grateful to spend time with some homeless animals. May 2025 bring them the loving homes they deserve!

Cheers to the New Year! 🥂

#2024 #2025

Today was a wonderful day for a training walk at  -
12/27/2024

Today was a wonderful day for a training walk at -

What’s your holiday eve plans with your pups? Post pics below!Char Char is all about the cuddles and Meisha is our tempo...
12/24/2024

What’s your holiday eve plans with your pups? Post pics below!

Char Char is all about the cuddles and Meisha is our temporary house guest from ACCT Philly, who’s happy as can be chewing on a bully stick as we speak!

🐾💙🤍❤️💚🐾💙🤍❤️💚🐾

Feed for position.In dog training, “mark for behavior, feed for position” means that you use a verbal or clicker marker ...
12/24/2024

Feed for position.

In dog training, “mark for behavior, feed for position” means that you use a verbal or clicker marker (like “yes” or a click) to signal the exact moment a dog performs a desired behavior, but then strategically place the treat reward where you want the dog to physically position themselves to maintain that behavior, essentially guiding their body placement through the reward delivery.

Want your dog to walk next to your more, in that lovely heel position, not too far ahead or too far behind? Then make sure to feed your dog generously when they are in that desired location!

What did you do on this snowy December day? I got to work with some of the amazing dogs at the  in Conshohocken. They al...
12/21/2024

What did you do on this snowy December day? I got to work with some of the amazing dogs at the in Conshohocken. They all loved the snow, especially Tooter the Husky 💙🤍❄️

Training should be fun! Hanging at the Home Depot to practice loose leash walking, responding to cues like sit  and stay...
12/18/2024

Training should be fun! Hanging at the Home Depot to practice loose leash walking, responding to cues like sit and stay at the end of an isle and meeting new people and not jumping on them was the on agenda for Bentley last night.

We did it! Bentley’s “leave it” is going great! This is HARD for him to do, so you bet he got tons and tons of treats an...
12/13/2024

We did it! Bentley’s “leave it” is going great! This is HARD for him to do, so you bet he got tons and tons of treats and a fun game of tug for showing so much restraint.

Bentley is back for another week of training and his “leave it” is starting off great! We should get the rest of his nam...
12/10/2024

Bentley is back for another week of training and his “leave it” is starting off great! We should get the rest of his name spelled out by weeks end.

12/07/2024

Charlotte tried, tested and approved!

Buy this awesome electronic treat dispenser!
https://amzn.to/4gqZwxH

It's Cyber Monday! On sale today: Lightweight Cropped Hoodie "I Like People Who Like Dogs"On sale today only!
12/02/2024

It's Cyber Monday! On sale today: Lightweight Cropped Hoodie "I Like People Who Like Dogs"

On sale today only!

Buy merchandise from I LIKE PEOPLE WHO LIKE DOGS, SHIRTS. Featuring Black Women's Relaxed V-Neck Tees, professionally printed in the USA.

🐾✨ Training Your Older Dog: Why It’s Never Too Late! ✨🐾Did you know that training isn’t just for puppies? Older dogs can...
11/24/2024

🐾✨ Training Your Older Dog: Why It’s Never Too Late! ✨🐾

Did you know that training isn’t just for puppies? Older dogs can also benefit immensely from learning new things too! 🐶❤️ Here are a few reasons why training your senior pup is not only beneficial but also a rewarding experience:

1️⃣ **Mental Stimulation:** Just like us, dogs thrive on mental challenges. Training keeps their minds sharp and engaged, helping to prevent cognitive decline.

2️⃣ **Strengthens Bonds:** Spending time training your dog deepens your bond. It fosters trust and communication.

3️⃣ **Improves Behavior:** Training can help mitigate age-related behavioral problems. Teaching cues like “watch me” or “stay” can enhance safety and calmness.

4️⃣ **Keeps Them Active:** Training sessions encourage physical activity, which is crucial for maintaining mobility and overall health in older dogs.

5️⃣ **Boosts Confidence:** Learning new skills can boost your dog’s confidence, making them feel accomplished and secure in their environment.

Remember, patience is key, and always use positive reinforcement! 🥰 Whether it’s refreshing old tricks or introducing new tricks, every moment spent in training is a step toward a happier, healthier pup. ❤️🐕

Welcome back to Abby!
11/23/2024

Welcome back to Abby!

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Norristown, PA
19403

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