Susan Mitchell, On The Mark Training Solutions

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Susan Mitchell, On The Mark Training Solutions

* Fear Free Certified Trainer *

Offering training and behavior consultation services for dogs & cats using humane, force-free and fear-free methods.

My name is Susan Mitchell and I am the trainer and behavior specialist at On The Mark Training Solutions. I work with dogs & cats who have fearful, anxious, or stress-related behaviors and also provide general training to solve problems like jumping, leash pulling or failure to comply with owner requests. If you have a newly adopted dog or cat, I can also help you get started on the right track fo

r a wonderful family companion. I have been training professionally for 7 years after completing an intensive, 6-month professional trainer’s program. Prior to that I was a “hobby” trainer for many years, helping to train and rehabilitate animals with shelter and rescue programs. I use positive reinforcement and other force-free training techniques as recommended by many national and international animal behavior organizations. These techniques are not only effective but stress-free and FUN for all! I would love to help your family with your training and behavior needs!

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919-818-2949

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My Story

My name is Susan Mitchell and I am the trainer at On The Mark Training Solutions. I’m a small town, country girl with a tremendous passion for animals and a farm full of them to show for it.

I offer training and behavior consultation services across the New River Valley of Virginia as well as LIVE virtual services for both local and non-local owners. My services include general manners training, resolution of common behavior problems, and behavior modification for more serious issues like anxiety, fearfulness, reactivity and aggression. I offer services for both dogs and cats and will be adding cooperative care training for horses in the future.

I completed my formal education through a 6 month, intensive trainer’s program with the prestigious Karen Pryor Academy in 2013. Before that I engaged in many years of self-study and gathered hands-on experience through 18 years of animal rescue and rehabilitation work. I also had the wonderful opportunity to mentor under another trainer for two years. I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology with an emphasis in behavior and a master’s degree in clinical social work. I’m as passionate about helping people as I am about helping animals and my work as a licensed therapist has given me the skills to do that. I’m forever expanding my knowledge of behavior and staying current on effective training protocols through professional courses and workshops that I complete annually.

My training methods are based on the use of positive reinforcement (aka reward-based training) and positive conditioning to change behavior. I never use tools or intentions which could frighten, cause discomfort, distress or pain, or intimidate an animal. I am a Fear Free Certified Trainer which holds me to a humane standard of practice. An animal’s physical and emotional welfare will always be at the center of everything I do.

Many people ask me why I use a positive reinforcement approach. My answer is simple: We have a CHOICE in what training approach we use, and I want the way I train my animals - and YOURS - to reflect a kind, compassionate, and trusting relationship with them. I couldn’t achieve that if I used a punishment (corrections) focused and force-based style of training. What's more, those methods just aren't necessary. Positive reinforcement training is a highly effective approach, supported by scientific research and recommended by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior and International Association of Animal Behavior.

The focus of positive reinforcement training and positive conditioning is on teaching new, more desirable behaviors to replace problem behaviors. These methods also help the animal cope more successfully with the environment, addressing the underlying issues (emotions) as well as the behavior we see. We use relationship building techniques and things your pet enjoys to achieve the behavioral goals. This training approach increases your pet’s motivation to change his/her behavior, promotes increased trust in you, facilitates a deeper connection between you and a BONUS - training is FUN FOR ALL.

I absolutely love that I can use such an amazing process to help families and their pets! Let me know if I can be of help to you! ~ Susan Mitchell, On The Mark Training Solutions