About us

Theresa's love for dogs and passion for force-free handling of animals brought her on this journey. Her quest for knowledge and the science behind behaviors led her to the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training.  Karen Pryor Clicker Training is a leader in the field of animal training and in the science and application of marker-based positive reinforcement, or what is popularly called “clicker training."  Theresa graduated with distinction as a Certified Training Partner of the Karen Pryor Academy under the supervision of established dog trainer, Terry Ryan in the U.S. 

Credentials

KPA-CTP (Certified Training Partner of the Karen Pryor Academy), CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer),  Fear Free Certified Professional, Certified Control Unleashed Instructor, Puppy Start Right Instructor, Certified Canine First-Responder, B.Acc (1st class), NTU.

As a professional, we believe in keeping ourselves current and ensuring we are in touch with the latest developments in the field of animal training. Theresa continuously pursues scientific knowledge of animal behavior and is undergoing various courses with the Karen Pryor Academy, a Masterclass in Aggression with Michael Shikashio and Tellington TTouch to enhance trust between humans and animals.

Paws In The City was established with the aim of establishing a solid communication between owners and dogs so that they can enjoy the special relationship that exists only between humans and their animals. We also wish for all dogs to have the confidence needed to navigate this busy and sometimes scary city.

In our training sessions, we believe it's important for both dogs and owners to succeed. We either manage the environment or our training criteria so that the dog gets the opportunity to do the right thing, and get reinforced for it, and owners get reinforced when they see their dog succeed.

All dogs deserve great dog trainers.  KPA CTPs have demonstrated a high level of technical knowledge and hands-on skill both training canines and teaching people!  A KPA CTP is a trainer that you and your dogs can count on.

Every Certified Training Partner:

• Is skilled in positive teaching and training techniques to help you and your pet make training fun. 
• Is educated about using science and behavior-based methods to make training more efficient. 
• Can customize a training program specifically designed to help you and your pet communicate and succeed together. 
• Participates in programs for quality assurance and continuing education to ensure that the training you receive is based on modern research and technology. 
• Pledges to teach and train using force-free principles so that you and your dog develop a bond built on trust and respect. 

Clicker training is an animal training method based on behavioral psychology that relies on marking desirable behavior and rewarding it.

The desirable behavior is usually marked by using a clicker, a mechanical device that makes a "click" sound that tells the animal exactly when they're doing the right thing.

This clear form of communication, combined with positive reinforcement, is an effective, safe and humane way to teach any animal any behavior that it is physically and mentally capable of doing.