Highland Canine Training is proud to announce the launch of a new dog training location in Poughkeepsie, NY. Antonia Morano, a certified Master Dog Trainer, will provide Highland Canine’s dog training programs to dog owners in Poughkeepsie and the surrounding areas.
This newest location for Highland Canine sits alongside recent new additions in Concord, NC and Denver, CO. Highland Canine currently operates over 20 dog training locations in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Antonia is a lifelong dog lover, and graduated from the 24-week Master Dog Trainer program at the School for Dog Trainers with distinction as an Honor Graduate and Shelter Ambassador. The Master Dog Trainer program teaches students about all facets of dog training, with a mixture of hands-on training and classroom theory.
We caught up with Antonia for a quick Q&A to understand more about her experiences with dogs growing up, learn about her dog training philosophy, and find out what clients can expect when they work with her.
Looking for a dog trainer in Poughkeepsie? Reach out to Antonia on (845) 616-6409 or email antonia@highlandcanine.com for more details!
Can you describe your experiences with dogs growing up? Tell us about any dogs you currently own and your favorite activities to take part in with them.
From a young age, I always loved and wanted to own dogs! I remember reading newspaper ads and scrolling Petfinder for hours looking at dogs, followed by incessantly begging my parents to get one of them. When I was 14 years old, my family adopted a one year old Labrador Retriever named Jill. She truly was the best dog I could have ever asked for. She laid the foundation for my interest in dog training as I taught her to walk nicely on a leash and other basic behaviors. I have not owned a dog since her passing, but that does not mean I’m not currently searching for “the one”.
Tell us a little bit about your dog training philosophy.
My dog training philosophy is to treat all dogs as individuals. What works for one dog may not work for the next. I believe that goes for dog owners as well! In dog training, I find it is beneficial to have a personality that compares to that of chameleons – changing based on the environment around me and adapting my training style to both the owner and the dog.
What was it like studying at the School for Dog Trainers? What inspired you to study there?
I was inspired to attend the School for Dog Trainers by a very successful alumni of the school. After years of tireless work in animal rescue, I was looking for a way to propel my career into dog training, and he was my guiding force to Highland Canine (thank you, Josh!). Studying at the School for Dog Trainers changed my life. All of my challenges, successes, and failures prepared me for what I would experience in the dog training field. I’d argue that the Master Dog Trainer program is the most comprehensive dog training learning experience out there. I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat and still learn something new!
Is there a particular aspect of dog training you find enjoyable, and why?
My favorite “aspect” of dog training is watching dogs find fulfillment and enjoyment in their “field” or niche of training. Whether it’s a search and rescue dog following odor to a lost person, a service dog assisting a disabled person to be more mobile, or your pet dog eagerly (and politely) going for their on-leash walks around the neighborhood, I find enjoyment in watching the dog in front of me enjoy their training and their life!
What can clients expect when they work with you?
Clients can expect a personalized experience tailored to their dog’s needs and their lifestyle. I want clients to know that, when they sign up with me, I am committed to their training program and we will be a team in making you and your dog’s lives easier.
What is the most challenging part of working as a professional dog trainer?
A very significant challenge of working as a professional dog trainer is when dog owners that are struggling with their dog’s behavior feel that surrendering the dog they love to a shelter is their first option. I saw first hand as an animal shelter employee how many dogs with trainable behaviors, like leash pulling and jumping, were surrendered when, in some cases, they did not have to be. My hope is that any owner feeling that they have reached a breaking point with their dog’s behavior reaches out for help.
What is the most rewarding part of working as a professional dog trainer?
The most rewarding part of being a dog trainer is seeing a dog that was previously feeling fearful or overstimulated shift into a calm mindset. Watching both the dog and owner conquer fears and flourish in environments they previously have not, on top of owners expressing to me how dog training has made their life easier, makes for an extremely fulfilling career.
Related posts
Helping An Adult Dog Adjust To A New Home
If you’re thinking of bringing an adult dog into your home, make sure you – and your new arrival – are prepared! Follow these tips to increase the chances of success.
How To Calm Your Dog During A Thunderstorm
A thunderstorm can be exhilarating for humans, yet terrifying for dogs. Find out how to manage your pup’s anxiety during a storm.
The Hard Truth: A Trainer’s Perspective On Behavioral Euthanasia
In this article, Elza Wydock – Instructor at the School for Dog Trainers, and a trainer with years of experience – writes about the heartbreak of behavioral euthanasia, and why it can sometimes be avoided.
You must be logged in to post a comment.