Got Questions?

Answer these questions before you hire a dog trainer. Training helps to keep your dog safe, helps him/her cope with stress and builds trust for a strong bond.

The dog training industry is unregulated. This means that anyone can claim to be a professional dog trainer or even worse a behaviorist, pet expert, or dog whisperer.

Fortunately, we now have scientifically proven methods for training a dog and certifications or memberships to help you choose the best trainer for you and your family.

What education and experience does the trainer have?

What professional certifications or memberships do they have?

What training methods and philosophy do they use?

What types of dogs does the trainer work with?

Does the trainer make learning fun?

Our philosophy is to create an environment for your success, build confidence and communication that includes the latest fear free and scientifically based methods (positive reinforcement). We believe in rewarding the good behaviors and preventing the unwanted (bad) behaviors through consistency, clear communication, supervision, management, and fun. We will teach you these simple methods so that you can teach your dog successfully. Furthermore, we follow the LIMA protocol with each of our clients.

Denae Gemmrig has at least 6 years experience in dog training. She started out working with Petsmart and earning her dog training certification through Petsmart's program. Denae quickly soaked up recommended reading from other positive reinforcement dog trainers. She earned her certificate at CCPDT, became an evaluator for the AKC CGC and former professional member at APDT. She continues to educate herself on the latest techniques and methods from scientific and proven sources. Denae has worked with hundreds of satisfied clients in basic, obedience, therapy and tricks.

At Crazy Daisy Dog Training we pride ourselves on our professional and educated experience. We have teamed up with associations that advocate humane, ethical training methods. Crazy Daisy Dog Training, Denae Gemmrig, is a former member of The Association of Professional Dog Trainers. Although we are a former member of this association we still adhere to a code of ethics and keep up on the latest scientific training methods. In addition, Denae is certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and an evaluator for AKC Canine Good Citizen.

Denae loves working with companion dogs from 10 weeks old and older, small and large dogs, and all breeds without a bite history. She finds a great deal of satisfaction with fear, insecurity and reactive cases. Check out Crazy Daisy's story here. Disabled handlers or disabled dogs are also an additional favorite of hers. Whether you want to overcome unwanted behaviors inside the home, train for the Canine Good Citizen or work in therapy, Denae can assist you with your goals.

A professional dog trainer will help you pick a reinforcement for you and your dog based on what best motivates your dog within the environment you will be working in. Denae will educate you on reinforcement types, when to use the varies types of reinforcement and when it is appropriate to fade the rewards. Some common reinforcements include food, affection, your voice, toys, people, dogs, and even smells.

There are many forms of dog training equipment and it can be overwhelming deciding which equipment is best for you and your dog. At Crazy Daisy Dog Training, we recommend certain tools based on our clients needs. A dog that pulls on the leash will be offered different equipment than a dog that doesn't. The types of equipment that are often recommended are a regular collar, harness, or gentle leader. A Martingale collar or slip lead may also be recommended on a case by case basis. In addition we recommend a 6 and 20 foot lead while training. We do not recommend retractable leashes because this tool can create an unsafe environment including severe injury to the dog or handler.

As a professional dog trainer the use of tools that cause pain or discomfort or restrict a dog's breathing are not used at Crazy Daisy Dog Training. These tools are unsafe for the dog wearing it. The pain it elicits may become associated with people or dogs in the environment. This can create dangerous behaviors.

Consequences can be positive consequences or negative consequences.

Good consequences will be food, toys, fun, affection, or vocal.

Bad consequences will be removal of things that are valuable to your dog like toys, attention, fun, food, timeouts, or anything the dog finds uncomfortable.

Check out our overcoming unwanted behaviors guide for more details.

At Crazy Daisy Dog Training we never force a fearful dog instead we encourage, create fun and build trust which ensures a safe and empowering learning environment. As an educated and professional dog trainer, Denae is well-versed in canine communication and will be aware of any signs that your dog may be uncomfortable or showing signs of stress. The dog training program can be reassessed or regrouped if needed to maintain an empowering learning environment.

Professional dog trainers are well educated on interpreting canine communication. At Crazy Daisy Dog Training we will do everything we can the ensure a positive experience. Dogs that display snapping, growling, whining, snarling are communicating they are stressed. Dogs also show more subtle signs of stress to look out for. For example:

Tucked tail - wag short and stiff, tail could be held high

Whale eye - whites of the eyes showing

Eyes - wide open or dilated

Mouth closed and pulled back and down or pulled forward into an offensive pucker

Panting or heavy breathing

Ears flat back or tensely forward

Stiff legs and body posture

Head turns away from person or object

Shaking consistently or shaking like they are all wet

Front paw lifts up and hangs

Tongue flicks or licking lips

Sniffing randomly

Running away / hiding

Please see our Threshold Indictors Guide for more information on stress signals.

A proper assessment from an educated and professional dog trainer will determine if your dog has a genuine fear/aggression issue or is overly excited. These can look somewhat similar. In a case of fear/anxiety/insecurity a program of desensitization and counter-conditioning can be used. The goal of this program is to change the dog's emotional response to the trigger that upsets him/her and results in a reduction of expressing the unwanted behavior in the future.

Using operant conditioning your dog will be taught additional "wanted" behaviors to replace the so called "unwanted behaviors". Furthermore, your dog trainer may recommend consulting with your veterinarian to rule out possible health or medical issues that may cause the issue.

There are many variables with training a dog and a dog trainer is unable to control all these variables. As a professional dog trainer we work together with you to improve the relationship you have with your canine buddy and accomplish your goals. The results are subject on varies circumstances, including your level of commitment and follow through on the program created by your trainer. Our commitment to you is to do our best to make sure every family is satisfied.

Private Packages

Our reschedule and cancellation polices are designed to promote a reliable, consistent experience for all Crazy Daisy Dog Training clients. While we know schedules can change quickly, rescheduling or skipping a booking causes the loss of valuable work. Crazy Daisy Dog Training has a limited number of weekly appointments set up just for you.

Reschedule 48 hours in advance

Session may be rescheduled in same week OR placed at the end of the package before expiration date

Group Classes

Please do your best to commit and attend to all scheduled classes. Below is the missed class protocol.

Here's what to do if you miss a class.

1. Review and PRACTICE from the workbook

2. Quick in person make up 15 minutes before next class

3. Purchase 1 in person private lesson at your home

Have questions? Contact the trainer at 480-440-1720.

We require up to date DHPP and Rabies (at 4 months of age) vaccination or a titer test with approval from your vet. This policy ensures the safety of all parties and complies with state law.