The Trainer:  Renee Hall, BA, CPDT

Credentials:

Renee has a BA from Rutgers University with a Major in Psychology and a minor in biology, a certified dog trainer through CCPDT, member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, Allentown Dog Training Club (Recording Secretary 2006-2009),  the Golden Retriever Club of America. an AKC CGC Evaluator, APDT Level 1 Judge and attends seminars, lectures, and takes classes with a variety of trainers to continue to learn and improve techniques.

Renee is  actively involved in a variety of dog sports in a number of venues and her golden, Dylan, works in TV commercials/shows as well as therapy visits to nursing homes/schools within our community.  Darby, her adolescent, is working in obedience, field, tracking and agility and has recently earned her Tracking Dog title as well as her AKC Rally Novice and APDT Rally RL1 and RL2 with Awards of Excellence, as well as her CGC.  Darby’s first times in the ring she scored 197, 207 with a 4th and 1st place!  Sophie is semi-retired (due to health issues) but continues to play in Rally (she is working on her ArchEX title), field and tracking.  Sophie has qualified over 50 x in the ring and her titles with placements!  She loves her obedience work and has so much fun with her exercises-who ever said obedience is boring hasn’t seen Sophie retrieve a dumbbell!  She was nationally ranked #3 in RL3 APDT Rally-O in 2008. 

Background-Some comments from Renee

“I have always loved animals thank my parents often for their patience and indulgence with me as a child!  From peeper frogs, to a one winged hawk, I brought them all home and they stayed until they could be re-homed or released-thank goodness we lived in the country.  I have always had dogs and had always dreamed of having the time to really pursue a variety of dog sports and dog training techniques, but until that day, I integrated my passion for dogs to my working environment.

For 15 years, I worked with at-risk/low income adults-helping with housing placement and life skills, often helping with placement in appropriate mental health programs and aiding in their integration within the community.  My golden, Sam, was integral in breaking through to these clients and creating an environment for peaceful resolution of problems and trust with residents.  The changes to screening programs, management training for resident managers and conflict protocols I instituted are still being used at this residence today and the new owners have a resident “office” pet-something they never thought to include when they bought the business!

I feel blessed to now have the time to pursue my passion and love sharing the knowledge of rewards based training with others!  Wow, it is such a long way from the “pop” and drag method I learned so long ago and such a joy to train and play at the same time. I know my passion for communication based training methods will inspire others and as each person learns the language of dogs, they can in turn enjoy the great relationship with their dogs we all deserve!”

                                                                                                            Renee