Training takes place through positive reinforcement only. In a Humaner Trainer session, you will never see a harsh or forced correction. There is no yelling. There are no bad dogs. What you will see is a lot of instruction aimed toward the humans in the group. You will see individual consulting taking place regarding issues unique to you and your dog. You will see Margaret model techniques with all of the dogs in the class. You will see a dynamic environment where accomplishments occur at a pace that is comfortable for your dog, and allow both of you to achieve success in every class. It may sound silly, but this setting and its emphasis on success induces eagerness. You and your dog begin receiving this continual dose of progress, and it is addictive.

So, in our book there is one more essential item required to raising a healthy, happy and well-behaved dog: The Humaner Trainer.

Susan Winnette

During my first phone conversation with Margaret, she spent time on the phone talking to me about bringing a new puppy into our home—a home with a one year-old baby and an eight-year old dog. She took the time to find out about our situation and our needs, and she offered advice which she followed up with a packet of reading material in the mail. And at that point, I hadn’t even signed up for her classes. Neither of the other two trainers did this for me, and I don’t feel they should have. But, it shows that Margaret went that extra mile to help a prospective student—something she did not have to do.

Peggy Kemp and Duncan

 

Margaret Johnson’s company is different because she insists on positive experiences for her clients, both human and canine. Margaret and her team teach clients how to train their dogs in a fun and safe environment. The lasting benefit is that once you complete the classes, you're a trainer of sorts yourself.

Margaret also invests in her relationships with clients. The Humaner

Trainer team consistently goes the extra mile for unique training issues and client questions. They understand that our dogs aren’t just pets, their family members.

The Humaner Trainer is truly a breed apart.

Susan Fulton & Max the Mastiff

 

Flexible schedule yet structured instruction.
A sense of having fun while training.
Goal based training with the levels so you can tell how you are progressing and you can set your sights on advancing to the next level.
A sense of accomplishment when you advance.
Because you have to work your way through over time there is more sense of achievement, versus going to class and then the class is simply over.
A very friendly, caring, and personable trainer and staff.
Individual help is offered even in the class setting.
Because the class is fun I look forward to going instead of it being something I dread.
Classes have variety built into them, even though you are still working basic commands new twists and games keep it from being boring.

Larry Babb

 

What I like best is that the classes continue for more than the standard 6 weeks. The typical puppy classes really get very little accomplished beyond introducing a new situation with lots of people.

Lynne
Dr. Lynne Boggs, DVM

You give us the tools to teach the dog to behave better, find his place in the pack, which makes for a happier household. Other places (I’ve heard from other pet people) either take your dog away and return him drilled with some commands or concentrate more on the result than the process of getting the dog to want to “come” or “steady,” etc. When you understand why Maddy obeys one command, you can get him to do just about anything … provided there are no squirrels in the area.

Ward Lowe

 

Humaner Trainer was a godsend to me. After a 6-week puppy course, I knew Fozzie was going to be difficult to train. I called many places & I knew a 6-8 week course would be a waste of time & money. With Margaret’s patience & help, Fozzie came a long way. We needed a long-term program that would allow him to grow at his own pace. The Humaner Trainer methods could be tailored to each individual dog, even a stubborn one with issues.

Love, Cyndy & Fozzie Bear
Cyndy Greig

 

Your class is amazing. You are a very passionate person about your job and it shows by your actions (in class and out). I have never had someone give as much time out of the class as in the class. You and your staff are different and it shows.

You are teacher that honestly cares about the success of each student and dog. You make it fun without being stuffy. I really think the small class size has a huge part with the success. If I was doing something wrong, you or an assistant could help me right away without taking away from the others.

Cori Rehurek

 

 

I can tell you the 3 things I really like about your classes. 1) You have good communication skills and you make it fun with your humor. 2) I like the levels classes. There is just no way to get a dog trained in 6 to 8 week classes. You get a lot more out of your investment of time and money. 3) I like the dog ranch. What a nice way to work your dog. There is plenty of room and plenty of distractions.

Donna Oliver

 

I remember the "interview" process I went through before I finally contacted you and frankly your organization's name says it all: positive reinforcement, no pinch collars (yes, there actually were trainers who use that technique), and a genuine concern for our dogs.

I tell EVERYONE who comments on how well behaved Chloe and Dixon are how they got their good manners... a lot of hard work and a super trainer who has the insight to really understand, and the ability to teach us humans, how to understand our dogs.

Meg Drucker

 

We have learned...

If the dog is ignoring us, don't just blame her or say she's not in the mood to train. Figure out how to be more interesting and more rewarding for her than are the competing stimuli.
Down time and learning to relax are important to.
Leash walking. The methods you use in class were the first ones that ever succeeded in teaching Baya what in the world it was we were requesting she do

Amanda Jones

 

Margaret and the Humaner Trainer staff have been great for our new family member, Kili. They take care to customize the approach when training the trainer no matter the age, breed, size, personality or physical ability of the dog. Their patience with and love for all of their students (people and dogs alike) definitely makes training fun. Kili can hardly wait for her next training session.

Dawn & Wes Breyfogle

 

I think what sets you apart is that you create an atmosphere where it's OK to be silly with your dogs and where it is OK for your dogs to be silly right back. And, you are always available to answer questions or give suggestions, and very responsive to emails.

Becky King