About Esther Parker

Growing up, I enjoyed being around all animals and developed a special fondness for dogs most of all. I often fantasized about working with them “when I grew up” and even considered being a veterinarian. As rewarding as that might have been, it didn't offer as many “happy” interactions with them as I wanted; that’s when the idea of being a trainer seemed like it would be a better fit. The test of time has proved this to be true!

My professional start with dogs came from working at a dog daycare center over a 15 years ago. I gained experience in walking, petsitting and managing large groups of dogs. While learning from watching dogs interact with each other, it was extremely interesting how they communicated clearly and effectively as opposed to how we humans interacted with them. We often showered our beloved dogs with lots of freedom, attention and affection but didn't always balance the scales with structure and guidance. I witnessed many problems that my clients would have in their homes with their dog and was able to see the cause and effect of the "set ups" that were employed and grew an interest in training. After leaving the daycare, I sought to increase my knowledge. Along with offering walks and sittings independently, I also offered basic obedience training. Within a year of being on my own I apprenticed under an extremely knowledgeable and experienced trainer, Julie Sterling. I even collaborated with an experienced trainer, Sue Ellen Lebendig. Having such an invaluable source of information made me a much more well-rounded trainer and changed the way I looked at training dogs as a whole. In addition to working with some of the best trainers, I often continue to gain a wealth of knowledge by attending many dog training seminars and workshops offered by various trainers with different methods. In turn, I have developed my own style and techniques to achieve desired behaviors to foster the relationship wanted between people and their dogs.

Training Method

My primary goal when training is to help improve the relationships between dogs and their people. I have found that clear, effective communication through a consistent, balanced approach of reward and the use of well timed corrections when needed to be the most effective. While I strongly believe in showing our dogs that great things happen when they do what is asked, I believe it is equally important to show them that less favorable consequences occur when disobedience or undesirable behaviors are offered. Most of the time, consistent information and guidance are all that is needed for our canines.

Training Tools

Among the training tools I use are marker signals, praise, food, martingale collars, slip leads, prong collars, and remote electric collars. The most important training tool is you!

Request an appointment

My Own "Monsters"

Part of my training inspiration also came from my own two "monsters", Maja and Nina whom were my first dogs as an adult. Maja, my herding dog mix, taught me so much by being a nervous girl. Since 8 weeks of age, she's had struggles at times dealing with things that made her fearful. Through patience and much needed guidance, she turned into a much more confident gal who worked hard to overcome being nervous. Nina, my German shepherd, turned me into a foster failure. I planned to foster her until we found her a great home, but instead I've had her for over 14 years. Even with a typical challenging puppy period, structure proved to help her blossom into one of the best dogs I have ever owned.

Right before the passing of my two girls I acquired two German shepherds, Meike and Bear. Meike is a soft girl who is very sweet and is very easy to have around. Bear, who came from working lines, has a pretty strong presence and trains with me to compete in IGP/Schutzhund, a 3 phase sport consisting of tracking, obedience and protection.