Kelsi Long
Owner, Trainer of Long Road Canine
Our philosophy here at Long Road Canine Training includes using relationship based, balanced approach utilizing all four quadrants of operant conditioning. How we train is not the same for every dog, because every dog we work with is unique. We want to close the gap of communication and teach you about how our dogs "talk", meaning understanding their body language.
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Our balanced approach utilizes different training tools, however they are not introduced until our dog has a clear understanding of what is being asked. Just like with people, we learn at a young age what is appropriate and what is not - that is what we are implementing with our dogs as well. The world is full of unexpected experiences, and we want you have to the tools and understanding of how to navigate those with your dog. While we utilize food, toys, praise and affection, balance in training creates clarity for our dogs.
A Bit About Me
Besides growing up with dogs and loving every minute of it, I got into the world of training after working in a veterinary clinic and witnessing owners bring dogs in that didn't necessarily match their lifestyle. This led to naughty behaviors arising (chewing on things they shouldn't, potty accidents, excessive barking, inability to settle in the home) and medications being dispensed for some of those clients. While I believe there is a time and place for veterinary medicine, a lot of behaviors can be adjusted by making a few small changes to our daily lives with our pets.
Getting an Australian Shepherd back in 2014, my world changed (for the better). He was an unexpected addition to my life, and I knew very little about the breed. Diving into books researching the breed, I learned everything about what it takes for them to be successful and less destructive. Did he have moments of being destructive? Yes - one that will stick in my mind forever, but we adjusted and always met Hilo where he was in his training journey. Today, I couldn't be more happy with all the work we did while he was younger - it has paid off in the long run and I want to help owners set their dogs up for success in the same way.
While having hands on experience over the last five years with different breeds, different ages and training goals ranging from how to live with a puppy to minor reactivity - if I come across a breed I have not met, I will do the legwork into making sure we are setting both ends of the leash up for success. Never claiming to know it all and with the world of training is always improving, there is always something to learn. After working under different trainers, volunteering at local shelters, enrolling in online training programs, attending in person workshops, reading countless books, and going through an intensive 6 week dog trainer program, with the support of family and friends, I decided to open Long Road Canine Training. I am also currently enrolled in another immersive dog trainer course, with a focus on behavioral training.
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