Education & Experience
Shelly is a graduate of the prestigious Victoria Stilwell Academy, where she spent countless hours working obtaining her certification as a qualified professional dog trainer (VSA-CDT) through rigorous testing, skills assessments, and an in-person 6-day intensive.
With a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Nova Southeastern University, Shelly applies the psychology of learning and behavior to her canine and human clients. She’s drawn to animals and natural systems and began honing her skills as a wildlife research associate, humane society behavior counselor, and class dog trainer. Shelly has over a decade of experience as an educator and spends time helping local shelters reduce the surrender rate.
Shelly’s goal to create lasting, cooperative bonds between her clients and their dogs in a welcoming, fun, and stress-free environment that everyone can benefit from and enjoy! She stays up to date by continuing her education in behavioral science, and training her dog (Kai).
Shelly Haines, VSA-CDT
Dog Training Philosophy
Fetch Worthy Dog Training is rooted in science and compassion. Our evidence-based methods help you raise a well-behaved dog, while respecting and being gentle on your dog. We view dogs as sentient beings with their own needs. We want you to enjoy training your dog and enhance your bond through communication and compassion. We care about your dog’s success as much as you do. We focus on growth, not problems.
How Do We Work?
We work with dedicated and committed guardians using the latest modern, individualized dog training techniques. We work with all breeds, from brand new puppies to rowdy adolescents, senior dogs, or newly adopted rescue dogs. We offer all training in-home and virtual services at a competitive price and accept credit cards and payment plans. Our online community includes lifetime support, and we write detailed training plans. We do not try to over-sell services and will be upfront and honest about how we can help and what to expect. We enhance the human-animal bond and consider the safety and the physical and emotional well-being of all involved.
Dog Training is Unregulated
Dog training is an unregulated industry, and, sadly, there are still many trainers using antiquated methods that are designed to hurt and/or scare dogs. Unsurprisingly perhaps, these “aversive” training approaches can lead to dogs becoming more fearful and aggressive. Whether you work with me or someone else, I encourage you to find a professional who only uses force-free training methods. Read the American Veterinarian Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) position statement about punishment to understand better why force training should not be an option — especially when working to help fearful and reactive dogs.
Dog Training Lessons
Private Training
Private lessons can take place in your home or a designated location, where I will teach you how to train your dog. I will provide a customized training plan based on your dog’s goals and needs. Multiple problems will often require more than one lesson. You can choose packages that fit your current needs, and for can be adjusted for multi-dog homes.
Puppy Training
Lessons are in-person or virtual for puppies from 16 weeks to 6 months. Let me be your first resort instead of your last. This early training will prime your puppy’s brain to develop into a happy, well-adjusted, well-behaved adult dog – with the basic skills, and socialization that is critical to a healthy dog. I’ve helped many families raise happy dogs.
Virtual Training
Virtual online, live lessons take place with your trainer in the comfort of your own home. It is a great option for shy dogs, out-of-state clients and dogs, pandemic puppies, dogs with separation anxiety, and even for basic training, and common problem behaviors. Single or packaged lessons are also more cost effective than in-home training.
Wonderful experience for myself and my dog. I have an 8 month old Cavapoo that is full of energy. We have worked with Shelly on leash tugging, recall and avoiding reaction to dogs, cars, people etc. During walks. Shelly is so patient and kind with my dog. Truly custom style training that fits my dogs behaviors. Shelly has eagle eyes and can anticipate need for redirecting using treats or “u-turn “ during training. My dog and I have learned that working together can be very rewarding.
Cheryl W.
Training with Shelly has been a huge help as we’ve added a new puppy to our home. She is calm and patient with our pup, and us. We’ve learned so many more tips and tricks that were new to us despite working with previous trainers. We have been able to focus on the aspects of training that are most important to us and have already seen great benefit after just a few sessions.
Courtney R.
What’s Modern Dog Training?
Modern Dog Training is the way to describe positive dog training that is rooted in science, canine ethology and learning theory.
You don’t need harsh training equipment to change aggression and fear. In fact, when used, most often there’s negative fallout.
To ensure that you and your dog have a safe and fun learning experience, the only dog training methods used are the ones recommended by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior and we follow the Humane Hierarchy.
