About Us

 

Vera E. Wilkinson is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant,  an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and a Dogs & Storks Presenter.

 

In 1996, I founded The Pet Needs Company, a unique pet care service providing for the needs of dogs with issues; my first three client dogs, respectively, exhibited resource guarding and owner directed aggression; on-leash dog aggression; and prey aggression. As time went on, my business consisted of providing dogs of all ages and temperaments a safe and fun way to socialize and exercise, off leash and in groups.

Over the years, I've developed an approach that teaches owners to interpret their dog's body language and to respond accordingly. Good communication is essential in developing and maintaining healthy relationships. Whether working in the privacy of their homes or in a dog training class, owners learn how to train and live with their dogs so they become well-behaved, well-adjusted members of the family.

I have used many training methods in my work with dogs. However, clicker training has worked well for me in training puppies, re-training  adult dogs and resolving behavior problems. Dogs love it and become willing partners in the training process. Briefly, a clicker is a noisemaker that when paired with food, communicates to a dog that what he or she has just done was exactly what was wanted!

Just as children or employees are rewarded for a job well done, common sense will tell you that it is the same for dogs. I do not subscribe to the idea of domination or the use of force in teaching dogs how to live with people. Training dogs with humane and positive methods helps to build better relationships between people and dogs.

 

Professional Affiliations and Certifications

 

I have been a professional member of the Association Of Pet Dog Trainers since 1999.

      

     

    

In March 2003, I joined 400 other dog trainers in North America in becoming a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT). Recertified through March 31, 2009.

 

 

In May 2007, I became a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC).

In February 2008, I became the Co-Chair of the Dogs Division of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.

 

 

AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator (Certificate #29317).

 

Licensed Dogs & Storks Presenter

 

 

A list of seminars, workshops and conferences I have attended over the years................

 

Sheepherding Clinic in Brewster, NY  (1997)

Tufts Veterinary  School 'Canine Symposiums'

      Breeding & Nutrition   (1997)

      Behavior Panel   (1998)

      Clicker Training   (1999)

APDT Annual Conference in Houston  (2000)

Agility with Brenda Buja  (2001)

Tufts 2nd Animal Expo (2002) 

Canine Play & Aggression with Jean Donaldson (2003)

Calming Signals with Turid Rugaas (2004)

Theory on Search Work & Tracking with Ann Lill Kvam  (2004)

Howls & Growls with Suzanne Clothier (2004)

Aggression Uncovered with Pia Sylvani  (2005)

Clicker Expo in Newport, RI   (2006) 

Aggression & Temperament Testing with Sue Sternberg (2006)

Obedience Without Conflict with Ivan Balabanov (2006)

If Dogs Could Speak, Understanding & Improving the Dog/Human    Relationship with Suzanne Clothier (2007)

Understanding & Handling Aggression with Suzanne  Clothier (2007)

Relationship Based Training: Practical  Skills  & Building Blocks with  Suzanne Clothier (2007)

 

Dogwise is the main source of my almost 400  books in my 'all things dog' library. Here are my top 10 'must read' books for dog owners!