Ain't Misbehavin', LLC is owned and operated by Laura Tuffnell.  Her philosophy is simple - your dog is a family member, and should be treated with kindness, compassion and respect. 

Dogs don't speak English! It is our job to teach it to them.  Laura's philosophy dictates that it's not by using choke or prong collars and punishments everytime your dog does something wrong, but by using humane equipment (Gentle Leaders, Sense-ation Harnesses), and click-treating when they do something right!  It makes such perfect sense - it's easier to learn something when someone says "yes, that's it!" than when someone says, "no, not that. . . no, not that either . .etc" and leaves you grasping at anything just to avoid another jerk on your neck.

Laura's training philosophy is based on much more than 'be nice to your dog' ideas. It's based on sound scientific principles of animal learning theory that have been used for many years with other species. Marine mammal trainers certainly can't put a choke collar on a killer whale or dolphin. They have to motivate them to work! This type of training - using positive reinforcment as the primary method - has only recently crossed over into dog training, but it has been proven to work.

Laura is certified by the Association for Companion Animal Behavior Counselors as an Associate Canine Behavior Counselor.  She also received a Counseling Certificate from the San Francisco SPCA.  Her coursework included the studies of animal learning theory, ethology, canine behavior, canine nutrition, and family counseling for animal professionals. She is a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.  She regularly attends professional seminars and conferences.