Nice to meet you
Hi, I’m Abbie! I’m a Certified Canine Trainer and Behavior Specialist. I live in Corvallis, Oregon with my husband, and our four herding dogs and two cats. I got my first dog, Dodger, more than 12 years ago, and we’ve been adventuring and training together ever since. Dogs have always been a huge part of my life. After years of reading, learning and working with my personal dogs, in 2020, I started my journey with professional dog training. Two of my own dogs have struggled with behavioral and reactivity issues. Balanced training, tools like the e-collar and the Herm Sprenger prong collar, along with structure, and relationship-building have helped us resolve and work through many challenges. I also have experience owning, raising and training special needs dogs. Two of my dogs, Dodger and Rhubarb, are deaf and we use lots of high-value rewards, positive reinforcement, eye contact and hand signals to communicate in place of verbal communication. After working with professional trainers and lots of time and effort, I now live a calmer and happier life with my dogs. I aim to provide clients with exceptional dog training services to achieve their goals with their dogs.
Philosophy
Red Dirt Dog Training offers dog training services, consultations and behavior modification services in Corvallis, Oregon and surrounding areas, including neighboring Philomath, Albany, and Benton, Lane Lincoln, Linn & Marion Counties. I look forward to working with you and your dog to build a strong, healthy and happy relationship – together!
We use balanced training, which means that we take the needs of each, individual dog into consideration. You will receive training services tailored to the specific needs and goals for you and your dog. Rewards-based training methods are paired with clear communication to teach the dog new and healthy behaviors. Over time, this can help the dog gain confidence and make good decisions. A variety of training tools and methods are used throughout the training process and for behavior modification work. These tools can include E-Collar Technologies brand e-collars (also known as a remote collar), Herm Sprenger brand prong collars, short and long leashes, slip leads, high-value food rewards and treats, toys, and enrichment games and puzzles.
Educational background
I have a Certification in Canine Training and Behavior through the Animal Behavior Institute. ABI is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training, and licensed by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges. In Spring 2021, I attended an interactive canine training and behavior seminar hosted by Two Tails Training in Colorado Springs, Colorado to further my education even more. In Fall 2021, I completed an in-depth shadow program with Kindred Dog PDX. Through the shadow program, I gained beneficial knowledge about operating a dog training business, building relationships with canines and human clients, leash handling skills and more. I’ve also shadowed a number of reputable, professional trainers throughout the Willamette Valley.
Most recently, I worked as a Guest Trainer with Flash Dog Training in Central Oregon. Starting in Fall 2022, I spent four months training with a wide variety of dogs of all ages, sizes, and different training and behavior modification needs at FDT’s large-scale board and train facility.
Working as a Guest Trainer provided me with valuable opportunities to grow and expand my skillset in the following ways:
- Canine handling and leash work
- Learn new and advanced training protocols
- Run and/or participate in dog play groups and training field trips
- Work with puppies during their critical imprinting period
- Gain valuable knowledge about canine proprioception and movement
- Assist FDT trainers with daily training exercises
- Performing kennel technician duties including brushing and bathing dogs, nail trims, completing daily cleaning tasks and feeding
I look forward to helping you with your dog training needs!
-Abbie Leland, Owner & Head Trainer