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Tel.: (913) 424-5072 For enrollment information e-mail: trainer@sympawtico.com Please visit The Sympawtico Dog Blog!
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Sympawtico Dog Training, LLC is owned and operated by Suezanne M. Thibodeau, CHES |
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About Sympawtico
About the Trainer...
The Definition of Sympawtico
Testimonials
FAQ
About the trainer...
Suezanne M. Thibodeau is a Certified Humane Education Specialist and accredited dog trainer. Using an interspecies approach to family counseling, she specializes in training and behavior modification for dogs and the people who love them. Because Suezanne feels that education is the key to successful interaction between humans and animals, she also designs and presents educational programs for various local schools and organizations. Since 2008, she has worked with Kansas City’s Pets for Life, Animal Haven, and the national Dogs&Storks program, enhancing their programs and providing innovative solutions to help these organizations reach their goals of outreach and education. She also provides Dogs&Storks and Puzzle Pooch classes for the Shawnee Mission Medical Center Family Education series. Suezanne also writes articles for such publications as Kansas City's MetroPet Magazine and is currently seeking publication as a children’s book author.
When not teaching dogs and their families the art and science of Living well together, Suezanne actively pursues educational opportunities, attending classes and seminars by such world-renowned dog training and animal behavior experts as Dr. Patricia McConnell, Karen Pryor, Ken Ramirez, and Dr. Jesus Rosales-Ruiz. Currently, she is finishing her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy and Ethics at the University of Kansas. As a professional member of the Truly Dog-Friendly Coalition and an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, she is committed to helping you train your dog using the gentlest, most effective techniques. All instruction emphasizes the latest in positive reinforcement methods, including clicker training, targeting and more!
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The Definition of Sympawtico
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Testimonials
Finding a dog trainer whose philosophy and techniques match your family's values and needs is essential to the success of your training program. Here's what people are saying about working with Suezanne:
Suezanne's knowledge of dog behavior, how dogs learn, and her training skills are matched by her compassion, ability to communicate clearly, and professionalism. I feel privileged to know her and be able to refer clients to her, as she is an asset to our community. The use of positive-based training methods helps owners build a bond of mutual trust and respect with their dogs. Suezanne makes training fun, and she will exceed your expectations!
Dr. J.C. Burcham, Veterinarian, Olathe Animal Hospital
I came to this class with some reservations about this method of training (having seen the "results" from Petsmart), but this class (and in particular the instructor) has changed my opinion. I am extremely happy with the results of this class and the methods used. A++.
George Misdary, IT, and Sophie, Lenexa
“Positive reinforcement training” was not in my vocabulary until Armando and I met Suezanne. Armando was a happy go lucky puppy and I was a nearly clueless new puppy mom. Suezanne did not train Armando; instead she taught me how to use positive reinforcement to help Armando become the loving, polite, well behaved dog that he is today. Her classes may be compared to interactive parenting classes. Our family is so grateful for Suezanne’s caring and dedication to positive reinforcement training. Bow wow!
Vickie McEnroe, Librarian, and Armando, Shawnee
After a failed attempt right after I adopted my dog, I did not think any obedience training would work for us, but that was wrong. I was amazed when my 7 year old Alaskan Malamute started to respond in the first class we went to with Suezanne, and it just kept getting better. The positive reinforcement worked wonders, for the first time since I had brought my dog home he actually followed my commands. Seeing how much happier and responsive my dog is now I truly wish I had found Sympawtico sooner because Suezanne really did teach my old dog new tricks.
Ryland Cozad, System Support Technician , Shawnee
Morgan was the first addition to our family, and my husband and I were determined to have an obedient dog. Since Morgan was a bit older, Suezanne encouraged us to sign up for Elementary, My Dear Watson. What an experience! Suezanne’s approach to training made it so easy – I was amazed that Morgan “got it” so easily – it didn’t seem like work at all! Morgan LOVED practicing the training at home, and seems to really thrive on learning. We’re getting ready to start the CGC Prep School now….can’t wait to watch him progress!!
Morgan has a baby sister, now, too, and Puppy Preschool was so good for her. Hope is deaf, and it didn’t take long before my husband and I realized we were ready for some help learning how to communicate better with her. Many of the commands Suezanne uses include hand signals, and for those that don’t, she helped us find signals that worked for both Hope and us. Hope “graduated” from puppy preschool learning all the things the other dogs learned! It was rewarding, built our confidence in working with our special puppy, and helped Hope fit in with her “big brother” when they BOTH sit for treats, lay down, shake, etc. We’re almost ready for the next class!!
Jill Rademacher, Customer Experience Analyst with Sprint Nextel, Shawnee
Unleash your dog’s potential! Informative, interactive, fun, and rewarding are just a few words to describe the transformation process available to you and your K9 friend. Regardless of age, breed or temperament, Suezanne Thibodeau has proven the knowledge and ability take your dog’s abilities to higher levels. I brought to her classes Chess, my beloved and energetic chocolate lab, and an open mind to the learning methods available for us. I am grateful for the bond that has grown from our communication and sharing experiences. From Puppy Preschool to Clicker College , I have gained a wealth of information which I apply daily to my relationship to the Puppersaurus.
J. Matthews, Public Safety Officer, Kansas City , MO
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Still have questions? Find your answers below or contact Suezanne at trainer@sympawtico.com |
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- Where are you located?
- What methods of payment do you accept?
- Can my children attend lessons with me?
- What if I need to reschedule a lesson?
- Do you guarantee your training?
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Where are you located?
Lenexa-based Sympawtico Dog Training, LLC provides clients with private dog training lessons in the comfort of their own homes. Our services range from potty training consultations and manners training to behavior consultations for such problem behaviors as hyper-activity, aggression, and anxiety disorders. Pricing is for the Johnson County, KS area only. For pricing outside of Johnson County, KS, please contact Suezanne at trainer@sympawtico.com.
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What methods of payment do you accept?
For a full listing of tuition costs and payment policies, please see our Pricing and Payment Information link on the Dog Training page.
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Can my children attend lessons with me?
Families are encouraged to attend lessons together so that all members learn to interact well with the family dog. In some cases, children can act as primary handlers for their dog. However, even if the child is primary handler, all children under the age of 16 must be accompanied for the entirety of each lesson by an adult. Additionally, for families with very young children, it is a good idea for one adult to supervise the children while another adult participates in training activities. That way, if a child becomes cranky during the hour-long lesson, there is someone there who can help keep him or her occupied while we continue to work on dog training.
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What if I need to reschedule a lesson?
While it is important that you maintain a consistent schedule to ensure the success of your training lifestyle, sometimes rescheduling is unavoidable. If you need to reschedule a lesson, please contact Suezanne at trainer@sympawtico.com as soon as possible so that we can find a new time that works better for you. Sympawtico Dog Training, LLC requires 24-hour notice on all cancellations. "No-shows" or cancelled appointments with less than 24 hours notice will be counted as one lesson and deducted from your pre-paid balance accordingly.
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Do you guarantee your training?
I don’t. Behavior is not static; an animal will not continue to perform even trained behaviors without ongoing practice. Especially in cases involving any type of aggression, although behavior may be modified, the dog is never considered “cured”. A pet’s behavior is ultimately the owner’s responsibility. While I will make every reasonable effort to help you attain your goals, I make no guarantees of performance on your part or the part of your pet as a result of my providing professional animal behavior consultation.
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