ABOUT US

Vision: To create a mutually respectful learning relationship between owners and dogs.

Mission: To empower dog owners to create a better relationship with their dog through education and the use of gentle, humane, effective training techniques.

We will do this by:

           • Emphasizing scientifically based teaching methods that make learning fun and              rewarding for all.
           • Providing services in a safe and secure environment.
           • Creating an encouraging collegial atmosphere.
           • Welcoming differences students bring to the classroom.

Training Philosophy:
The Inquisitive Canine believes in using a positive approach for positive results. We practice positive reinforcement reward-based training, developed from the science of learning theory and established principles of animal behavior.

Methodology:
We focus on how you would like your dog to behave and work toward those goals with guidance and encouragement. Creating a positive learning experience for both dog and owner gets better results while enhancing the overall bond you share.  

The Inquisitive Canine emphasizes the importance of:

           • Understanding how dogs learn.
           • Learning how dogs communicate.
                      • What is your dog’s body language trying to tell you?
                      • Is your dog’s behavior the result of how the environment is affecting him, or                         how he is influencing his environment to get what he wants?
           • Providing proper outlets for mental and physical stimulation to fulfill  
             innate behaviors.

By understanding your dog’s behavior, how he learns and communicates, what motivates him, and how to use positive reinforcement, you can help your dog become a better behaved member of your family.

About the Trainer

Joan Hunter Mayer is a graduate of the San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers where she studied pet dog training, behavior problems, client coaching and teaching. Her experience also includes training shelter dogs at the San Francisco SPCA where she specialized in dogs with behavior problems.

Joan is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT) through the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers (CCPDT), a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), and an affiliate member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).

Traveling the country to attend conferences on the latest in animal learning theory and behavior, Joan incorporates cutting-edge science into her work with owners and their canine companions. Through her company, The Inquisitive Canine, Joan emphasizes positive reinforcement and owner-education in reward-based training sessions.

Education and Training

The San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers

      •  Certificate in Training & Counseling
      •  Behavior & Training Internship
      •  Fear & Aggression Certificate
      •  Dog-Dog Aggression Certificate
      •  Public Class Teaching Certificate
      •  Puppy Training Certificate

Special Topics in Advanced Counseling

      •  Stranger Aggression & Social Fear
      •  Curriculum Design & Classroom Management
      •  Dog-Dog Aggression

Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)

       •  Certified Pet Dog Trainer

dogTEC

      •  Dog Walking Academy

Peaceable Paws Intern Academy

      •  Level I Dog Training & Behavior
      •  Level II Canine Behavior Modification

Credentials & Affiliations

      •  Professional Member: Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)
      •  Affiliate Member: International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)