Seeking harmony between you and your canine companion? The Life of Riley Dog Training & Pet Care Services is your answer. Wendy Taylor, a Victoria Stilwell Academy graduate, employs positive reinforcement techniques to transform your dog's behavior. Experience a calmer, more obedient pet, all while strengthening your bond.
Training & services
Training goals
Obedience training
Puppy training
Socialization
Behavior support
Fear and confidence
Reactivity training
How training happens
Owner coachingCustomer-reported
Dog age
Puppies
Your dog’s background
Rescue dogsCustomer-reported
Training approach
Positive reinforcement
Additional services
Dog walking
Other listed services
View 3 additional details
In-Home Pet Sitting
Fitness Programs for Dogs
Dog Behavior Consulting
Confirm current programs and availability directly.
Questions & answers
From Google
What people have asked about this business.
Why does my dog act like a lunatic when it sees other dogs?
Reactivity on leash could be a result of frustration when the dog wants to go see whatever it is that it sees but can’t, or fear which would result in the dog barking and lunging for the purpose of creating more space from the person, dog or thing that it sees. Both of these can be modified through the use of positive reinforcement for an alternative behavior or counter conditioning and desensitization methods.
What is the most challenging behavior you experience with your dog or puppy?
Some of the most common behavior challenges I experience with my clients include pulling on leash, reacting to people or other dogs while on leash, anxiety to unfamiliar people or places or when getting in & riding in the car, barking at things they hear or see, and separation anxiety. Most often, these behavior issues are a result of fear or frustration.
Dogs need to feel safe in order to be able to learn. All of these are behavior issues that I can help dogs overcome using positive reinforcement, counter conditioning and desensitization, creating new positive associations, or teaching the dog and alternative behavior that is incompatible with the unwanted behavior.
Learning to hold its bowels and bladder and communicate to the human when they need to go potty so you can take it outside to eliminate where you want it to is a behavior that needs to be taught to your puppy. Otherwise, your puppy will just go when the need arises wherever they’re at, which is natural for them to do.
A dog may seem to be emotionally “fine” with an experience when it is actually shut down emotionally because it has learned that it has no choice but to endure the experience. A common example is being groomed. Often the experience of being bathed and having loud, intense air driers blown at them is not an enjoyable experience, but the dog has learned it has no choice and is physically restrained from expressing how it feels about the experience - this is learned helplessness.
5/5The puppy training sessions with Wendy were not only informative, but so fun! We learned new skills each session that we could build upon and practice each day. This training was essential for me as a first time puppy owner. Every dog is different, but the knowledge and expertise…Read full reviewClose full review
The puppy training sessions with Wendy were not only informative, but so fun! We learned new skills each session that we could build upon and practice each day. This training was essential for me as a first time puppy owner. Every dog is different, but the knowledge and expertise she possesses allows her to individualize the process and truly achieve the best outcome. She gave me the foundation to raise a confident, happy, and well-behaved dog. Amazing!
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Maggie Hawkins (ElfBb07)
5/5Wendy is an amazing trainer and a wonderful person to be around! I sought out her services to help with my two dogs not getting along. We had just brought a new puppy home and my five year old dog was not doing well with the adjustment. They were not able to be in the same room a…Read full reviewClose full review
Wendy is an amazing trainer and a wonderful person to be around! I sought out her services to help with my two dogs not getting along. We had just brought a new puppy home and my five year old dog was not doing well with the adjustment. They were not able to be in the same room at all. With her help we were able to get them to slowly accept each other. Before long, they were best friends. They play together all day long. This was truly a success story that I never thought would happen. All of her training is also done with positive reinforcement which was a huge selling point for me. I definitely recommend her services!
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Darla York
5/5
Wendy is an incredible trainer. She’s professional, patient, knowledgeable, and kind. She’s always on time for training sessions and she does an excellent job giving owners supplemental educational materials to use at home. We loved her puppy socialization classes too. Our dog adores her-so do we!
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Ingrid Krauskopf
5/5Wendy was extremely helpful with my puppy! She helped us develop lots of skills which set him up for a successful future as a cardiac alert service dog, as well as providing us with resources and ongoing support when needed. The weekly puppy socialization class was also very wel…Read full reviewClose full review
Wendy was extremely helpful with my puppy! She helped us develop lots of skills which set him up for a successful future as a cardiac alert service dog, as well as providing us with resources and ongoing support when needed. The weekly puppy socialization class was also very well run and helped my pup to become much more confident and skillful in interacting with other dogs and equipment. 10/10 would recommend!
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Tony Luft
5/5
Wendy did an amazing job with our Shepherd. Our dog Tilly is 140lbs, has got too old to jump in the car and was afraid of steps and ramps. Wendy patiently taught Tilly (and us) how to use the ramp and not be afraid. Now we can take Tilly to the park again. Thank you Wendy. Awesome job.
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.
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