About

Training Philosophy

I am using science-based, positive reinforcement methods when I teach new behaviors as well as a technique for behavior modifications. I believe that a lot depends on the bond that we create with our dogs.

About Vivien

Vivien Janotka started her dog training career in 2017 when she became certified by Animal Behavior College. Continuing her education, she started an apprentice program at Dogs Abound and started her part-time dog trainer job at the facility in 2018. In the meantime, she became Fear Free Certified, joined the Animal Behavior College Mentor Trainer Program, and found her passion in helping dogs with behavior challenges. Her own German Shepherd Dog inspired Vivien to gain a deeper knowledge about aggressive dogs and help them with the least intrusive, minimally aversive approach.
Continuing education and learning about new techniques are important for her and she makes sure to keep herself updated with seminars, webinars and to keep in touch with other dog trainers as well. Vivien also became a Certified Professional Dog Trainer by the CCPDT in 2020.
Her passion is to work with all types of dogs and get to know each individual to create a personalized training plan that is fun and effective. She enjoys working on basic obedience as much as with behavior modification cases.

Vivien Janotka
ABC Certified Dog Trainer | Fear Free Certified | IAABC member | Pet First Aid Certified | CPDT-KA certification | Family Dog Mediator (FDM)

Training Methods

When teaching a new behavior we focus on using positive reinforcement methods as well as when we are working on behavior changes. This method is based on research and science that is free of pain, intimidation, or physical force and full of creating an environment for the learner to be successful and rewarding good choices.
Your bond with your dog lasts for a lifetime. You can only maintain a good relationship when you create trust. When we focus on what our dogs can do and we reward their good choices, we are not only creating a stronger relationship but also encouraging them to make these choices more often in the future.

The Bond

I believe that a lot depends on the bond that we create with our dogs. The more quality time we spend with them and the more we observe them, the better we get at what they are communicating to us. Dogs communicate differently than humans. We are different species with different needs. We need to learn what they are telling us and listen to them to make the interspecies relationship smooth. Every living thing communicates. It is needed for their survival. Problems usually start to arise when we don’t listen and misunderstand our dogs.
Luckily, we now know enough about – thanks to great scientists – how dogs communicate and how they learn so we can apply these theories and live together peacefully and train without fear, pain, and aversive techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below you’ll find answers to some of the questions I get asked the most about my training methods. If you have any other question, please contact me.

I use non aversive, science based methods like classical- and operant conditioning. I also follow the LIMA guidelines. https://www.ccpdt.org/about-us/least-intrusive-minimally-aversive-lima-effective-behavior-intervention-policy/

When initially teaching a behavior I focus on positive reinforcement. It means that we find out what is most reinforcing for your dog and use it to motivate. The beginning stages usually that means food/treats and when the behavior is fluent, we switch to play and other real-life rewards. 

When working on behavior modification I use classical counterconditioning, differential reinforcement of alternative behaviors and/or other behaviors, desensitizing.

In my training philosophy, there’s no need for intimidation, dominance, alpha roll, physical- or mental punishment. There’s no place for choke chains, prong- or shock collars. We work on creating a healthy human-animal bond as a foundation and the rest of the training depends on that trust.

If we want our dogs to learn something, we need to motivate them. Food is a primary reinforcer that is easily accessible and can get the best results without unwanted consequences. As your dog gets better and more reliable, you will transfer from using treats to real life rewards. But first, you need to motivate your dog. S/he won’t do it because s/he loves you as you don’t go to work just because you like your boss!

Every dog is an individual therefore different dogs have different learning abilities. It depends on many factors like training history, age, breed, owner’s skills and time to train etc.

Training your dog doesn’t have to be a chore that must be done. In fact, it should be fun for all parties that are involved in training. Finding 5-10 minutes in the morning and evening can make a huge difference. Learning occurs all the time, no matter what. Our dogs observe and make associations – whether good or bad – every awake minute. It is up to you, how much of that valuable time you use during the day but you will only be able to see results if you are involved in the training.

Private sessions are designed so that you practice what you’ve learned. For certain behavior modification – like aggression – owner participation is crucial since sometimes it’s only one or two people who can handle the dog safely. 

Daytraining helps the dog to learn behaviors faster but needs to be practiced even when the trainer is not there.

“I contacted Vivien because my dog was showing aggressive behaviors towards other dogs when we were out on our daily walks. She gave me tips on how to manage it and to teach my dog to behave better. ”

Sarah S.

“I started to work with Vivien after I got my two puppies. She’s given me a lot of valuable information that has been helpful ever since. ”

Danny E.

“It was nice to work with Vivian. She taught me things about my dog that were greatly misunderstood before. Training made it a lot easier to see my puppy growing into her teenage phase.”

Jill M.

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