Serving D.C, Montgomery Co. MD and NoVA (Arlington, Tyson's Corner, Rosslyn, McLean)
Professional Memberships, Certifications, and Licenses
About
GABRIELA HUBBARD CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA
HFDT offers force-free, reward-based dog training from puppy I to adult reactive "aggressive" dogs. I work with ALL ages, sizes and breeds and tailor classes to promote demonstrable learning, real life skills and a happy dog.
*Offering in-home training services effective Thursday, April 15th 2021. In the interim, new clients can schedule initial consults via Zoom and existing clients will continue to hold sessions outdoors, weather permitting. For those clients who prefer to use Zoom/outdoor services that is always an option!
Scheduling is flexible; No need to "lock-in" a weekly class time, evening and weekend hours are available in addition to regular business hours. Four session packages are discounted off the hourly rate.
Additional Services
AGGRESSION IN DOGS MASTER COURSE
Does your dog exhibit "stranger danger"? Does he get grouchy if you come near his toys or food bowl? Maybe you have a multi-dog household and wish they would be better friends? Or maybe your perfect pooch at home gets riled up on walks when she sees another dog. Let's work together so your dog can put her best paw forward!
SEPARATION ANXIETY PRO TRAINER PROGRAM
Concerned that a return to normalcy may be challenging for your pup? Have they always been a bit clingy, or straight-up panicked when you left the house? Let's work together to develop a personalized plan that builds on success-and yes, there's an app for that!
FAMILY PAWS PARENT EDUCATOR
Family Focused. I work with expectant families and their dogs to pro-actively prepare for baby's arrival and beyond, focusing on successful strategies and proofed behaviors for an uneventful and smooth homecoming. Likewise for families with toddlers, that may need coaching and training to maintain and promote a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
FEAR FREE CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL
Most dogs are not wild about going to the vet, groomer or having their teeth brushed and their nails trimmed. The Fear Free movement aims to reduce fear, anxiety & stress with husbandry and veterinary procedures, and as a Certified Fear Free Professional, I'm here to help. Let's develop a plan that prepares your dog and encourages both active & passive participation and sets up everyone for success! Training can be geared entirely towards this important goal and it's never too late to start.
Training Principles
FORCE-FREE TRAINING
POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT (R+)
POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT (R+)
Force free. No shock, prong or pinch collars! No leash pops, "alpha rolls" shake cans or spray bottles. Let's work together to teach your dog desirable behaviors and maintain and build a trusting and affectionate relationship.
POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT (R+)
POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT (R+)
POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT (R+)
Motivation is key. What motivates your dog and inspires discretionary effort? Is it food, a game of tug, an opportunity to sniff? Positive reinforcement training rewards the behaviors that are appropriate and increases the likelihood that the behavior will occur in the future.
EACH DOG, A STUDY OF ONE
POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT (R+)
EACH DOG, A STUDY OF ONE
Each dog is unique. Breed, epigenetics prior training history, and a host of other variables may affect a dog's temperament, ability to focus and train and behavior as a companion animal. Nevertheless, it is vital to work with each dog as an individual and tailor sessions as such.