About Me
Hi, I'm Joanne Thompson, a.k.a. Joanne the Dog Trainer. I have over 50 years of hands-on experience, working directly with tens of thousands of dogs and owners. From group classes, private lessons, to board & train programs, I've worked successfully with everything from puppies to severely reactive/aggressive dogs. Treating each dog as an individual, I'm able to read the dog and assess a behavior/situation to know how to best address the problem. I'm experienced with a variety of training disciplines and methods, so I'm able to use what works best for the dog, creating a path to clear communication between owner and dog.​ I also allow the dog to provide input as to how they feel, and understand the training process, and adjust as necessary.
I've never been without a dog in my life. From the time I could walk, I've been training dogs, cats, and even reptiles! As a young girl, my first training project was a Belgian Malinois named Thor. In typical Malinois style, Thor was a challenge right out of the gate, teaching me many valuable training lessons. In elementary school, a 3rd grade assignment was to teach the class something I was passionate about. I chose dog training. A mock group class was set up with families/dogs and teachers/dogs. After the mock group class, the principal called my parents to ask if I could continue teaching classes. While continuing to teach, one of my after school jobs was dog walking and dog sitting. Upon graduating high school, I started a successful in-home pet sitting/training business, before going on to open my official dog training business, teaching obedience, agility, and behavior modification.
Training is not just a passion or a way of life... it's who I am. Over the years, I've trained, trialed or titled in AKC herding, obedience, rally, agility, conformation, tracking, and trick dog; UKC obedience, agility, rally, and conformation; AHBA herding; BHA barn hunt; and DMWYD trick dog. I've owned, trained, and handled multiple High In Trial, Reserve High In Trial, Top Ten, and #1 Top Herding Giant Schnauzers in the country, several years in a row. I'm currently owned by a Giant Schnauzer (Pepper), a Blue Picardy Spaniel (Gracie), a Chocolate Lab (Sadie), Miniature Poodle (Louie), and a Belgian Malinois (Kalina).
My Philosophy
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At The Balanced Dog, I believe in addressing the dog as a whole... both mind and body. Mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise. I believe in building a solid foundation in basics, not just with basic obedience and manners, but the dog's mental state of mind, which sets the tone for the dog's success as he progresses through life. In addition to working with the dog, I make a point of working with the owners to help them better understand and communicate with their dog. I show them how to effectively play and incorporate structure, how to handle the leash, and how to understand body language and what the dog is trying to tell them.
Certifications & Memberships
Experience:​
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Professional Obedience Instructor
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Certified Trick Dog Instructor
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CGC Evaluator
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S.T.A.R. Puppy Evaluator
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Canine Conditioning Coach
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Stunt Dog Judge​
Community Involvement:
​International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP)
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Professional Membership
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Past IACP Education Committee
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National Association of Obedience Instructions (NADOI)
Giant Schnauzer Club of America (GSCA)
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Congratulatory Chair
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Past Western Director
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Past Chair of Rescue
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Continental Divide Herding Association (CDHA)
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Past Treasurer
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Past Secretary
Continuing Education & Certifications:
The Ultimate Canine Communication Masterclass by Larry Krohn
Heel with Confidence The Ultimate Guide to Leash Training by Larry Krohn
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Stephanie Vichinsky's Mastering Mealtime/Conquering Food Aggression
Stephanie Vichinsky's Dealing with Leash Reactivity
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Ivan Balabanov's Treat Chasing 2.0
Ivan Balabanov's Chase & Catch 2.0
Ivan Balabanov's Possession Games
Ivan Balabanov's Teaching the Out Command
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Do More With Your Dog Trick Dog Instructor Certification
Do More With Your Dog Stunt Dog Judge Certification
Do More With Your Dog Canine Conditioning Coach Certification
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AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Evaluator
AKC Trick Dog Evaluator