Daniel Tambourine is the owner of Crossroads and the head of "Best Behavior" training program. He has over twenty-five years of training experience ranging from dogs and cats to wolves, bears and other exotics, but he specializes in dogs and cases involving aggression and/or fears. Dan is a member of many behavior and training organizations, including the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), Delta Society, Animal Behavior Society and the Association of Behavior Analysts. Further, he regularly consults with the top national and international behaviorists and trainers to stay abreast of the latest, most advanced techniques.

Renee Dunstan, CPDT is the General Manager. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree and completed a training apprenticeship with Dan in 1994. In 1996 she joined Dan to help grow the Crossroads facility. In addition to an APDT certification as a pet dog trainer, Renee is a certified Pet Care Technician through the American Boarding Kennel Association (ABKA) and is working on her master's degree in psychology. Currently, she oversees all office, resort and training functions.

Our "Best Behavior" trainers are experts in dog behavior. They study with top professionals to stay up-to-date on studies and techniques and actively participate in the APDT. Their focus is to help owners avert behavior problems through proper training using reward-based method that are fun and effective for both people and dogs. Our trainers go through an extensive training under Dan's guidance, meeting weekly to ensure that their methods are consistent and Dan's high standards maintained. In addition, our trainers are certified through the Association of Pet Dog Trainers  (APDT) or are currently working on certification. Until the APDT created the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers in 2001, there was no true standardized certification process for dog trainers. There are many schools that teach dog training and offer their own certification for their specific program, but such certificates often reflect the teaching and quality of the specific school and many are attained through unmonitored, take-home tests. The Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers is a true certification entity pursuing accreditation from the National Organization for Competency Assurance. The test sites are moderated by the Professional Testing Corporation of New York.  

  Our trainers focus on pet dogs and their owners, not Schutzhund, Ring Sport, Competition Obedience or other "show ring" behaviors. Although our trainers also complete in agility and obedience trials, they understand that skill in a controlled show ring does not necessarily help the pet dog in day-to-day life. Anyone can train a dog in a show ring with the predictable, repetitive exercises. Pet dogs live in the real world where the environment changes all the time. This is where our trainers excel. In the real world. Ever see a cat in a show ring??

Trish Brown, CPDT is a trainer in our Bed, Breakfast, and Training program. Her focus is on using positive reinforcement techniques to teach basic obedience and good manners to the puppies and dogs under her guidance. Patricia is certified through the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) as a Certified Pet Dog Trainer.

Deana Case has been training dogs for six years. Her experience as an adoption counselor for a rescue group inspired her to become a dog trainer. She worked for three years at Petsmart and became a Senior Dog Trainer before moving on to open her own dog training business. During this time, she became a Mentor Trainer for the Animal Behavior College, which she continues to do. Deana also created and presented a bite prevention program for elementary school children with the help of her own certified therapy dogs. At Crossroads, Deana's passion is aiding family dogs to overcome behavioral difficulties and learn to cope with the distractions and stressors of busy urban living. Her techniques utilitze positive training practices to reinforce desirable behavior. When she is not training dogs, she writes about them for www.lovetoknow.com, where she is the site editor for the Dog Channel.

Diana Greenhow is a trainer in our Bed, Breakfast, and Training program. Using positive-based training methods, she works with dogs in need of a review of their obedience and/or social skills, as well as with daycare dogs. Diana also conducts private training sessions and her clients love her fun-loving, yet direct, no nonsense approach as she helps them achieve their goals. Diana also has extensive experience in the show ring in both conformation and obedience trials.

 Michelle Potter has experience will all breeds and a wide variety of behavior problems. She is a primary trainer in our Bed, Breakfast, and Training program working with many of the fearful and/or aggressive dogs. She also conducts private sessions coving basic obedience and behavioral concerns. Prior to joining Crossroads, she taught Puppy, Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, and Trick classes. She is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and is certified in Dog First Aid & CPR through Red Cross. While living in Mexico, she rescued many dogs who had serious health/behavioral challenges.

Anna Marie Collins is in our trainer apprentice program. She comes to us with a variety of animal experience ranging from Temple elephants in Kerala, India to working as a vet assistant in a local animal clinic. She has a special interest in working with fears and aggression and has proven to be a tremendous asset in assisting our on-staff trainers. She is patient and compassionate with each dog she works with and is always willing to lend a helping hand.

 Thoughts on Selecting a Trainer

In the field of dog training, there are no "requirements" to call oneself a dog trainer. In addition, there are many ways to train a dog, as well as many different fees. So, how does an owner decide on a trainer for their dog?

First, you want to look for a trainer that uses positive-based training methods. There is a lot of talk these days about being "leader of the pack". While there is some merit to this, it is the sign of an old school trainer who insists on this mentality.  We get dogs because we love them for what they are. We just want them to direct their desires through appropriate channels. For example, we want them to potty outside, chew their own toys, walk calmly on a leash, etc. Training is a way we communicate with a non-verbal species. Learning is motivational. For a dog to want to learn, it should be fun for them. Give them a reason to want to listen to you other than punishment. There is no need to jerk a dog on a leash in order to teach them how to behave.   For the most part, owners want their dogs to be part of the family and a good canine citizen, not a robototic animal that is afraid to romp, play, and be a dog. Punitive methods can create a dog that is afraid of you.

Second, what is it that you wish to accomplish? Basic manners? Housetraining? Does your dog have anxiety, fears, or aggressive issues? You need to select a trainer that is skilled in your area of needs with the proven experience behind them. Price is not the factor that should be your first concern. Most trainers can put together a program that will work for you within your budget. But remember, a dog is a life-time committment. The money you spend now on training will provide you with a companion that you will enjoy to spend time with. Amortize any training fees over the life of your dog and it comes out to very little per year.

Ask a trainer how much experience they have. Ask where they learned their trade. Trainers with little experience typically charge less because they want to use you to practice on. You would be better off spending a little more and getting more in the long run. Dog training is not brain surgery, but it does require a knowledge of learning theory and conditioning techniques and nothing says success like hands-on experience with lots of different dogs.

Ask if you can watch a single group class or training session. A trainer that you want to work with should have no problem allowing you to do this. Also, ask for references and call them. Ask a trainer what happens if s/he is unable to keep a scheduled appointment or if a training technique is not working for you. What if you and the trainer do not "hit it off"? If you are working with a single trainer, you typically have no options as most do not offer refunds (this is standard in the industry). If you are working with a training company, you have the option to work with a different trainer, plus there are a multitude of resources behind your trainer.

Do not be afraid to ask questions. It is your dog, your companion, and your investment. You have the right to make the right choice for you.

Karen Amaglio brings twenty-five years of dog experience-from all-breed rescue work and dog showing-to her job as resort manager. For the last ten years, she has managed both local and "corporate" boarding facilities. She has a strong commitment to the animals in her care. She is responsible for staff development and all aspects of animal care.

Janet Deason is the office manager. Every good team needs support and Janet is ours. She answers the phones, sets appointments, handles client questions and satisfies all needs. Give us a call and see for yourself!