My name is Shawna Swanson, and I established Maverick Dog Training
in 1997 in Glendale, Arizona after 2 years apprenticing under a local
trainer and holding a position as District Training Manager for Animal
Behavior & Training Associates (the company that used to offer classes
through Petco stores). I began Maverick Dog Training in hopes of helping
owners understand their dogs, enjoy their time with them, teach them basic
commands, and solve behavior problems.My dog training experience began with my first dog, a Rottweiler named Maverick that I purchased in 1994. I began training with him immediately (a MUST with the breed and strongly recommended with ALL dogs!) by taking private lessons from the breeders that I got him from -- he was a fast learner and a joy to work with! I dabbled with him in competition obedience, protection work, Schutzhund, agility, and tracking...but didn't take any of those things too seriously at the time. While working with Maverick, it seemed like a natural progression to begin teaching others what I had learned.
Over the years, I have worked with dogs of all breeds and ages as
well as all different temperaments and personalities. I strive to assess
each dog (and owner!) individually and tailor a training program to fit the
needs of the owners' lifestyle as well as the dogs' personality. I am
often asked what "method" of training I use....I'm thrilled when
people take the time to interview me and ask questions before choosing a
trainer! However, my answer to that question is complicated --- I don't
have a set "method" as I truly believe each case is different!
I have experience with many different types of training....everything from
completely food based methods to strong correction training. A dog that
doesn't find treats enticing is not going to respond to treat training....on
the other hand; physical correction is not for every dog either. I
believe that in order to have a happy, confident dog, it must understand the
rules of its environment....and those rules need to be consistent and made
clear to the dog from the first moment it arrives.
I try hard to teach
the OWNERS how to communicate with their dogs clearly and to be fair about
their expectations. I've had it pointed out to me by clients many, many
times (and I truly believe it!) --- The dogs "get it" quickly....it's
usually the owners that need the training! I feel that my job really is
to train the people!
Maverick Dog Training is based out of Glendale, AZ -- but I offer private
lessons throughout the north and west Phoenix area and into
Scottsdale/Anthem/Arcadia areas as well. I also run basic group obedience
classes where the dogs are taught to heel, sit, stay, down, and come (on leash)
with the distraction of the other dogs and people in the class.
I
will occasionally offer a "board and train" program...which is where
the dog would come and stay at my house with me for a period of time for
training and then the owners would follow up with private lessons after the dog
is taught the basics -- however, I generally try to discourage this type of
training....as stated before, it's important for the owners to be consistent
and follow through with the training. This is usually accomplished better
in a private lesson or group setting.
Over the past several years, I've added an additional part to
Maverick Dog Training -- and that is professional handling services for AKC
conformation shows. I started showing my own dog (my second Rottweiler,
named Legend) in 2003....and I fell in love with dog shows! I added
another show dog to my family in 2008 - a female Pharaoh Hound named Rory - and
that is when my handling career took off! Rory has had multiple Hound
Group wins and placements, as well as a Best In Specialty Show and many other
top awards at All Breed and Specialty shows including the Eukanuba
Invitational. As Rory began winning, others requested that I show their
dogs as well!
Since I started handling professionally in 2009, I've
finished championships and/or grand championships as well as put group
placements on dogs from the herding, working, terrier and hound
groups - and I've handled dogs of many different breeds from six of the seven
groups!
I also teach group handling classes in Glendale (beginning in
August) as well as private handling lessons by appointment.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would
like to schedule an appointment. More information about my services
(including information about my own dogs' accomplishments and the dogs that I
have handled) can be found on my website at www.maverickdogtraining.com. I can be
reached by phone at 623-694-9094 or by email at Mavides@aol.com.
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