Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

Deborah Lankford

Dog trainer in Virginia Beach

Retired after forty years of teaching high school English students, Deborah now has time to do what she has always wanted to do: teach dog owners how to build a great relationship with their pets! So in 2010, Playful Pups & Performance Training was established. Since then, she has guided countless owners away from the old-fashioned methods in favor of science-based force-free methods. These 'choice and reward' methods, enhanced by the use of a clicker, are particularly effective with puppies, whose brains are actually enlarged by this approach to learning. Furthermore, dogs who learn this way develop a partnership with their owners, which can lead to all kinds of achievements! The Lankfords' dogs earned an array of AKC titles in Obedience, Tricks, Agility, Therapy Dog, and Rally. Sadly, Bonnie (pictured), Einstein, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and Stella, a Papillon, are no longer with us; however, Maizie and Honey (yes, another Aussie and another Corgi) are working hard to follow in the pawprints of their predecessors. Maizie already is a certified Therapy Dog and is well along in her training as a Service Dog. And Honey, still a little puppy, is busy just being sweet!A graduate of the Animal Behavior College, Deborah is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), a Certified Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, and a member of both the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and the Pet Professional Guild. Aware of the continuously evolving field of the study of dogs and how they learn, she attends clinics and seminars all over the country, learning from dog experts such as Patricia McConnell, Jean Donaldson, Ken Ramirez, Susan Garrett, and Kathy Sdao. She is a firm advocate of the positive reinforcement approach espoused by these experts and has had outstanding success in applying the wide variety of dog-friendly techniques she has learned.Of all the current dog-training gurus, however, Deborah has been most influenced by Karen Pryor, Suzanne Clothier, Ian Dunbar, and Pat Miller. She attended Karen Pryor's three-day Clicker Expo conferences in 2009, 2011, 2014, and 2018 and also attended Terry Ryan's five-day Chicken Clicker Camp in 2014. (Yes, chickens!) Since attending a Pet Professional Guild conference in Florida, she's become part of the international movement to ban shock collars, in support of the 'No Pain, No Force, No Fear' commitment made by current dog trainers. Other on-going training sessions she has attended include multiple 2 to 4 day seminars given by Ian Dunbar, Suzanne Clothier, Sue Sternberg, and Pat Miller. She has attended numerous conventions hosted annually by the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. But she finds she learns the most from the dogs she works with, as she applies the techniques and theories she has studied. They let her know what works; and as her students hear her say all the time, Dogs do what works! And so does Deborah.She considers education an ongoing process, and so she stays abreast of the current revolution in dog training techniques, a revolution which is proving that non-aversive training works best. But most of all, she wants to help owners and dogs discover all the wonderful things they can do together!

Dog training services include

In home training

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Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

David Adams

About the author

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development. David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners. Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature. David is based in Salem, MA.

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot is a community marketplace that enables anyone to rent land by-the-hour as a safe and private dog park.

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About Sniffspot

Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

Deborah Lankford

Dog training services include

See The Best Dog Trainers In Virginia Beach

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See The Best Dog Trainers By Type In Virginia Beach

David Adams

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