Think Pawsitively - Dog Behavior and Certified Dog Trainer - Missoula, MT
As a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP), and a Family Dog Mediator (FDM), I bring a wealth of expertise and passion to every session. With my Fear Free Certified Professional training, I ensure that your beloved pets feel safe and secure throughout the process. Whether it's through in-home visits or convenient remote consultations, I offer personalized training designed to fit your pet's unique needs. My services extend to all dogs, regardless of size breed or age.
Drawing on my extensive background in education and psychology, I specialize in a constructionist approach to pet training. This positive method avoids punishment, which can leave pets confused and stressed, focusing instead on rewarding desired behaviors. My goal is to foster a joyful and enthusiastic learning environment, promoting a strong, trusting bond between you and your pet. Whether you choose coaching sessions, homeschool training, or my unique board-and-train option where your dog will be part of my home, each experience is crafted to ensure your pet thrives.
Every pet deserves a happy, fulfilling life, and I am dedicated to helping you and your pet achieve this harmony. With dedicated service since 2021, I have been committed to making a difference in the lives of pets and their owners. Are you ready to unlock your pet's full potential with compassionate and effective training? Book me through Petworks today, and let's embark on this rewarding journey together!
- Certified
- Online Sessions
Pricing Packages
NOT SURE WHERE TO START?
That’s okay - simply book a 90-120 minute consultation. This is the first step towards providing relief for you and your dog. The initial consultation is foundational to the success of our training together.
• Diving deeper into your dog’s behavior and why it’s happening.
• Discuss well-being and set ideals for an enrichment plan.
• Clarifying your goals.
• Setting expectations.
• I will share my assessment of your dog’s behavior.
• We will discuss outcomes for training.
• I will share my opinion of the best training options to meet your goals.
• I will develop a management plan and start on a simple training exercise to provide some immediate relief.
Consultations occur either virtually or in person - this is location and dog behavior dependent.
How do you serve precious pets?
- Dog Trainer
- Animal Behaviorist
- Puppy Trainer
- Dog Obedience Training
- Private Dog Training
- K9 Training
- Dog Behaviorist
What training tools do you use?
- Back-clip Harness
- Barriers
- Clicker
- Front-clip Harness
- Head Collar
- Leash
- Long Line
- Muzzle
- Praise/Affection
- Toys
- Treats
On a scale of snail to elephant, what size animals do you work with?
- 20-39 lbs
- 40-79 lbs
- 80+ lbs
- under 20 lbs
Pet Certifications
- American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluator (AKC CGC)
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
- Fear Free Certified Professional
- Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP)
Education
Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers -Knowledge Assessed (CCPDT-KA); Karen Pryor Academy-Certified Training Partner( KPA-CTP); Family Dog Mediator (FDM); Fear Free Certified Professional (FFCP); Doctoral Degree Educational Psychology & Leadership (EdD)
Which part of the country do you serve pets?
Missoula, Montana
What year did you begin serving pets?
2017
What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!
kindness~empathy~compassion~understanding~ integrity
SERVICE AREA: Within 100 miles, including Missoula, Montana
Distinction
How do you serve precious pets?
- Dog Trainer
- Animal Behaviorist
- Puppy Trainer
- Dog Obedience Training
- Private Dog Training
- K9 Training
- Dog Behaviorist
What training tools do you use?
- Back-clip Harness
- Barriers
- Clicker
- Front-clip Harness
- Head Collar
- Leash
- Long Line
- Muzzle
- Praise/Affection
- Toys
- Treats
On a scale of snail to elephant, what size animals do you work with?
- 20-39 lbs
- 40-79 lbs
- 80+ lbs
- under 20 lbs
Pet Certifications
- American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluator (AKC CGC)
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
- Fear Free Certified Professional
- Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP)
Education
Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers -Knowledge Assessed (CCPDT-KA); Karen Pryor Academy-Certified Training Partner( KPA-CTP); Family Dog Mediator (FDM); Fear Free Certified Professional (FFCP); Doctoral Degree Educational Psychology & Leadership (EdD)
Which part of the country do you serve pets?
Missoula, Montana
What year did you begin serving pets?
2017
What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!
kindness~empathy~compassion~understanding~ integrity
🐾 About Dr. Rhonda Hamerslough – Expert Mobile Dog Trainer based in Missoula, MT
Dr. Rhonda is a trusted professional dog trainer in Missoula, MT, dedicated to helping dogs and their families build lasting, trusting relationships. With years of hands-on experience working with dogs of all sizes...from playful puppies to seasoned seniors, Dr. Rhonda Hamerslough uses positive, effective, science-informed techniques to make training enjoyable, rewarding, and results-driven for you and your dog.
🏙️ Personalized Training Right at Your Home
Living in a busy urban or suburban environment can bring unique challenges for dogs - distractions, new neighbors, and varying routines. Dr. Rhonda Hamerslough’s canine training services bring expert guidance directly to your door, providing flexible schedules, personalized attention, and safe, fun walks and training sessions for dogs of all energy levels.
🐶 Obedience & Manners – Teaching reliable commands and respectful behavior
📏 Leash & Walking Confidence – Ending pulling, lunging, and stress during walks
🧠 Behavior Modification – Addressing fear, anxiety, reactivity, or unwanted behaviors
🐾 Puppy Foundations - Socialization and good habit development from the start
❤️ Transforming Your Dog’s Life - and Yours
Training is about more than obedience. It’s about connection, trust, and confidence. When your dog understands expectations and communicates clearly, everyday life becomes calmer and more joyful. Imagine stress-free walks, confident greetings at home, and a deeper bond built on love, patience, and understanding. Dr. Rhonda Hamerslough is dedicated to helping you and your dog experience this transformation.
📘 Training Tools & Techniques
Dr. Rhonda Hamerslough uses customized, positive methods tailored to each dog’s needs:
🎯 Clicker or reward-based reinforcement
🦴 Treats, toys, and praise for motivation
🐾 Safe harnesses and leashes for structured practice
🧠 Behavior plans focused on sustainable, long-term results
These techniques strengthen good habits, reduce problem behaviors, and make training fun for your dog.
📌 Book a Session With Dr. Rhonda Hamerslough Today
Ready to see lasting results with your dog? Book a virtual or mobile dog training session with Dr. Rhonda Hamerslough in Missoula, Missoula County, Lolo, Frenchtown, Orchard Homes, Bonner-west Riverside, East Missoula, Wye, Clinton, Stevensville, Seeley Lake, Victor, MT at your convenience.
Whether you’re tackling basic obedience, leash issues, or more complex behavioral concerns, expert guidance is just a click away. Explore verified reviews, request quotes, and start your journey toward a happier, more harmonious life with your four-legged companion!