Trainer Thursday: Featuring Wagadelic’s Keri Siry Dog Training

Every 3rd Thursday of the month, a local dog trainer will be present at the store from 4-7 pm to answer any questions you may have about training your dog.

This month, we will be welcoming local dog trainer Keri Siry from Wagadelic!

We got to know more about Keri’s experience and insights during a brief conversation. Here are some of her thoughts-

What got you started in the training field?

My dog training career began out of pure envy. I worked a desk job at a Private School for Boys in San Francisco, and our offices were basically in a basement with one window to the outside world. Every day I watched a dog walker pass by with a group of dogs & decided that was my destiny.

I quit my job at the school and bought an existing dog walking business from a dog park pal I knew where I took my own dog to play. The San Francisco SPCA at the time offered a certification that now is independent from the shelter called the Academy for Dog Trainers.

How long have you been training?

I graduated from the Academy in 2001, and have been training ever since.

Can you summarize your philosophy on training?

My goal is to translate what your dog is communicating with his/her behaviors & help both of you enjoy your time together & navigate the world with confidence.

What 3 things do you recommend doing when starting to train your dog?

Make a list of all of your dog's favorite activities, rewards, in addition to the behaviors you have trouble with.

Start simple & know that change is often tough for your dog.

Do you have any other tips or tricks about dog training that you would like to share?

My absolute favorite trick for clients is a scattering of treats in the grass or on the ground for pups that might be too excited or reactive on walks. Jumping on people or pulling toward other dogs? Take a handful of treats, preferably crunchy ones, and move out of everyone's way and toss the treats for the dog to sniff out and eat in the grass. Sniffing brings down their cortisol levels, in addition to creating a positive consequence to moving away from a stimulus (dog/person/loud vehicle) & giving you time to safely keep your dog away if needed. After you have practiced this for a week or so, your dog will now see dog/person/vehicle and look at the ground waiting for the goodies to scatter!

Bring your questions about dog training and behavior every 3rd Thursday of the month and join us to chat, learn and train together!