About Guiding Canines
WE TEACH YOU AND YOUR BELOVED PET PRACTICAL TRAINING FOR THE REAL WORLD. USING THE MOST EFFECTIVE, SAFE, AND EASILY TEACHABLE TRAINING AVAILABLE.
About The Owner
Welcome to Guiding Canines! I'm Val Mitchell, the driving force behind our mission. Over the course of my career, I've had the privilege of working with police drug dogs, protection dogs, service dogs, search and rescue dogs, and cherished household pets. However, my journey began in childhood, where I discovered my passion for training local pups in our neighborhood. This early love for dogs propelled me to establish my first venture as a dog groomer while still in my youth. As I immersed myself in the world of dogs, attending seminars and devouring every training book available, my commitment to their well-being deepened.
My path took a turn when I joined a franchise, where I witnessed firsthand the prioritization of profits over genuine care. This experience fueled my determination to create something different—a space where compassion and expertise intersect to empower both owners and their beloved companions.
Thus, Guiding Canines was born from a desire to offer more than just training; it's about fostering lasting relationships and nurturing the unique bond between you and your dog. Together, let's embark on a journey where success isn't measured in dollars, but in the joy and fulfillment of a happy dog.
Passion Is What Drives Us.
Our mission is clear: to guarantee the success of every dog entrusted to our care. We commit ourselves wholeheartedly to these dogs and their owners, providing unwavering support until we achieve the desired outcomes. As the headline above this paragraph declares, it is our passion that propels us forward. And as we move forward, we want to sincerely thank all our service men and women for their sacrifice and dedication to our country. All military, police, firefighters, and EMS get a 5% discount on all services.
How We Started
In 2020, I moved to San Francisco with my husband, who joined the United States Coast Guard. Prior to this move, I had trained over 2000 dogs, some of which were for a prominent board and train facility. With my accumulated knowledge and commitment to ethical standards, I realized I could create something that better aligned with my values and approach to dog training. Thus, Guiding Canines was born.
What sets Guiding Canines apart is our commitment to providing effective training without the corporate business schemes often found in larger facilities. Our mission is clear: to empower owners with practical methods that result in a balanced dog and bring peace and harmony to their families, eliminating stress, fear, and anxiety.
San Francisco's dog training scene is known for championing a specific approach called positive-only training, which focuses on a single quadrant of dog training (learn more about the four quadrants in our FAQ section). At Guiding Canines, we take a different approach. We embrace balanced dog training, utilizing all four quadrants to ensure clear communication and understanding between you and your furry companion.
During my time in San Francisco, I encountered numerous owners who had reached their breaking point. They had been told by other trainers that their dogs were beyond help and should be euthanized. It was in these moments that I became known as the "last chance dog trainer" in the area—a lifeline between life and death for many beloved pets. I firmly believe that there is always an alternative to euthanasia. In 99 out of 100 cases, the solution lies in changing the dog's behavior reliably and instilling confidence in the owners through the training skills I share with them.
Now, our journey has brought us to the serene Upstate area of South Carolina, where we have settled and established our new home. Here at Guiding Canines, we invite you to join us and embark on a training experience that will equip you with the confidence and practical knowledge needed to succeed. Together, we can create a harmonious bond between you and your dog, ensuring a lifetime of joy and companionship.
Come train with us and let us guide you towards a brighter future with your furry friend.
Learn About Our Promises To You.
Safe
Ensuring the safety of your dog is our utmost priority. If your dog isn't safe under our care, nothing else we offer should matter. Unfortunately, many pet services in the area have numerous safety concerns and have experienced devastating incidents. The harsh reality is that businesses operating in rented spaces with high overhead costs often prioritize making money over your dog's safety. While they may seem pleasant on the surface, behind the scenes, corners are cut, and dogs may be neglected, left in unsanitary conditions, or even suffer fatal consequences. This is a promise I make to you: your dog is safe in my care.
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Your pets stay with me at my home, not in a commercial facility.
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We use only non-harmful cleaning products for kennels, yards, and your dog.
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We exclusively use Gunner Kennels, which have earned a 5-star crash test rating, ensuring maximum safety.
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Upon arrival, all dogs are fitted with a temporary Apple AirTag as a precaution. We prioritize safety, acknowledging that unforeseen circumstances may occur despite our best efforts.
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We possess a keen understanding of the warning signs of trouble, granting us the capability to intervene and prevent dog fights before they escalate, as well as to promptly rush your dog to the veterinarian at the earliest indication of illness or injury, potentially saving precious time and ensuring timely medical attention. Furthermore, our expertise extends beyond mere recognition of impending issues; we are equipped to handle a myriad of situations and challenges that may arise, providing comprehensive care and support for your beloved pet's well-being. Whether it's identifying subtle behavioral cues, administering first aid, or addressing any other concerns, you can trust us to act swiftly and decisively in safeguarding your dog's health and safety.
Effective
At Guiding Canines, our commitment is to deliver effective results in all our endeavors. We understand the frustration of investing in solutions that don't deliver, which is why we prioritize effectiveness as our second most important goal after safety.
Using a scientifically-backed approach to dog training, we combine classical and operant conditioning techniques to ensure optimal results for your furry friend. As a small-scale business, every dog receives personalized training from me, Val, the owner and head trainer of Guiding Canines. With over a decade of experience, I've thoroughly explored various training methods, discarding ineffective ones and refining those that prove successful.
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We customize training to suit your dog's unique needs and personality.
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Our training methods effectively modify behavior while preserving your dog's personality.
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We prioritize making training enjoyable for your dog, ensuring they eagerly participate.
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Our training methods are based on years of scientific research, and we use top-of-the-line equipment proven to be effective.
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Training sessions take place in both my home and various public locations, including downtown Greenville, Hampton Station, Lowes, Ace Hardware, Swamp Rabbit Cafe, Sierra Nevada Brewery, and more.
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Training in a home environment better prepares your dog for success in your own home, while practicing in public areas helps you handle your dog in pet-friendly environments.
Dedicated
At Guiding Canines, our dedication to dog training is a deeply ingrained value, driven by our belief that every dog deserves a fulfilling life and every owner deserves the joy of a well-trained companion.
Our journey began with a realization: the current training industry often prioritizes profits over genuine care. We set out to create a sanctuary where compassion, expertise, and integrity intersect, prioritizing dogs' needs and empowering owners to build lasting bonds. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond training sessions, as we provide ongoing support and guidance to ensure your dog's continued success.
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Complimentary Refresher Sessions: We offer free sessions after a Board & Train program, to reinforce your dog's skills and address reemerging behavior issues, ensuring their continued success.
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Transparent Communication: Regular updates, including videos and pictures, keep you informed and involved, fostering trust in our services.
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Ongoing Assistance: Your success as a dog owner is our ultimate goal, and we're committed to supporting you every step of the way. Even after our formal training sessions have concluded, we'll remain actively engaged in your dog's development, providing ongoing guidance, encouragement, and practical advice to ensure that your bond with your furry friend continues to grow stronger with each passing day.
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We Train The Whole Family: we prioritize training the entire family to become confident dog handlers. From wives and husbands to grandparents and children, we'll ensure that everyone in your household is equipped with the skills needed to support your dog's success.
Join us at Guiding Canines and embark on a journey of discovery, growth, and transformation. Together, we'll unlock the full potential of your dog and forge a lifelong partnership built on trust, respect, and unconditional love.
Our Trainers
Valentina
