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Meet the dog trainer!

Nina Sorochynskyj, CPDT-KA

My most important role is to provide you - the client - with effective, professional & humane training for your dog.  Training that makes your life easier, by teaching your dog how to behave and live within the rules and structure of normal family life.

Dogs have always been a huge part of my life.  My very first dog growing up was a German Shepherd-Husky mix named 'Spike'.  He was a stray pup that wandered his way into my parents' home.  He was incredibly kind and patient, and a super companion growing up!

My first two dogs came to me as strays too - and they eventually became my working K-9s in Search & Rescue.  But I had my hands full with my guys when they each arrived.  Jumping, chewing, barking & lots of obnoxious behavior - so I totally understand where you're coming from!  


I've always been a problem solver - challenging behavior problems keep me on my toes!  I look forward to getting to know you and your dog!

Contact me directly with your questions:  Nina@happypawsschoolfordogs.com


Professional accomplishments:
  • Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) 
  • Certified Fear Free Trainer
  • Licensed Family Paws® Educator - Family Paws Parent Education
  • American Kennel Club  - Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
  • Member, Association of Professional Dog Trainers
  • Member, International Police Work Dog Association
  • Member, Pet Professional Guild
  • K9 Handler, Northeast Search & Rescue
  • Volunteer - Dessin Animal Shelter
  • Volunteer - Orange County 4-H Dog Program
  • Bed Bug Detection Canine Trainer
  • Member, Integrated Bed Bug Management Association​
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Pennsylvania dog trainer

teacher's pets!

'DILLON'
Adopted in 2012 (est birthday: Oct 2010)
German Shepherd x Vizsla

Training accomplishments:
  • Search & Rescue K9 - IPWDA Certified in Human Remains Detection (Cadaver Dog)
  • AKC Canine Good Citizen

Favorite things:
  • playing tug, fetch & disc
  • cuddles on the couch​​

"SOPHIE" Beretta vom Kugelblitz
German Shepherd Dog
Birthday:  June 2015

Training accomplishments:
  • Search & Rescue K9 - PSARC Certified in Trailing
  • TDI Therapy Dog
  • AKC Canine Good Citizen

Favorite things:
  • playing with her JollyBall
  • meeting new people!

"KEVLAR" vom Kugelblitz
Dutch Shepherd
Birthday:  July 2018

Training accomplishments:​​
  • Search & Rescue K9 - PSARC Certified in Human Remains Detection (Cadaver Dog)
  • AKC Canine Good Citizen

Favorite things:
  • Playing tug
  • Hikes in the woods

Our "new recruit"!

"MUSHKA"
Komondor
Birthday:  March 2020

Training accomplishments:​​
  • Still learning to keep all our feathered farm friends safe from predators!

Favorite things:
  • Silly sprints through the woods
  • Splashing in the water during the summer

In Loving Memory...

'ELLIOT'
  • 2004 - 2020
  • Labrador Retriever x German Shepherd​

​Training accomplishments:
  • Search & Rescue K9 - IPWDA Certified in Human Remains Detection (Cadaver Dog)
  • AKC Canine Good Citizen​

Students & foster pups...

Pennsylvania dog training
"Vito" (American Staffordshire Terrier)
German Shepherd dog training
"Freddie" (German Shepherd)
Beagle dog training
"Boomer" (Beagle/Hound mix)
Dutch Shepherd dog training
"Meeka" (Dutch Shepherd)
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"ZsaZsa" (Vizsla)
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"Bear" (Silky Terrier mix)
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"Mandy" (Silky Terrier)
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Foster puppies (Pitbull / Bully breed mix))
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"Tina" (Boston Terrier / French Bulldog)
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"Mini" (French Bulldog)
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"Creed" (Rottweiler)
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"Lila" (Bernese Mountain Dog)
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"Gemma" (Belgian Malinois)

Training Philosophy

I am the type of person who enjoys quick results. 

When it comes to training - I look for every opportunity to speed up the process and ensure those lessons 'stick'.   I also really enjoy making training FUN.  If it's a 'chore' then nobody is really going to want to stick to the training plan.

The best and most effective training is rooted in positive reinforcement. 

What does that mean?  Positive Reinforcement in it's pure form means we reward the behaviors we want, so they continue to be offered by the dog. 

I use all kinds of 'rewards' in training to reinforce a dog for making good choices.  Those rewards vary with each dog - but a small sample may include:  food, treats, tuggy toys, balls, petting, eye contact, verbal praise, or access to something the dog wants.  The possibilities are endless when it comes to rewards. 

Part of my job as the trainer is to figure out what type of rewards work best for your dog.

But what if my dog misbehaves?
There will definitely be times when your dog makes a choice that drives you crazy!  Sometimes it's a reaction to stress or fear - sometimes it might be a burst of giddy excitement - and sometimes your dog is simply distracted or choosing not to listen.

I'm here to help figure out WHY your dog behaves badly & then quickly resolve the issue.  I have a huge 'toolkit' of techniques and ideas to curb the bad behavior and teach new, well-mannered behavior. 

What I won't do is resort to physical punishment - no yelling, poking, spraying, pinching, shocking or hitting. 

I do not use aversive training tools, such as choke, prong or electronic/remote training collars (e-collars).  I can stop naughty behavior with much more reliable, effective and humane methods that can be used by anyone - even children!

Want to know more?  Please contact me & let's have a chat!  I truly enjoy answering all sorts of training and behavior questions - so please ask away!  (570) 251-1744

Or you can send an email anytime at: 
Nina@HappyPawsSchoolForDogs.com

Serving Wayne County & Pike County, PA - and - Sullivan County, NY.

(570) 251-1744

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