Our mission is to give dog owners a clear path forward in their training journey while building strong and loving bonds in the process. We can foster better relationships with our dogs by creating relationship-based training strategies, establishing clear communication systems and methods, and understanding how dogs think and experience their world.
Training is not just for dogs, but also their people. With good training and coaching, we can turn behaviorally challenged dogs into well-behaved, contented family members.
Cotati Dog Training uses modern science-based training methods to develop trust, respect for boundaries and understanding between dogs and their people based on the most current research through mutual respect, patience and consistency.
ABOUT US
ABOUT THE TRAINER
Helen Scorso has been training dogs since 2011. She is a Fear-Free Certified Trainer and a member of The Association of Pet Dog Training International. She is routinely referred by the Rohnert Park Animal Shelter in Rohnert Park, California to adopters as a reputable trainer and is part of their Pawsitive Solutions Training Program. Helen attends annual seminars to stay current on the latest scientific research and behavioral studies on effective, humane dog training methods.
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Helen has been mentored by dog trainers internationally renowned for their expertise and progressive, humane training methods. Accordingly, her “game based” approach is extremely effective, gentle, respectful, and fun for dogs and their people alike.
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Her canine companions include Bee, a Belgian Malinois, and Casper, a chocolate Labrador Retriever, she also shares her home with five cats.
Phone/Zoom consults 15-30 minutes
Cotati Dog Training, Cotati, CA
Dog Trainer, Owner, 2023[HC1] -present
Provide coaching and training for people and dogs from a variety of backgrounds and skill levels. Perform holistic assessments and behavioral evaluations based on identified areas of concern; create individualized training programs and management protocols based on each dog’s unique set of needs by utilizing positive reinforcement methods and effective, clear communication techniques with an emphasis on modeling patience, kindness, encouragement and compassion for both the dogs themselves and able and disabled humans working alongside them. Teach puppies, adolescent, adult, senior and rescue dog foundational to advanced obedience, as well as skills to help eliminate unwanted behaviors such as barking, chewing, digging, pulling and biting. Address issues including lunging at people/dogs, leash reactivity, dog reactivity, environmental sensitivity, generalized or specific anxiety, separation anxiety. lack of proper socialization, potty training support and other problem solving.
Training & Expertise
Fourteen years of dog training experience combining multiple disciplines, including but not limited to: service dog training, sport dog work, competitive obedience, drug & bomb dog detection, human tracking & trailing, article searches and nose work.
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Mentored by Alfred Hupfauer & Renate Rank from 2012-2014. The pair are globally renowned experts in training working, sport, and police dogs (including in Sonoma County). They are consistently sought after judges in international dog competitions. Ms. Rank has placed 5th in the world in the sport of IGP at “Schnauzerfest”. Hupfauer and Rank strongly advocate positive reinforcement training methods and the respectful treatment of dogs with an emphasis on dogs’ physical and mental well-being. They are good friends and a trusted resource to his day.
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Earned BH (“Begleithundprufung”, or “Traffic-sure companion dog test”) title with my dog Anya in 2014. The BH is also known as a Companion Dog Title and includes on-and-off leash heeling, recalls, obedience commands, and real-life scenarios in heavily trafficked public areas. It is a pre-requisite for competing in IGP/Schutzhund.
Earned CGC title, The American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Test with dog Casper in 2023 a ten skills test including general obedience, recall, supervised separation and greeting friendly strangers. This test was performed in busy environment with many distractions.
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Served as a trial assistant at multiple IGP trials
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Attended numerous canine trainings and seminars including The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) conference in Memphis, TN in 2018 which included topics such as Canine Cognitive Functioning, Behavioral Science, Animal Behaviors with speakers including Jean Donaldson, Ian Dunbar and others.
Michael Ellis school for dog TRAINERS, Santa Rosa, CA
Student, Intern 2017-2022
Received certifications in Puppy Development, Canine Management, Behavior Modification, Obedience Intensive and Detection Level II. Served as an intern assisting trainers and students with dog training and performing administrative tasks.
Sonoma Co. SheriFf’s Office Volunteer Search & Rescue UNIT, Santa Rosa, CA
​Ground Searcher and Canine Flanker 2015-2016
Worked closely with this department and others to search for evidence and missing persons on both water and land. Familiar with the principals and importance of chain of command. Attended regular and rigorous trainings. Trained with SAR Canine Unit in searching for human remains, also with scientist Mary Cablk https://www.dri.edu (who trains many SAR and law enforcement agencies in K9 detection, also serving as an expert witness in this area). Passed comprehensive Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office background check.
Professional business services, Cotati, CA
Medical Billing, Owner (2001-present)
Operate medical billing business serving physicians/patients by securing insurance payments from insurance companies and doing medical billing.
Volunteer Experience
Mussel Dogs, Denair, CA, 2021
Received certifications in Puppy Development, Canine Management, Behavior Modification, Obedience Intensive and Detection Level II. Served as an intern assisting trainers and students with dog training and performing administrative tasks
Sonoma Co. SheriFf’s Office Volunteer Search & Rescue UNIT, Santa Rosa, CA
​Ground Searcher and Canine Flanker 2015-2016
Worked closely with this department and others to search for evidence and missing persons on both water and land. Familiar with the principals and importance of chain of command. Attended regular and rigorous trainings. Trained with SAR Canine Unit in searching for human remains, also with scientist Mary Cablk https://www.dri.edu (who trains many SAR and law enforcement agencies in K9 detection, also serving as an expert witness in this area). Passed comprehensive Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office background check.
Professional business services, Cotati, CA
Medical Billing, Owner (2001-present)
Operate medical billing business serving physicians/patients by securing insurance payments from insurance companies and doing medical billing.
Volunteer Experience
Mussel Dogs, Denair, CA, 2021
​Volunteer handler in training, assisting in protecting California lakes from invasive quagga and zebra mussels by doing watercraft inspections at Lake Sonoma with mussel detection dogs.
Rohnert Park Humane Society, Rohnert Park, CA 2010-Present
Foster infant, ill, injured or feral kittens, cats, and dogs until they are ready for adoption; socialize, provide love, training, and medical care as needed.
