Valeria Cascaddan
KPA CTP, CPDT-KA, CCBC-KA, FFCP, LFDM(B)(T)
Certified Dog Trainer & Behavior Consultant | Licensed Family Dog Mediator
Welcome to Drop the Leash Dog Training, where our mission is to provide individuals with the education and tools they need to understand and positively influence their dog's behavior by taking into account the relationship between nature and nurture as well as the unique characteristics of each dog. The modern world that our dogs live in can disrupt the natural balance of a dog's behavior, leading to issues thriving within our homes. By understanding the underlying causes of your dog's behavior and customizing training and interventions accordingly, I can help you provide personalized support for your companion to flourish.
At Drop the Leash LLC, I specialize in providing training and education for both the human and canine end of the leash. My goal is to give you the skills and knowledge you need to be a confident guide for your family dog. I strive to understand your dog's true nature and how to nurture their behavior effectively. I am dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest information in behavior analysis, animal behavior, canine ethology, teaching, and learning by regularly attending webinars, conferences, and expos.
My education and experience speak for themselves. With over 30 years of experience in the animal care industry, a wide range of certifications and licenses, and a passion for teaching both dogs and people, I am uniquely qualified to help you and your dog succeed. My dedication to staying up-to-date with the latest research in animal behavior and learning ensures you get the best possible service. As a Canine Behavior Consultant and Family Dog Mediator, I am certified by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers in behavior consulting and training, CBCC-KA & CPDT-KA. Karen Pryor Academy as a Certified Training Partner, KPA-CTP. Fear Free Certified Professional, FFCP, and a dual Licensed Family Dog Mediator® in the behavior division, LFDM-B and training division, LFDM-T.
Certifications, Licenses & Education
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2021 Certified Family Dog Mediator - L.E.G.S.® Applied Ethology Family Dog Mediation® Professional Course
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2019 Certified Behavior Consultant Canine - Knowledge Assessed
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2017 Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed
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2017 Doggone Safe Member
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2015 Dr. Ian Dunbar's Treatment & Prevention of Dog Aggression
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2007 Associate of Science - Major Pre-Veterinary Medicine
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1998 4H Dog Training Instructor
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1997 Board of Directors member of Friends for Life, which implemented the first No-Kill shelter in Michigan
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1997 Introduced to reward-based training and clicker training
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1995 National K9 School for Dog Trainers Master Trainer Course
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1992 Michigan School of Canine Cosmetology Professional Groomer
At Drop the Leash LLC, my approach is based on the latest research in animal behavior and learning, and I use positive reinforcement methods to help your dog learn and succeed. Training should be fun for you and your dog, and I strive to create a positive learning environment. I provide education for those interested in teaching the dogs they live with using the most positive, least intrusive teaching methods currently available. I support effective, reliable behavior change for your family dog without using physical intimidation, fear, pain, or discomfort. Providing the same teaching quality and education for the human end of the leash, that’s you, as I do for your four-legged companion. I strive to give you the skills and knowledge needed to be a confident guide for your family dog. I’m here to help you understand your dog's true nature and how to nurture your dog’s behavior effectively.
I enjoy spending my free time with my family, including our two dogs, Roo and Dobby, our decades-old cat, Jynx, and other animals on our homestead in Northern Michigan, as well as outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, gardening, wild food foraging, birdwatching and more. Additionally, I am an avid reader and artist.
"My lab Idgie, and I are profoundly grateful to have been afforded the opportunity to work with such a professional as Valeria. I have specific cognitive and physical challenges, but she has been nothing short of awesome. She’s knowledgeable, highly educated, and patient with us, individually and collectively. We value her instruction and input and have, in a short time, learned a great deal from her via guidance, instruction, and demeanor. She has always been punctual, kind, and very good at verbal and written communication. She has indeed provided us with successful and positive outcomes. We have been blessed to have her in our lives. We have recommended Valeria to our friends and family, who have consistently validated our progress. Thank you!”
Mary B.
Drop the Leash LLC offers services online and virtually to accommodate students nationwide, regardless of location.
I occasionally have in-person workshops and group events.
If you're looking for an experienced, qualified, and compassionate trainer to help you and your dog thrive who is dedicated to helping you understand your dog's true nature and how to nurture their behavior effectively, look no further than Drop the Leash Dog Training. I invite you to reach out for more information or to schedule a consultation and see the difference I can make for you and your family companion.
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission at Drop the Leash LLC is to empower dog owners to understand and positively influence their dog's behavior based on a comprehensive understanding of the interplay of nature, nurture, and individual characteristics.
By using the most positive, least intrusive and scientifically backed teaching methods, we support effective and reliable behavior change for the family dog without the use of physical intimidation, fear, pain, or discomfort.
We do not use or advocate for training methods that involve choke chains, pinch collars, shock collars, throw cans, water spray, dominance rolls, or throw chains, instead we educate dog owners about the most positive and least intrusive alternatives available.
Our approach is to provide the same quality of education for the human end of the leash as we do for their four-legged companion, in order to give the human guardian the skills and knowledge needed to be a confident guide for the family dog.
We strive to stay up-to-date with the latest information in behavior analysis, animal behavior, teaching and learning and make it available to our clients via virtual, online nationwide services.