How Did It All Begin?
It all began many years ago when I decided to adopt a dog to help me exercise more and decrease work stress. That’s what dogs are supposed to do right? Well not in this case! Tank, the dog I adopted, ended up being a dangerous, unpredictable dog. There I was, a first-time dog owner having to making one of the hardest decisions ever.
But Tank led me to my heart dog, a Border Collie named Tux. Oh man! He was a handful, both in everyday life and dog sports. Both of these dogs set me on the path to learning more about training and behavior. From there I knew I wanted to help others and decrease the chances of someone else going through what I went through. Improving manners, preventing problems, and helping to keep dogs from ending up in rescue, if possible.
Since 2012, Canine Training Solutions has been providing the best in dog training to Brookings and the surrounding area through its Puppy Academy and School of Manners. Prior to this, Liz provided help via Liz Droke Dog Training and for many years offered group classes in the Old Armory in Brookings until it closed for use in 2018 due to disrepair.
Our Mission
To provide kind and compassionate support and education to help guardians and their dogs live fulfilling lives. The goal is to have families and their dogs live healthier and happier lives.
Our Values
Listener Empathy Kindness Positive Science-based
We treat both humans and dogs with compassion and kindness. No matter what your background is or your current methods or tools, there will be no judgement from us. That helps no one. Liz’s background in higher education and Shay’s background in education, allows us to effectively coach and work with people. Our philosophy and methods are founded in science, but they are fun and achieve results!
How We Help Owners and Dogs
We personally work with you, either in-person or virtually, using a program that is tailored to meet the needs of you and your puppy or dog. We want to help you understand your dog better, set clear and kind expectations, and we work together to create a training plan that sets you on the path for success.
There is a wealth of information available related to dog training, either via the internet or well-meaning family or friends. But what if you have had a person you could turn to, who understands the challenges you are going through, who can provide support and guidance, and will allow you to share your feelings and struggles with your dog without the fear of being judged? We remember what it was like oh so many years ago when starting out with Tank. We want to help decrease the stress for you and your dog so that you can live a more fulfilling life.
How Do You Know We Are Credible?
Liz’s background is in animal science (with some behavior) and nutrition with advanced degrees (M.S., Ph.D.). She has spent over twenty years in higher education working with students from a variety of backgrounds.
Liz is an Accredited Dog Trainer (ADT) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).
Liz is also a Licensed Family Dog Mediator – Working Group (LFDM-W) through Kim Brophey Family Dog Mediation She uses the L.E.G.S. model when working with guardians and their dogs.
Liz is a member of The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and an AKC Canine Good Citizen and Trick Evaluator
Liz has over 15 years of experience working with families and their dogs. She has an understanding of training (a focus on teaching skills/behaviors) as well as an understanding of canine behavior which allows me to help understand why your dog is exhibiting certain behaviors.
Liz is a life-long learner and has taken courses, webinars and seminars from canine professionals such as: Susan Garrett, Kim Brophey, Michael Shikashio, Grisha Stewart, Fenzi Dog Sport Academy, The School of Canine Science, IAABC, and many more.