“Every moment offers the
potential for constructive learning and adaptation or
the reverse, especially in the case of an impressionable
puppy,” |
Welcome to Responsible Dog & Cat located in Sarasota Florida!
Responsible Dog and Cat offers several service options including specially designed behavior and training wellness programs promoting pet friendly training methods for your dog. All services are designed to enhance your individual pets overall welfare and relationship within your family. The owner is Joyce D. Kesling, a certified dog behavior consultant and professional trainer.
The job of a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant requires us to help owners resolve behavior problems and educate the public. Dedicated behavior professionals provide options to modify behavior that improve the relationship between pets and owners. I provide state of the art methods using proven behavioral science. Read "Help! My Companion Animal Has a Behavior Problem" and visit the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants at www.iaabc.org to learn more.
As a certified dog behavior consultant, I specialize in solving behavior problems i.e. jumping, barking, chewing, digging, housetraining, socialization and play behavior. More complex behavior problems such as aggression, anxieties, fears, phobias, sibling rivalry require a different and more specialized approach. You can read how I assess training from complex problem solving by clicking here.
I offer dog boarding including special training options, and daycare taking into consideration your pet’s emotional and physiological wellness.
To view my resume and learn more about how I assess behavior and training problems click here. To learn more about my services click here. To see what clients say about me click here. Test your pet-human relationship by taking the behavior quiz. Take the quiz now!
Having a companion animal requires building a relationship. Using standard recipes and training alone is usually not sufficient, rather you need a professional who understands the human-canine bond. This means the person you select should have knowledge in ethology, biology, physiology, the evolution and domestication of dogs, genetics, learning theory and psychology. Dogs are evaluated individually, including their environment, other pets and family to whom they belong.
I teach you how to understand and construct your relationship building trust using introductory training skills and behavior management applicable to your specific situation and expectations. Building this type of foundation encourages a cooperative pet-human relationship. I guide you how to prevent undesirable behavior, while providing your pet with skills that enhance their ability to adapt to environmental change while providing enhanced learning ability. I teach you how you can succeed and set your dog up for success!
If you think some areas of your pet’s behavior might be of concern, try my phone consultation Telephone Consultation (preliminary) . I can help you decide on a course of action that might help resolve current behavior conflicts and help get your dog-human relationship back on course.
Dogs are not furry little human surrogates; they are dogs, another species called Canis lupis familiaris. Appreciation for the unique differences enhances our relationship with them. Understanding, their uniqueness increases our ability to work more effectively with them in training and developing their behavior so it meets with our expectations.
The choice you make for your pet is up to you, I encourage everyone to take responsibility for their pet and seek appropriate help that may mean avoiding inappropriate punishment, isolation, mismanagement and worse euthanasia!
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"Joyce is a tenacious learner, knowledgeable and skilled! Joyce's extensive experience and education put her above and beyond many others because she is held to the highest academic standards." - James O'Heare, CABC Director, International Institute for Applied Companion Animal Behavior http://www.iiacab.com Testimonial 2 Dear Joyce |
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As I have often alluded to, you achieved wonders during the few weeks' training you gave our Beagle, Sam, at the important stage of his life as a puppy. Everything you taught him -- and me! -- has put us in such good stead ever since --with neighbours always commenting on how well behaved he is. But on this occasion, I wanted to thank you again for coming over straightaway last week to correct the "new" problem Sam unwittingly inherited as a result of being bitten. Since then, both he -- and I! -- have improved our walk tremendously. Whilst I'm very lucky that he responds so well to your -- quite exceptional -- training, loving you to bits no doubt helps, too!
Your dedication to the job is to be commended. Indeed, those of us living in the Sarasota area are very fortunate to have access to such a professional.
Best wishes
Niki Newall (03.03.06)
Testimonial 3
Joyce Kesling helped me tame my wild little Norwegian Elkhound puppy. She has a broad knowledge base and lots of experience, and is easily able to teach commands to the animals. She helped me to build a foundation for positive and consistent on-going training. Joyce obviously enjoys the animals she works with. She shows kindness at all times, and also advocates fun and the enjoyment of life.
Leila Newcomb Wolf, client
Testimonial 4
My Jack Russell, Russ, enjoys to be in the care of Ms Kesling. He always comes back cheerful and full of enthusiasm. He never comes back dirty or injured. When Ms Kesling arrives at the door he greets her with love and kisses. She looks after his nail care or any other needs while at her house. I feel very secure when he is with her.
Felicia Liban
Testimonial 5
As much as I wanted another dog since moving to Florida, I was reluctant to get into it because I had no one to provide care when I was away. I never felt comfortable with traditional dog boarding in a kennel setting and leaving a pet with a neighbor wasn't an option.
Against my better judgment, I adopted a small dog from a rescue group not knowing what I was going to do when the holidays arrived. I had already purchased airline tickets. One of the volunteers from the rescue group told me about Joyce Kesling in Sarasota who might be able to help me. I contacted her and she agreed to take care of "Sugar" for the time I was gone. I had no idea what I was going to find when I dropped my dog off at her house. I was completely blown away by the fact that it was sparkling clean, the dogs she was caring for were happy and healthy and the fenced in yard was immaculate. Joyce herself was quite personable, easy to talk with and made me feel comfortable.
Joyce cared for Sugar not only for the time we had agreed upon, but longer. I became ill while away and returned still feeling really bad. Joyce kept Sugar until I felt better, even delivering her to my home so I wouldn't need to drive and pick her up.
During this period of time, Joyce worked with her on some behavior problems and my little dog returned home like she had spent two weeks in a doggie spa. She realizes when we are getting close to Joyce's home and she is just overcome with excitement and anticipation to see both Joyce and the furry friends she has made. I can contact her about behavior problems and she is more than willing to provide insight and help.
I can't say enough good things; I would recommend Joyce to anyone looking for both a boarding and behavior facility.
Shirley Catemis
Additional comment from Shirley Catemis
Joyce,
I checked out your website, very impressive. You have quite a background, Sugar is a lucky pup to be spending the holidays at your house! I learned more from you today than from any "supposed" animal expert I have spoken with thus far. I have much to learn. We are looking forward to meeting you.
Shirley Catemis & Sugar – Canine Castaways Adopter
Fri 12/16/2005 12:08 AM
Testimonial 6
Joyce has been taking care of our dog Hunter for two years. We travel frequently, and don’t know what we would do without her. She provides a safe and secure home environment for our dog, and he comes back to us relaxed, well behaved, healthy, and happy. It is a piece of mind to know that Joyce is always available, and so capable of providing such outstanding service and care.
-Nelle S. Miller
Nelle S. Miller
BizTank, LLC
941-922-6255
Testimonial 7
Joyce is a wonderful trainer and a great sitter for Maggie. Maggie loves her as much as she does me. Our Maggie is a Jack Russell and can be a handful at times. Joyce has a lot of training and knows a lot about animals and she has worked so well for Maggie and myself.
Nancy Howard
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