My name is Dirza Dittberner and I started Paws-Abilities
Training and Counseling in 1999. My involvement with
dog training and dog and cat behavior counseling began
while I was volunteering at a San Francisco Bay Area
animal shelter. While there I was overwhelmed by the
number of wonderful pets that were being relinquished
to the shelter.
Most of these animals lost their homes and often
their lives simply due to a lack of understanding
and communication. The people did not understand their
pets and the animals did not understand what their
owners wanted.
Since then my goal has been to help people form loving
and lasting relationships with their dogs and cats
through understanding and communication.
I have specialized in the animal behavior field since
1991 and have conducted hundreds of dog training classes
resulting in thousands of successfully trained dogs.
I taught dog training classes at the Dumb Friends
League for 10 years and mentored many successful dog
trainers. I continue to volunteer at local shelters
and rescue organizations in a variety of capacities
including helping to evaluate the animals that come
in and working with any behavior issues they may have
to ensure their future in the right home.
As a Charter Member of the APDT (Association of Pet
Dog Trainers), I adhere to a professional code of
ethics and treat all students, human and canine, with
kindness, patience, and respect.
A primary objective of the APDT is continuing education.
I attend seminars, workshops, and conferences for
professional dog trainers each year to keep up with
the most current thinking, research and techniques
in the field. In addition, I constantly study current
journals, articles, and books on animal behavior and
training.
I am an active member of SPOT (Society of Positive
Obedience Trainers) and The Colorado Dog Trainers
Network; both are local dog trainer groups which meet
regularly to share knowledge and experiences.
I am an active volunteer with UAN Emergency Animal
Rescue, and Noah’s Wish Animal Rescue, which
help animals across the country in disaster and emergency
situations.
A portion of all proceeds are donated to local animal
welfare and rescue organizations.
