DOG TRAINING & BEHAVIOR
Elmbrook Humane Society (EBHS) is a Force Free Facility, what does that mean exactly? Force Free is the type of training we use that takes into account the emotions and feelings of animals along with the science of how animals learn. We do not employ pain, startling techniques, fear, or anything the dog perceives as negative tools to train the dogs in our care or in classes. To learn more about Force Free, click here.
CLASSES, SEMINARS, AND WORKSHOPS
The Right Start Seminar™ – Humans Only, No Dogs Please
This 90-minute seminar covers everything you need to be successful with your new dog. Crate training, housetraining, food and much more! You will learn about how dogs think and how to use that information to better understand them and train them. We will discuss the importance of mental stimulation and why it’s a must for a healthy, happy dog. You will learn about the myths and sort out the conflicting information about dogs and training methods with science-based facts. You will also learn a simple “4 step formula for the best dog ever” to ensure you and your new dog get off to the RIGHT START! Whether this is your first dog or you have had dogs your entire life, you are guaranteed to learn information that will last a lifetime.
Cost: Included with EBHS adoption! Public: $40
Click on a date below to register today!
Therapy Dog Information Session
Have you always wanted to visit senior homes, hospitals, or schools with your dog but didn’t know how to get started? Wondering if your dog has the skills, training, and temperament to do this rewarding work? This popular 90-minute information session can help you get started in this very rewarding work! This people-only seminar provides participants with extensive information on: the qualities, temperament, and skills dogs should have to thrive in this work; the requirements of certification and training; the “Human Half” of therapy work; and steps to take to pursue this inspiring activity. Therapy Dogs are highly popular and in demand! In this session, we will provide you with a helpful framework to get started in the certification process. Participants who complete this session are eligible to enroll in our Test Preparation Workshop.
Cost: $20
Check back soon for upcoming session dates!
Semi-Private “TRIO” Lessons
The Semi-Private “TRIO” Lessons offer a unique three-session learning experience for dogs and their guardians. The course is limited to three dogs, providing a quieter environment with personalized attention. Open to dogs of all ages, particularly beneficial for adolescents and adults, the lessons are taught by Carol Sumbry, a Certified Behavior Consultant, Certified Dog Trainer, Trauma Informed Professional – Canine, and Certified Family Dog Mediator™. The curriculum covers focus and attention skills in week one, calming skills in week two, and customized training in week three, using science-based, force-free methods with treats and rewards. Dogs must be tolerant of people and other dogs on a leash and not exhibit aggressive or reactive behaviors.
Cost: $175
Check back soon for upcoming session dates!
PRIVATE LESSONS AND BEHAVIOR CONSULTATIONS
Interested in private lessons, behavior consultation, behavior assessment, and/or a phone consultation (training or behavior)?
Click the button below to fill out a request form.
Private Lessons
Whether you have a newly adopted adolescent companion or an older family companion, private training lessons are a great way to learn how to train your dog to come when called, stay, leave it, and much more. Have a friend join you and split the private lesson for twice the fun! Private lessons are 1 hour in duration and resource handouts are provided to assist with the content of the private lesson.
Cost: $125/hour.
Behavior Consultations and Assessments
These consultations are for dogs exhibiting behavior problems – shy/fearful dogs, human-directed aggression, resource guarding, destructive behavior, dog/dog aggression in home, leash reactivity and more. During the consultation, we will take a background history, conduct initial assessments, provide consulting, and discuss recommendations for management and discuss future steps. We will provide educational materials as necessary. The first session focuses on the history and overall assessment of the dog. With behavior issues, multiple sessions are frequently required. These sessions are 75-120 minutes in length.
Cost: $250.
Bite Risk Assessment: This tool will look at all aspects involved in the dog’s life including history, predictability, the severity of the situation, family dynamics and more to determine potential future risks.
Cost: A $50 fee will be charged in addition to behavior consultation cost.
*Follow-up consultations at a discounted rate
**Vet correspondence (vet letters) $25 additional fee
Phone Consultations – Training
Phone consultations (Basic manners/Training) are available for behaviors that are less serious in nature such as crate training, housetraining, leash pulling, jumping and more. Get answers to your questions and speak to a certified professional. Handouts provided as needed also.
Cost: $50 for 30 minutes, additional $1 per minute.
Phone Consultations – Behavior
Remote consultations for behavior can also be utilized for those out of the area or those with more serious issues including reactivity, anxiety, aggression, etc. in an effort to provide direction, answer questions and more. The consultation will help provide a framework, discuss next steps/options, assess for risks, and provide additional reading and resources for dogs exhibiting more severe issues. We can advise you on whether a phone consultation can work for your particular issue.
Cost: $120 for 60 minutes.
Interested in private lessons, behavior consultation, behavior assessment, and/or a phone consultation (training or behavior)?
Click the button below to fill out a request form.
MEET OUR TEAM AND TESTIMONIALS
Meet Our Team
Carol Sumbry
Dog Training and Behavior Manager
Carol is part of an elite group of behavior consultants. There are only about 200 certified behavior consultants in the US certified by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (www.iaabc.org) and Carol is 1 of only 4 certified in the state of Wisconsin. This certification included hundreds of hours of behavior counseling and seminars. Carol is also a Certified Dog Trainer certified by the The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers® (CCPDT®), the leading independent certifying organization for the dog training profession. She has been working with dogs for over 2 decades. She has also fostered dogs with behavioral problems. She specializes in shy/fearful dogs, anxiety in dogs, aggression and dogs that have experienced trauma. Recommended by area vets, Carol is well respected for her work with canine behavior. Carol has been voted Milwaukee’s Top Trainer and is an assessor/evaluator of therapy dogs through The Alliance of Therapy Dogs organization. If you would like to pursue working with Carol for your dog’s behavior, please complete our consultation request form that can be found here.
Brynn
Dog Behavior Team
Brynn graduated from Carroll University in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science. Her profound love for dogs led her to this role, where she is growing her skills in understanding and enhancing their behaviors. At home, Brynn is accompanied by Scarlett, her cherished senior petite Goldendoodle. Beyond canines, her fascination with ornithology blooms, with corvids like the American Crow, Blue Jays, and Magpies captivating her. In her downtime, Brynn is an avid gamer, immersing herself in zombie survival and storybook games. An artist in her own right, she finds joy in drawing and digital art, and family TV show nights round out her diverse range of interests.
Hannah
Dog Behavior Team
Bio coming soon!
Sheila Postotnik
Humane Educator
Sheila serves as our Humane Educator, leading a variety of youth programs at the shelter and in area schools. As a Certified Humane Educator with over twenty years’ experience working with youth and in the community, Sheila’s passion is education and outreach. Sheila is also an avid dog lover and long-time student of a variety canine sports such as agility, nose work, and tricks. Prior to coming to EBHS, Sheila worked at a large dog training facility, teaching active dogs how to swim and helping assist older and injured dogs in guided swim sessions. In addition to these experiences, Sheila is passionate about Therapy Dog work, serving as an Evaluator for Alliance of Therapy Dogs, facilitating our Therapy Dog Information Sessions and Test Preparation Workshops, and leading the EBHS Therapy Dog department in which there are over twenty teams! Sheila also founded and leads our popular READ to Me™ program in which young people gain confidence in their reading skills by reading to Certified Therapy Dogs. In her dog training journey, Sheila enjoys helping pet people reach their basic training goals – and maybe learn a trick or two. Sheila can be reached at sheila@ebhs.org.
Testimonials
“A lot of new techniques from 10+ years ago when I had training last time. Learned a lot about my puppy’s personality.” – Boomer’s mom, Jaime
“This class and instructor was awesome! Great help to training a good puppy” – Anonymous.
“Carol did a great job – her tips are accurate and invaluable” – Treasure’s mom, Kim
“We had our session with Carol this afternoon. Amazing! She taught theory and also gave us very specific things to do. Perhaps the best and most practical educational hour I have ever experienced.”
– Winnie’s dad, Jim
