WHERE DOGS LOVE TO LEARN
OUR STORY
Renaissance Hound is a force-free dog training and behavior consultation provider in Orange County, NY.
Guided by an in-depth understanding of canine genetics, cognition and behavior we rely on modern evidence-based training approaches to teach your dog the skills needed to be a valued member of your family and a well-rounded hound about town.
Renaissance Hound thinks learning for dogs should be both fun and effective. Goals should be clearly articulated and the approach to achieving them individually adapted to the needs of each dog and family. Importantly, learning in dogs does not benefit from any force, fear or pain. Rather we focus on achieving lasting results using the kindness and individual concern that your best friend deserves.
During our in-depth initial meeting with you and your dog, we learn more about your specific situation and goals. Based on this, we define priorities, agree with you on the best training format and craft a customized training plan based on your specific needs. We then work closely with you and your dog to maximize success.
Contact us to learn more!
OUR SERVICES
Basic Education
Whether puppy or adult dog: equipping your dog with the basic manners and life skills required to navigate life at home and around town.
Behavior Modification
Addressing problem and nuisance behaviors such as reactivity, fearfulness, separation anxiety, house soiling, barking, jumping or digging.
Trick Training
Teaching your dog to perform a variety of fun tricks to provide enrichment, burn energy, make you laugh and - more than likely - impress your friends.
New Dog Addition
Helping you identify responsible rescues or breeders for your new puppy or adult dog and ensuring that you and your home are set up for success when welcoming your new family member.
Cooperative Care
Working with you, your dog and your vet to minimize stress and fear during visits and to simplify veterinary care and husbandry procedures - at home or in the vet office.
Canine Fitness
Under supervision of your vet, helping keep your dog fit for family fun or athletics, and support rehabilitation after injury, illness or surgery.
HOW WE WORK
In-Person Consultation
We come to your home or other location - observing safe practices and appropriate social distancing - to work with you and/or your dog on the issues that matter the most to you.
Virtual Consultation
We meet with you virtually, using video conferencing, to work on skills and behaviors, answer questions and demonstrate techniques.
Group Training
Are you interested in hosting a group class together with your friends? Prioritizing safety, we can work with you to define an agenda and set up a socially distant small group environment where you, your friends and your dogs can learn.
RATES & PACKAGES
90min In-Depth Behavior Consultation
$300
Allows us to learn more about your dog, home environment and specific training needs. Includes up-front evaluation as well as a follow-up report and a training/behavior modification plan that is tailored to your individual needs.
60min In-Person Session
$175
Regular one-off private session with Anna Pettersson. Multi-session and Intensive Packages are also available at discounted rates. Please contact us for more details.
Virtual Session
$125 per hour
Virtual one-off private session with Anna Pettersson.
MEET ANNA PETTERSSON
Anna, Smilla, and Bucky
Anna is the founder and owner of Renaissance Hound. Born and raised in Sweden, Anna originally trained as a scientist in the field of genetics. She has been involved with dog training since 2004 when she was joined by her first dog – the beagle Olive Oyl. Over the years, she has acquired experience with a number of dog training and behavior areas, including basic manners and obedience, behavior modification, canine cognition, trick training and animal assisted activities. Her approach to dog training is evidence-based, flexible and force-free, consistent with recommendations from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.
Anna holds a PhD in Genetics from the Karolinska Institue in Stockholm, Sweden and a Certificate in Applied Animal Behavior from the University of Washington. She is a Pat Miller Level 3 Graduate, a Certified Trick Dog Instructor, a Certified Fear-free Pet Professional and a member of the Pet Professional Guild. She gained additional trainer experience as an apprentice with Lydia DesRoche of SitStay Dog Training in New York City. Anna is currently pursuing a certificate in Canine Fitness at the University of Tennessee.
Anna lives in Cornwall on Hudson, NY, with her two rescue dogs Smilla and Bucky and her two rescue parrots Ruthie and Simon. She is the President of the Board of Directors of Connecticut Parrot Rescue. Anna sees in-person clients in Cornwall and neighboring areas and virtual clients anywhere in the world.
RESOURCES
It takes a village to meet the needs of our treasured canine family members. We are pleased to recommend the following information sources to help you care for your own renaissance hound.
What is Positive Reinforcement Dog Training?
Positive reinforcement dog obedience training is a modern, evidence-based way of training dogs.
Sometimes referred to as force free dog training.
Thinking about getting a new dog?
Are you considering adding a new dog to your family? Congratulations! You have many wonderful times ahead -
and some decisions to make before you proceed.
Whole Dog Journal
The ultimate journal on the subject of all things dog, including food and training recommendations, health & wellness, accessories and more.
The Science Dog
A great blog with information on canine nutrition and behavior, with accessible summaries of exciting scientific articles on a variety of related topics.
AVSAB Positions
Positions articulated by the American Veterinary Society for Animal Behavior (AVSAB) on topics relevant to dog training and behavior, including pros and cons of different training methods, tips for positive veterinary visits and recommendations for what to look for when choosing a dog trainer.
THE AVIAN WING
Sidebar on Parrot Behavior
A former board member of Connecticut Parrot Rescue, Anna cares deeply about the well-being of companion parrots and other exotic birds. As non-domesticated prey species, these amazing creatures have very particular, often non-obvious needs. If you are the guardian of a parrot with behavior problems, feel free to reach out to us using the form below for advice on how to develop a more harmonious relationship with your bird. This service is performed on a no-cost volunteer-basis to families in Cornwall on Hudson and vicinity.
Anna at home in the bird room with Ruthie and Simon