(808) 351-6268                                                                                                        info@smartpawsonline.com

                                               Jan Czaja, BA, CPDT, ABCDT                                                           

Credentials & Memberships:
*B.A. Psychology, University of Texas  *Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT is an independent certification awarded by the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers) *Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT) *Accredited Petsmart Pet Training Instructor *Professional Memberships: Association of Pet Dog Trainers ; International Marine Animal Trainers Association; Animal Behavior Management Alliance; Best Friends Animal Society Network

My Training Story:           
    For the last 8 years I have trained a variety of animals including bottlenose dolphins, stingrays, marine fishes and a huge number of dogs!  I became a trainer after adopting aggressive dogs (accidentally of course) because I could not locate a qualified training professional to help me.  Disgusted with the lack of credentials in the pet training industry, I turned to the world of marine mammals which is grounded in science and psychology.  I acquired my degree and spent a few years training both dogs and dolphins with much enthusiasm!  My credentials include positions as Training & Behavior Manager for a marine life facility, Marine Mammal Trainer & Educator, Pet Training Instructor for a national pet retail store and Veterinary Technician.  Prior to becoming a trainer, I served proudly in the US Army and enjoyed a career as a broadcast journalist.  I have written pet training articles for the Honolulu Advertiser and am currently writing my first book on living and learning with my aggressive dogs.
      I left the mesmerizing world of dolphin and marine animal training to start Smart Paws Pet Training.  I was disgusted with commonly used "correction" methods and conversely with spoiled pets allowed to run wild and demand treats for free.  Sadly, owners are often unaware that positive training solutions exist or that they are effective.  Worse still, owners may get horrible ideas from popular TV trainers that are grossly ineffective, unscientific and perpetuate ridiculous notions of dominance and physical force.  I do not condone the use of punishment or the popular theories of being a pack leader (think about it, does a dolphin trainer try to be a "pod" leader?  Ever witnessed a marine trainer slapping a sea lion across the nose when it refused to perform in a show? Absurd!).  Instead of threatening an animal into obedience, I use clicker training to motivate and excite pets to perform correct behaviors.  
    Furthermore, I teach owners to control all the privileges (life rewards) in the home and use them as great tools for motivating dogs to be happily compliant with the rules of the household.  An owner who uses punishment is gambling with the psychological health of the animal.  If you would like to use a shock, prong, pinch, choker collar or similar aversive, I suggest you instruct a family member to physically assault & choke YOU every time YOU make a mistake and then decide if you still prefer this method of training or that family member!  My goal is to give owner and dog POSITIVE CONTROL over their lives and create  a happy relationship between them.  Your dog should enjoy the feeling of obedience, not submit to it. 


                                                                    

         
                           
Scroll below to see my four dogs, all of which are rescued & rehabilitated aggressive or fearful dogs.  They are the Smart Paws Family.