Hello! My name is Megan Danitz and I am the owner/trainer for Full Pawtential Dog Training. I started Full Pawtential in 2007 after graduating from Animal Behavior College. I grew up in Southern California and moved to Colorado in 2007. I currently reside in Highlands Ranch and I absolutely love Colorado!
From a very young age I wanted to be a dog trainer and loved to teach my Aussie all sorts of fun tricks and agility. Some called me a "dog whisperer" before there was a famous "dog whisperer" on TV. As long as I can remember, I have loved all animals. I grew up with horses, cats, rabbits, ducks, chickens, fish, turtles, and even sheep! My mom always joked that I'd rather spend time with animals than people. I was able to connect with all types animals in a way that others around me could not. Even my mean rooster Kramer would sit happily on my lap and watch TV with me.
As a young adult, I got into corrections (yes, jail) as a career field. I loved my job but I never forgot about my dog training goals. I learned about Animal Behavior College in 2005 and decided to enroll. I thought that ABC would give me a shot at fulfilling my dreams. When I graduated from ABC in 2007, I started Full Pawtential Dog Training, LLC. From there, I began to build a client base and trained dogs part time for about 13 years. During that time, I became a Deputy at a local Sheriff's Office and began to promote through the ranks. As my position at the Sheriff's Office became more and more important, I found that I could not dedicate enough time to my dog training clients. On several occasions, I had to turn clients away because I could not accommodate them. I knew I had to make a choice to slow down my business or leave the Sheriff's Offie. In 2021, I made a big change and took my dog training business full time and resigned from the Sheriff's Office.
Although I have learned a lot in 15 years, I believe I should always be learning and growing. I am a "crossover trainer". This means I started out balanced methods and then crossed over to positive / force-free methods. I found that positive punishment, fear, force, and intimidation lead to behavioral fall out (general apathy, aggression, avoidance). I now prefer creating trust and using rewards to reinforce wanted behavior because I have seen much better results. I have always considered my animals family, friends, and even my children. Hurting an animal for any reason isn't something I can do. Luckily, it's not required! I can show you how to use proven, science-based, force-free training methods and be MORE SUCCESSFUL than punishment based training.
I am drawn to ”difficult” cases and dogs who have been turned away by other trainers. I also network with other trainers and veterinary behaviorists so if you are not in my area or need other resources, I can help with that also.
I have a Labrador Retriever named Whiskey! I adopted him from a Texas shelter when he was 7 years old. Whiskey suffers from separation anxiety and he is dog- selective. I enjoy working with him every day to make him the happiest dog on earth! You can see Whiskey and I cruising around town in search of Puppuccinos. You won't miss the giant chocolate head out the window drooling all over my car!
Recent continuing education seminars/webinars 2021/22: "Pattern Games in Urban Environments" by Behavior Vets "Look At That (LAT) Game: A Revolutionary Conversation" by Behavior Vets "Fear Free Movement with America's Vet Dr. Marty Becker, DVM" "Susan Clothier: Goodness of Fit" 3 part series Constructional Aggression Treatment Webinar Series, Part 1, 2, 3, and 4 with Lauren Novack & Kellie Snider of Behavior Vets The REALLY REAL Relaxation Protocol by Suzanne Clothier Applied Ethology Webinar Series with Kim Brophy @ Behavior Vets Biome, Brain & Behavior: The gut microbiome-behavior relationship with Dr. Kathy Murphy
Training Whiskey to not drag people on a leash (Sept 2021)
