Full Pawtential Dog Training - South Denver
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  • Home
  • Services
  • Methodology
  • About Me
  • Methodology
  • Resources
  • Contact

About Me

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Me and Maddox (RIP my friend 2010-2021)
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 

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Training Whiskey to not drag people on a leash (Sept 2021)
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Full Pawtential Dog Training
Highlands Ranch, CO