Professional Memberships

Certifications

  • Certified Professional Dog Trainer
  • Certified Dog Trainer and Counselor
  • Certified in Dog Aggression
  • Distinction - Competency Assessment- Level 2
    Note
    We use training techniques involving motivational / reward based training including clicker training

     

    Testimonials

    Daphne came to us highly recommended by the SFSPCA. We rescued a 7 month old puppy that is a sweetheart - but in need of some good obedience training.  We also have a 1 year old who has had some basic training, but being high-energy can always use more.  Daphne does a great job of juggling the needs of both dogs.  Just as important, she's doing a great job of training us. We've learned a great deal about canine motivation and behavior - therefore, we are better able to communicate with our dogs. In addition, the dogs love her!

    - Lisa, Clay - Bodi and Yola

    Daphne Robert-Hamilton came recommended to us with the highest regard by the staff from the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Having recently adopted "Tula" from the SPCA, our family needed instruction, guidance and support in helping us to make a more pleasant and less anxious transition. We noted Daphne has excellent observation skills and knowledge of behavioral issues. Daphne provided us with training techniques, wonderful literature and the support, we required in our adoption. We were particularly pleased with Daphne's professionalism, promptness and also very important - her empathy. We felt supported and Tula simply loves Daphne! Thanks so much! -Jean Hickman, Jim Seib and Tula

    ...Also wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your expertise and the clarity in which you share the information. I feel comfortable asking all questions and feel I am not alone in this adventure. Thank you for the support and the simple words of encouragement. It all makes a big difference.- Karen Humber and Tessa

    K9 Partnership offers hope for difficult dogs and their owners. Our work with Daphne has renewed hope that we can provide our very sweet, people orientated but dog aggressive, six year old Boxer, with greater confidence in unfamiliar places and around unfamiliar dogs. Be learning to understand her stress signals and manage her behavior, we have greatly reduced her outbursts. It is wonderful to be able to begin enjoying our girl and to be able to look forward to activities outside our home with her without fearing her behavior. Quality and knowledgeable help for dogs with behavior issues is difficult to find, many trainers decline to work with serious issues or are not properly trained to do so. Daphne's informed and expert guidance, supervision and training are fostering a better quality and happier life not only for our special girl, but numerous other dogs and handlers. We are very grateful that we have had the opportunity to work with Daphne. The Boxer Bunch: Tonya, Gary, City and Pete

    Daphne Robert-Hamilton is probably one of the most knowledgeable, analytical, humane, and professional pet dog trainers that anyone could meet.  You should consider yourself very fortunate if you can take one of her classes.  She is a wealth of ongoing information regarding so many aspects of caring and training for your dog and uses a very visual, organized and structured presentation when working with you and your pet.  I would highly recommend her to anyone who loves their dog and wants the most positive behavior and actions from their animal. A very satisfied former student, Melissa Brandon  

I have two special needs dogs, who together total almost 200 lbs. Before we started working with Daphne, I would have to throw myself to the ground to prevent them from attacking other dogs. With Daphne's help and guidance, I can now walk my dogs in public with confidence, knowing that I have techniques and strategies to address their needs and cope with situations as they arise in a positive and constructive way. The benefit to all of us is that it has transformed my relationship with my dogs and given me an effective way to communicate with them. If what you are looking for is to build a compassionate and loving training relationship with your dog that is based on mutual respect and trust, then Daphne is your trainer.    Cindy, Zoe and Zack

 Training Philosophy

K-9 Partnership will only use the most progressive training methods based in animal learning theory and  behavior analysis. The use of positive reinforcement training is a very effective tool and is supported by scientific research and data.  We absolutely do not tolerate punitive "training" either verbally or physically. We do not use anthropomorphic explanations to blame the dog for misbehaving which would open the door to the use of physical corrections. As Julie Vargas stated "Without understanding the basic science of behavior, a teacher has little to fall back on other than punishment." 

Daphne works with all breeds of dogs and of all kinds of personalities and doesn't require the use of physical corrections, or worse shock collars, to get desired results. There should be no stress or physical punishment in training. Training should be a controlled game.  No matter what species you work with you need understanding, patience, compassion and know your learning theory well.

"There is no hidden agenda, no rebellion, no spite, no stubbornness – simply an under-trained response. If you’re taking tennis lessons and can’t hit the ball, or your kid gets 65% on a school test – it simply implies that you got it wrong because you need more practice." - Jean Donaldson

"Many experts train followers to imitate their methods and achieve instant success in this field or that field. Fortunately, the last 10 years has seen a boom in clicker training, which has pushed many people in the direction of science, not myth or skilled marketing, for answers." - Kay Laurence

We want dogs to think and be involved in their training not break their will or spirit.

The Best Dog Training by Kay Laurence

 

 

Text Box: Daphne specializes in dog aggression of all kinds. If you believe you have a dog aggression problem please contact us to set up a Behavior Consult. You can read more about what to expect by clicking on Behavior Consult on the Services page.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

About Daphne

Daphne Robert-Hamilton is the owner of K-9 Partnership.  She  attended the San Francisco SPCA's Academy for Dog Trainers  and obtained her Certificate in Training and Behavior Counseling and then attend their 280 hour internship program specializing in dog aggression. She obtained honors for her Certificate in Dog Aggression.  The CTC program  is a six-week, full-time course designed to provide a thorough, well-rounded education in pet dog training and behavior counseling. The curriculum combines lecture, video, demonstration and round-table discussion with hands-on training as well as rehearsal of instructing and interviewing skills.

Unfortunately, in the fall of 2009 the SF/SPCA had to close their behavior department and the Academy.  Jean Donaldson and Janis Bradley have plans on starting a new Academy in 2010.  

The SF/SPCA Academy was known as the "Harvard for Dog Trainers".

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Code of Ethics
Daphne belongs to several organizations that outline ethical codes of conduct and of training protocols.

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Pet Behavior Help

Pet behavior help for you, your dog and/or cat.

You are  in good hands with these products and services as they are provided by Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists.

Better understand, prevent and manage your pet's behavior with these resources.

 
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