Canine Training & Behavior Services, LLC
Dedicated to the promotion of practical dog obedience.
Providing our clients with the tools to improve and guide their dog’s behavior
Founded in 1984, Canine Training and Behavior Services, LLC (CTBS, LLC) serves Fairfield County, CT and surrounding areas as a leader in canine training.
At CTBS, LLC our programs emphasize the importance of effective, productive and useful training of the family dog. Using practical applications of humane and proven training techniques, we provide our clients with the tools to improve and guide their dog’s behavior.
We offer a variety of training classes at several locations throughout Fairfield County, CT. Our services include 1-on-1 training sessions, training walks, puppy/litter temperament testing, canine selection and counseling. Therapy Dog training and AKC evaluations (S.T.A.R. Puppy, CGC, CGCA and CGCU).
Through consistent training, we can help you strengthen the family-canine relationship, promote essential household obedience, address behaviors and meet your goals - whether that’s having a well-adjusted canine family member, preparing for competitive events, training for Therapy Dog work and more.
Our Team
All of our instructors are experienced handlers and teachers who bring both people skills and dog skills to our classes. Our leadership team holds advanced degrees from major universities and stays current by attending behavioral and obedience seminars and instructional workshops. CTBS, LLC instructors teach, handle, and judge on both the local and national levels.
Margaret A. Reed PhD
Owner and Training Director
Dr. Margaret A. (Peggy) Reed has been training dogs since 1968. She has received a variety of awards for canine training, including numerous AKC titles and Public Service commendations. Her training has included work for law enforcement agencies, government officials, and television and movie productions. She also trains all-around family pets, competitive obedience teams and show dogs.
Her professional associations include the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, Dog Judges Association of America, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, The James A. Baker Institute for Animal Research, and National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors. She is licensed by the American Kennel Club as a conformation judge and is certified as an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. She is the author of The Dogs of Camelot, which “illuminates the inside story of the Kennedys’ lifelong love of dogs and the unparalleled canine corps they brought to the White House.”
Patricia Fernandes
Head Trainer
Patricia (Patti) Fernandes joined CTBS, LLC with a lifetime passion for dogs. With over 20 years of teaching and coaching experience in the public school systems, she concentrates on the practical aspects of household obedience issues. She works with families to provide their dogs with the guidance and principles necessary to develop a good canine family member. As a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, Patti is involved in teaching classes and certifying dogs in class and at community-sponsored events.
Patti is active with local rescues, bringing years of experience working with socially challenged dogs to help network lifetime homes for these animals. Patti graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Science and earned a Master's Degree in Psychology and Sixth Year in School Health at Southern Connecticut State University.
Our Services
In-Home Private Training
Our in-home training program involves a customized, individual approach for teaching the basic obedience commands and problem resolution. This service is recommended for families who are unable to attend a group class or need to concentrate on specific training issues and for clients who want to enhance skills learned in group classes. This program requires active participation by all family members.
Sleepaway Training Camp
For this training program, the dog is with us for a 3-week period, during which we teach the basics of good canine behavior in the home environment.
Group Training Classes
Our classes are held in Newtown, Wilton, and Ridgefield. Unless otherwise noted, sessions are 6 weeks of 45-minute classes.
All dogs must be on-leash (no flexi-leads) during class. Please bring proof of vaccination, a completed registration form, poop bags and treats (and a training/treat bag to carry them in). We encourage families to attend, but only one person may handle the dog during class and—unless cleared beforehand—all handlers must be 14 years or older.