About Brandy
My Mission
Hell0! My love for dogs started at a very young age. My journey into dog training started in middle school, when a family friend’s dog, Chevy, escaped and bit a few neighbors resulting in stitches. My family offered to take Chevy in. She was a firecracker with explosive reactions to anything new and anxiety to match. You can imagine the liability associated with a dog like this. I was able to learn with Chevy. She gave me a run for my money but in the end, I was able to help her understand and trust to the point where she could co-exist with strangers and new situations.
I also had the benefit of working with my best friend, Ginger, a Parson Terrier mix. She lived to be 16 years old before passing away. She was with me from elementary school to college. She was there when my mom passed away and helped me pick out my very first home. She taught me what unconditional love truly was and was there for me through thick and thin. I was able to experience what a well rounded, neutral dog was. A good dog gets to go places and see the world and we made a lot of memories together.
After Ginger passed away in 2019, I got Diablo the Xoloitzcuintli. I was determined to build that neutral/ well-rounded relationship again. I wanted him to see the world with camping, hiking, 4-wheeling. The stars were the limit. Unfortunately, Diablo had a very reactive personality by nature but is wicked smart and head strong. I dove head first into dog training seminars, classes, sports, etc to learn more. Dog training became an obsession. With every task I tossed at Diablo, he learned it and wanted more. He helped me learn that there is a way to communicate with any dog as long as you’re willing to keep your mind open and learn.
In 2023, I started working as a trainer at a corporate board and train facility. There, I worked with all different personality types and drives. From unmotivated with no food drive, to people aggressive with bite histories, to neurotic with high anxiety or extreme drive. I was able to put my knowledge to the test. It helped me realize just how many people are struggling with their dogs as well. It became my mission to keep as many dogs out of shelters or off the euthanasia table as possible. I could do that by teaching people to understand their dogs and create a plan to make their relationship better. I decided to venture on my own and thus began a new chapter in my life: Beyond the Stars Dog Training.
My Values
Dog training is a journey and I take every hurdle as I get them. Every dog is different and no training program should be 1-size fits all. Where some dogs are extremely food driven, others could care less. I have experience with just about every personality and will customize the training based on your dog.
I believe training should be rooted in science with Classical and Operant conditioning and with proven techniques. Training should be a fun, and rewarding experience that strengthens the bond between you and your pup, regardless of age or breed.
My techniques are considered balanced training. Although I use treats, toys, engagement, timing, etc to help your dog learn, I am not opposed to setting boundaries and saying no. On rare occasion I will recommend a tool such as a prong collar or e-collar. Tools are optional, and I default to the least abrasive training techniques possible. I believe tools can occasionally aid in the learning process before being weaned off, however most dogs do not need them which is why I don’t have them as a part of my standard training program.
I believe training does not consist of flashy training techniques because dogs should be encouraged to stay under threshold and in a calm and happy mindset. Who doesn’t learn the best when they are comfortable? Clients often state that my training has helped them not say, “no-no-NO” to their dog and start saying, “yes- yes-YES” because most dogs want to please, they just may not know how YET.
The Pack
– Lindsay Salyer