Raising Your Pets Naturally with Tonya Wilhelm
You love your dog.
You just need someone who gets it.
The training, the food, the enrichment, the care. All of it. That is what Raising Your Pets Naturally is built around. I bring nearly 30 years of positive reinforcement training to this work, alongside natural pet care, enrichment, nutrition, and wellness. Whether you are just starting out or have been at this for years, there is something here for you and your dog.
My career started at an animal shelter, where I fell in love with the work. From there I spent three years training rescue dogs as service dogs, which taught me more than I ever expected about what dogs are capable of when you believe in them. That led to 21 years of teaching group classes and private lessons, and I have never stopped. Today I offer private training via phone and Skype and online courses you can work through at your own pace. I have also been a proud Cavalier mom since 2009, first to Angel Dexter and now to Stewart, and they have inspired everything I do and create.
Here you will find my blog, online dog training and wellness courses, private one-on-one training, and the Cavalier Gifts and Blog. Pick the place that fits where you are right now.
The Blog
Hundreds of articles on positive reinforcement training, behavior, enrichment, natural care, and the realities of living with a dog who challenges you. Easy to understand, actionable, all grounded in science, all free. If you have a question, there is a good chance I have already written about it.
Royal Pups Training and Wellbeing
You love your dog. You want to do right by them. Step-by-step positive online dog training courses built for you, guided by me. I am here to guide you through it with nearly 30 years of experience and a training approach that is kind, clear, and built around your life together.
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Private One-on-One Training
Sometimes you need someone right there with you. I work with dog families via phone and Skype so location is never a barrier. We look at your specific dog, your current situation, and we figure it out together. No templates. No guessing. Just real help with what is actually happening in your home.
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Cavalier Gifts and Blog
The Cavalier Gifts and Blog is where I go deep on Cavalier-specific topics: grooming, health, training, and enrichment. You will also find my private Cavalier Facebook community, a warm space for Cavalier families who want to connect.
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Positive reinforcement is not a trend. IT WORKS.
I never use punishment-based methods and I never will. Not because I am idealistic, but because the science is clear and I have seen what force-free training does for the relationship between a dog and the person who loves them. It builds trust. It builds confidence. And it actually works on the behavior you are trying to change.
My philosophy is that your dog is not trying to ruin your life. They are doing the best they can with what they know. My job is to help you teach them something better, in a way that makes both of you feel good about the whole thing.
I am glad you are here. Look around, take your time, and start wherever feels right. And if you need help, reach out.
💙 Tonya 💜 Stewart 🌈 Angel Dexter