About
Taylor Wyllie, KPA CTP
My Qualifications
The Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior is one of the most respected and rigorous professional dog training programs worldwide.
This intensive program ensures all of its graduates have a deep understanding of the science of dog training, dog behavior, and teaching methodology.
In an industry without professional standards, the KPA CTP is a certification you can trust. I am a proud graduate of the academy.
My Dog Training Methods
As a graduate of the Karen Pryor Academy and a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, I am committed to using the most up-to-date scientifically-backed dog training methods.
I do not use fear, pain, or intimidation—including the use of choke or prong collars or e-collars—in my training. Instead, I use positive reinforcement-based dog training, sometimes with a clicker.
With this style of dog training, you can enjoy long-lasting results. Plus, everyone in the family, including children and your dog (s), can be an active part of the dog training process.
How Positive Reinforcement Dog Training Works
This science-backed dog training methodology means we look for behaviors that we want to be repeated, then we reinforce them with something the animal wants. Like a treat, tug session, or a belly rub!
This works because research shows that all animals (humans too) are very likely to repeat a behavior that results in an enjoyable consequence. Or — in layman's terms — animals are likely to repeat actions that lead to good things.
My Story
When I adopted an adorable lab/terrier mix from the Humane Society—a dog they described as a “social butterfly” — I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Sure, I grew up with dogs, but their behavior issues had nothing on my new family member. Scott barked at everything from skateboarders to dogs to people to “suspicious” trash. He even barked at me, all day and all night. I didn't sleep for nearly a month.
I didn't want to deal with his immense behavioral problems, but I loved him. Beneath his reactivity, I knew there was a good dog. So—after some trial and mostly error with other dog training techniques—I dove into the world of positive reinforcement-based dog training. I was rewarded with amazing amounts of progress. Scott transformed into a happier, calmer dog. He's still reactive, but his “outbursts” are few and far between.
Inspired by my own success, I founded the Boise Reactive Dog Owners group as a resource for other struggling dog guardians. I also started volunteering with local shelters. Somewhere along the way, I realized that I wanted to help as many people and their dogs as possible — and that meant becoming a professional. So, I applied to the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior, and, well, the rest is history.
Statement of Inclusion
At Scott's School for Dogs, we respect not only each dog's unique selves, but we welcome dog guardians of every age, race, gender, ability, neurodivergent status and beyond as well. We promise you will always be treated with kindness and respect. We will always work with you to accomplish your dog training goals
Why the name Scott's School for Dogs?
Our dogs are always trying to communicate with us; we simply have to learn how to listen. That's why I consider dogs to be the greatest teachers when it comes to dog training. They can tell us what training techniques are working and what may be hindering the dog training process.
That's why I named my business Scott's School for Dogs — while I learned a lot during my time with the Karen Pryor Academy, I consider my dog Scott to be my greatest teacher.
