About Fetch Worthy Dog Training
Affordable Dog Training in Austin, TX, and surrounding areas, including Buda, Kyle, TX, and San Marcos.
Founder
Shelly Haines, VSA-CDT, FFCP
Education & Experience
Shelly is a graduate of the prestigious Victoria Stilwell Academy, where she spent countless hours earning her certification as a qualified professional dog trainer (VSA-CDT), Fear Free Certified Professional (FFCP), certified AKC Evaluator, andProfessional member of the Pet Professional Guild(PPG). She trains in South and Central Austin, Buda, Kyle, and parts of Hays County and San Marcos.
With a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Nova Southeastern University, Shelly applies the principles of learning and behavior to her work with both canine and human clients. She’s drawn to animals and natural systems and began honing her skills as a wildlife research associate, humane society behavior counselor, and class dog trainer. Shelly has over a decade of experience as an educator and volunteers with her church’s community co-op.
Shelly aims to create lasting, cooperative bonds between her clients and their dogs in a welcoming, fun, and stress-free environment that benefits and delights everyone. She stays up to date by continuing her educationin behavioral scienceand training her dog (Kai).
Ira Sutedja, CTC, CPDT-KA
Education & Experience
Ira Sutedja was recruited to join Fetch Worthy’s private puppy and family dog training program in the Northwest Hills, Tarrytown, Westlake, and other surrounding North Austin areas. She also teaches puppy classes in Northwest Hills, Austin, and has been dedicated to dog training since 2008, after earning her B.S. from The University of Texas at Austin. Her journey began in 2005 when she trained under Dr. Ian Dunbar’s renowned Sirius Puppy curriculum, the originator of puppy classes as we know them today. Furthering her expertise, Ira studied with Dr. Jean Donaldson and earned her Certificate in Training and Counseling (CTC). Shortly after, she earned her Certification for Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), demonstrating her commitment to professional excellence. She has also studied under renowned experts such as Ken Ramirez and Dr. Susan Friedman and continues to deepen her knowledge through ongoing education.
Ira is an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator (CGC) and LLA, Living and Learning with Animals for Animal Professionals. Ira specializes in puppy socialization, obedience training, and behavioral challenges, including fearfulness and reactivity.
Ira has training experience with many types of animals, not just dogs. She has worked with dolphins, donkeys, goats, and even chickens. She believes that clear communication, a good environment, and positive reinforcement are key to changing behavior in all species.
Dog Training Methods & Philosophy
Fetch Worthy Dog Training is rooted in science and compassion. We focus on growth, not problems.
We are committed to doing no harm, ensuring the best for our clients and their dogs. You don’t need harsh training tools; you need skilled professionals. Our evidence-based methods deliver practical, ethical training through individualized plans that establish fair boundaries and discipline without fear or pain.
We don’t set your dog up to make mistakes so we can correct them, and we will not force your dog to handle adversity on human terms. We utilize behavioral science and canine ethology, grounded in compassion and ethics. These training techniques require a skilled professional.
We teach you how to communicate appropriately with your dog, understand their language, and master the science and art of training. We view dogs as sentient beings with their own individual needs and learning styles. We want you to enjoy training your dog and enhance your bond through communication and compassion. We care about your dog’s success as much as you do.
How Do We Work?
We work with dedicated and committed guardians who align with our process through private and online training sessions. We work with all breeds, from brand-new puppies to rowdy adolescents, seniors, or newly adopted rescue dogs. At a competitive price, we accept credit cards and payment plans (third-party processors). We provide lifelong online support and clear training plans, prioritizing transparency & honesty and the well-being of both humans and animals.
Dog Training is Unregulated
Dog training is an unregulated industry, and, sadly, many trainers still use antiquated methods that harm or scare dogs, misunderstand how dogs operate, fail to meet their needs, and are not truthful about their techniques or training. Unsurprisingly, perhaps, these “aversive” training approaches can lead to dogs becoming more fearful and aggressive. Whether you work with me or someone else, I encourage you to find a professional who only uses evidence-based training methods. Read the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) position statement about punishment to better understand why force training should not be an option, especially when working to help fearful and reactive dogs.
Dog Training Lessons
Private Dog Training
Private lessons can take place in your home or a designated location, where I will teach you how to train your dog. Only offered in packages to be more successful with several lessons than with a single lesson.
Puppy Training Program
Fetch Worthy’s puppy program can be conducted at home for the most comprehensive program. Let me be your first resort, not your last. Fetch Worthy has successfully worked with hundreds of families.
Group Class Austin & Kyle
None Offered: Group classes are held in South Austin and Kyle, Texas, for Basic Manners, Advanced Canine Good Citizen training, and recall and leash walking. Classes are for dogs at least 6 months old.
Wonderful experience for myself and my dog. I have an 8 month old Cavapoo that is full of energy. We have worked with Shelly on leash tugging, recall and avoiding reaction to dogs, cars, people etc. During walks. Shelly is so patient and kind with my dog. Truly custom style training that fits my dogs behaviors. Shelly has eagle eyes and can anticipate need for redirecting using treats or “u-turn “ during training. My dog and I have learned that working together can be very rewarding.
Cheryl W.
Training with Shelly has been a huge help as we’ve added a new puppy to our home. She is calm and patient with our pup, and us. We’ve learned so many more tips and tricks that were new to us despite working with previous trainers. We have been able to focus on the aspects of training that are most important to us and have already seen great benefit after just a few sessions.
Courtney R.
What’s Modern Dog Training?
Modern Dog Training is the term for positive dog training rooted in science, canine ethology, and learning theory.
You don’t need harsh training equipment to change aggression and fear. When used, most often there’s negative fallout.
To ensure you and your dog have a safe, fun learning experience, only methods recommended by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior are used.