Experienced dog-trainer Annette Scribner of Ashburn has created an in-home dog training business in Loudoun and western Fairfax counties. Scribner educates dog lovers using scientifically-proven methods derived from the discoveries of Ivan Pavlov and B.F Skinner.
Scribner's company, Wag 'n Train, specializes in offering in-home dog training because Scribner believes training is most successful when it involves the entire family, rather than just one person.
She has been training dogs under local trainers in group and private settings since 1996. Scribner was a teacher for nine years and holds a bachelor's degree in education from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. She is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and sits on the board of directors for the Washington, D.C.,-area's Doberman Assistance Rescue and Education.
Name: Annette Scribner.
Town/Neighborhood: Ashburn, Virginia.
Years in the Community: 2 1/2 years.
Occupation/Position: Owner and head trainer of Wag 'n Train In-Home Dog Training.
Achievements: As a teacher for nine years in the Fairfax County public school system, I was happy to positively influence the children I taught. It was very rewarding to see the day-to-day improvements of the children and know I was truly impacting their lives.
Since 2001, my husband and I have been volunteers for Doberman rescue and we fostered and found homes for 14 dogs that first year. Certainly, having a child and raising her while starting my dog-training business is one of the most significant challenges I've ever taken on and I hope to be able to count them both as successful achievements in the future.
Family: I am married to a Northern Virginia native who works in human resources for a government contractor. Our daughter is going to be 2 this March and we have three dogs: a Doberman, a Doberman mix and a lab.
What do you like or dislike about your community?: Ashburn is definitely the friendliest place I've lived since relocating here in 1996 from Minnesota. Everything we need is a short drive away. I'm a little concerned about the rapid rate of growth in Loudoun. My husband grew up in Fairfax County and we used to live in Fairfax and Centreville before moving to Ashburn. We have seen the short- and long-term effects of unaccountable growth.
Favorite local restaurant/place: There are so many great places to eat. We love Sweetwater Tavern and have recently become big fans of San Vito and Robeks in Broadlands. We were very excited to find good Chinese/Asian food at Cafe Opera and we love taking our friends there. The owners are always so nice to my daughter.
Sports Interests/Activities/Hobbies: I love to watch football and my husband and I had a great time attending some Washington Nationals games last season. I hope they work out all of the kinks in the stadium deal. As far as playing sports, I love to play volleyball and softball. The rest of my activities and hobbies revolve around my child, my dogs and volunteering for Doberman rescue.
Community Ties: My husband grew up in Northern Virginia and we stay informed on local political and community issues. I currently sit on the Board of Directors for Doberman Assistance, Rescue and Education.
Community Concerns: I think like most parents, I am concerned about maintaining the quality of life we enjoy in Loudoun County while undergoing such rapid growth. Growth is inevitable, but can be hard on the community's institutions and infrastructure.
Community Ideas: I think everyone should focus on the quality of life we enjoy in Loudoun County and do what we can now to maintain it for the long haul. Perhaps we need to hold more celebrations of our horse and farming heritage, so we don't forget why we moved out here originally.
Personal Goals: I have a real passion to improve people's relationships with their pets through positive reinforcement training. There are a lot of training techniques and practitioners with different approaches out there, but positive reinforcement is the only way to change how your pet feels and doesn't involve physical punishment. Everyone in the family gets involved and has fun when training is approached in a positive and rewarding way.
What community "hidden treasure" should more people know about?: We have enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and good food at Cafe Opera in the Broadlands.
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