Methods
Every dog is different, and I tailor my training programs to the individual needs of both the dog and family, but the foundation of all my programs is a reward and evidence-based training method that is effective for all dogs, regardless of their breed, age, or temperament. No breed needs a heavy hand.
For the best possible results, my methods are also free of intentional force and/or punishment in order to gain obedience. Punishment creates an unhealthy relationship with your dog, and potentially the rest of the family.
What we see as a bad dog may be them trying to communicate something is wrong. Setting them up for failure to “teach them a lesson” will only suppress behavior and does not get to the root of the problem causing the behavior.
My approach goes beyond what we know as “obedience” – and addresses all the key aspects of your dog’s life:
- Creating an appropriate home environment.
- Meeting their mental and physical needs.
- Diet & Overall wellness.
- Acknowledging distractions in their environment without going over threshold.
- And necessary life skills such as responding to their name & leash walking.
My approach also goes beyond just giving your dog treats. It’s learning to meet their needs as best we can, listening when they communicate, and setting everyone up for success. And giving them treats!
Recommended Reading
“although he could and did go for months with normal behavior, some of the time he must have been living with a monstrous headache”
“there is no evidence to suggest that aversive training methods are more effective than reward-based training methods. At least 3 studies in this review suggest that the opposite might be true in both pets and working dogs.”
Dog Behavior and Training – Dominance, Alpha, and Pack Leadership – What Does It Really Mean?
“Myth: Don’t let your dog walk ahead of you. If he is ahead of you on a walk, he will walk all over you in all other areas of your relationship!
Fact: Dogs may pull when walking on a leash for a variety of reasons. They may have the desire to play, explore, investigate or be social.”
The Science of Force-Free Learning: How Our Pets Learn!
“Positive reinforcement means giving an animal access to something he desires (e.g. food or a toy), which makes it more likely he will repeat the behavior that was rewarded and ensure he maintains a positive emotional state. Pet owners may not always be aware that an animal’s behavior, particularly in cases where a behavior is seen as inappropriate or problematic, can be the result of stress, fear or anxiety.”