Our Training Method
Dogs are animals; they are not wolves and they are not children. They have the same set of basic needs than we do and the only way to get positive results is to ensure that those needs are met. Once we begin to understand those needs, we can understand our dogs and communicate more effectively with them.
When you're looking for a dog trainer, be wary of anyone who uses a "dominance-based" technique, scare-tactics, throws around the word "Alpha" or rolls your dog on his back. It is important for us to be advocates for our dogs; if you are uncomfortable with a technique that someone is using with your dog, it is your job to stand up for them and ensure their health and safety. Ask yourself if you would like that technique used on you, and if the answer is "no", then why would you use it on your dog?
We have worked with many dogs, each having their own motivation, whether it be treats, toys or praise. Not every dog will work for praise alone and we shouldn't expect them to! Do you go to work every day only to be satisfied with hearing your boss say "good job!"? Probably not. You may get satisfaction from hearing that, and it may be mildly encouraging, but the truth of the matter is, we work hard to make money. So do dogs! The difference is in the currency.
Some dogs will work hard in order to get a chance to play a game of tug of war with their handler as that is what makes them the most happy. Some dogs are more food-motivated and their currency is a bit of liver or hot dog. Other dogs are happy to get affection - a scratch behind the ears and a belly rub. What motivates your dog?
Our goal is to work with you, the guardian, in order to understand your specific needs and build an action plan that is both realistic for you and your lifestyle, as well as easy to maintain. We are not interested in temporary solutions, rather realistic solutions using tools and techniques that will ensure long-term success.
Read up a little more on Dominance and
Punishment.
