What training methods do you use?

Every dog is unique, for that reason, I don’t restrict my training style to one method or tool. My goal is to teach your dog to work with us using a method that is balanced and relationship driven. I emphasize a strong focus on a motivation and positive reinforcement based program to set your dog up for success, however I do put a strong focus on real world dog training and believe that there is a time and a place for correcting unwanted behavior. My handling tools include, but aren’t limited to, slip collars, prong collars, and electronic collars. I will not use tools that you and your dog are not comfortable with, but make all recommendations with the dog’s quality of life in mind first and will happily discuss any questions or concerns to find the best training plan for everyone involved.

What does the training process look like?

There are three distinct phases to the training process, teaching, training, and proofing. In the first stage, teaching, we guide and show the dog what we want, often with the help of treats. We are taking words (“come” “sit” “down” “place” etc.) and assigning an action to them. This process takes time, patience, and tons of positive reinforcement as we create these associations. From there we start the training phase. During this phase, we start to train the dogs that these behaviors are non-negotiable, and that we expect them to do it the first time we ask them. Once the dog is responding to our first request of any given command we begin to proof the training. This is where we add the real world element. Sure, we might be able to do a down stay inside with no distractions, but can we do the same command on a busy city sidewalk? What about when grandma walks by or when a waitress hands you your chicken wings? That’s where the real test comes in, and yes, any dog is capable of doing it!

How much training do I have to do between lessons?

Your dog will learn throughout his entire lifetime so training never stops, but it doesn’t have to be a chore! I generally recommend anywhere between fifteen to thirty minutes of structured training per day, at least five times a week for young dogs or dogs who need a fresh start. Your dog’s training is something that can usually easily be incorporated into your daily routine, so if time is a concern, please don’t hesitate to ask for ideas!

What’s the best age to start training?

Now! The training process can vary slightly to accomodate for different stages of development, but if your dog is walking, eating, and playing- it’s never too early or too late.

My dog has been to several other trainers and has even been called “untrainable”. Is there still hope?

Dog training is a highly unregulated industry, unfortunately, I am often the third, fourth, or even fifth trainer that some dogs see. I’m incredibly proud to say that many of my former “untrainables” are now the rock stars that I beg to keep coming to my group classes to help guide and support new students.

I have more questions.

Don’t worry. I can talk for hours, but let’s start with an evaluation. Click here to schedule.