We understand that
Every Dog is Different.
Our training approach is adjusted to each, individual
dog's personality and needs.
TRAINING APPROACH
We know your dog is unique. That is why we individualize our approach depending on each dog/handler team. We have trained countless dogs and have never found two to be the same. By using an individualized approach, we have been able to successfully train multiple breeds and personalities of dogs to meet their owner's training goals. Our training methods are proven to be balanced and effective.
We apply the scientific theories of classical & operant conditioning while also understanding the science behind canine behavior.
Along with science, there is an art to dog training as well. The art is deciding when and how to apply specific types of training techniques and tools.
Our goal is to make every dog a stronger, more confident version of themselves. One of the goals in dog training is not necessarily controlling your dog, but it is simply teaching your dog to control its own impulses and be an active thinker. With our versatile techniques, we are able to achieve this while also promoting the K9 spirit.
Training Process
Step 1: Teach
The first step is to teach a communication system and the desired behaviors through Positive Reinforcement. Dogs don't come pre-programmed understanding English, or even basic behaviors.
Positive Reinforcement simply means that we are giving the dog something that they see as rewarding (food, toys, petting, etc.) to increase the likelihood of a behavior. Over time, the dog will find the behavior itself rewarding.
Step 2: Condition
After the dog understands and enjoys doing a behavior, we use humane training collars to help refine desired behaviors and correct undesired behaviors.
We use specific training methods to condition the tool to the dog. Training collars allow us to communicate effectively with our canine companions. This phase is very important as it helps us communicate with the dog when he/she is wrong and has made a mistake.
We use a wide variety of training collars and will choose which one to use on your dog depending on their learning style and your training goals.
Step 3: Generalize
After the dog understands our communication system, desired behaviors, and undesired behaviors, then we can show the dog multiple situations in different places to generalize behavior and improve reliability and confidence. This is done by taking the dog to multiple new places to practice behavior under distractions and challenging situations.
This phase is where the dog learns that the rules don't only apply in the classroom, but also in the real world. This is the stage where behaviors become practical and we start to reach training goals.
Large Toolbox
We have been professionally trained to utilize a wide variety of equipment such as:
•Clickers
•E-collars (remote, bark, and containment)
•Prong collars
•Slip collars/leads
•Harnesses
•Headcollars (Halti, Gentle Leader)
& many other tools!
LIFESTYLE CHANGES
With any type of dog training program, certain lifestyle changes within our lives, and our dogs' lives have to occur in order for our dogs to be mentally healthy and for training to stick.
"What kind of changes?"
Diet: Do you remember the saying "You are what you eat?" This saying does not only apply to humans, but also to our dogs! A poor diet can cause behavioral issues such as hyperactivity, anxiety, and depression just like in humans. We have knowledge and experience in selecting the right diet for our canine companions.
Exercise: Many of the most common behavioral issues are due to a lack of proper mental and physical exercise, causing our dogs to become neurotic and destructive. Many owners struggle with finding a proper outlet for their dogs with their specific lifestyle, or their dogs are so out of control that is can be challenging to exercise them properly. These are areas that we have a lot of experience helping our clients out with!
Management Techniques: We love our dogs, but periodically we give them too much freedom too soon. In certain situations, this can set our dogs up for failure, especially when potty training puppies or teaching our dogs not to jump on guests. We can prevent unwanted behaviors while we are working on them by utilizing crates, kennels, gates, leashes, and tethers properly. Management is usually temporary during the training phase.
Training our dog is similar to visiting the gym. In order to maintain the results, we have to train regularly. Dogs are always learning, this means they are also learning what situations they don't have to obey or what they can get away with. If we stop training, exercising, and managing them they are less likely to obey a command or maintain self-control.