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Training is a conversation.
It is a journey, not a destination.
If we are to be successful, our approach must consider the true nature of dogs.
We love dogs! We love living and working with them. And we love teaching people about dogs & their ways. Achieving your
goals with your dog can be fun for both of you. It can also be accomplished without setting aside huge blocks of "dog
training" time. We will show you how to incorporate the education of your dog into your lifestyle.
Whether you are starting out a puppy or wanting some manners in an adult, understanding how dogs view the world & relate
to others can make the process go much more smoothly. The biggest thing a dog needs is a leader. Being pack animals, they
are "hardwired" with the understanding that life depends on having someone in charge. So if our behavior does not look like
leadership to them, they will assume that role, which invariably results in "problem" behaviors. The dogs are simply being
themselves, doing very doggy things; the problem is that typically these ways of acting like a dog are usually unpleasant
for us!
- jumping up
- pulling on leash
- not listening
- guarding food or toys
A dog who respects people will naturally behave in a manner that requires very little "training". Conversely, a dog who lacks
respect will often engage in behaviors that are typically annoying at best and dangerous at worst.
The good news is that you can become the leader of your dog without the use of harsh methods. In fact, overly aggressive
training methods can actually communicate to a dog that you are NOT in control, & produce a downward spiral of more
bad behavior, more violence, etc. A dog's view of leadership is one of calm, quiet confidence. That is why yelling at a
dog rarely gets the response you desire; that behavior tells the dog you are not in control!
Our training approach is relationship based, because that is how your dog sees it. We believe that there must be mutual respect
& understanding present to achieve true cooperation. Clear communication is key to this process, and we strive to be, above
all things, fair, both to the dogs and the people we work with.
We seek to impart the information and skills that will enable people to first understand and then communicate effectively
with their dogs. We respect the individuality of each dog/person team, and use the methods & techniques that will provide
an efficient result while working with each team's inherent abilities, not fight against them. Programs are designed
to accomplish desired training goals while enhancing the relationship between dog & person. People are coached to be the
confident, strong leader that dogs are "hardwired" to follow. Extensive learning theory study and familiarity with many breeds
has led to an appreciation for each dog's unique talents, strengths, and learning styles. This, in turn, makes clear the
most appropriate methods and inherently desirable rewards. We believe that approaching every dog with the same technique,
while requiring less skill from the trainer, shortchanges the dog & is likely to lead to frustration for the handler.
We believe there are no inherently bad breeds; with a genetically sound temperament, it is up to us to meet each dog at their
level and provide what they need to be happy, secure, & well balanced. In a word, clear leadership. So give us a call or
drop by to observe a class; we'd love to meet you and your dog!
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