Training - Methodology

Pet Dog Training

Foundation obedience gives the owner tools to deal with problem solving. Now I deal with dogs that have been exposed to people and surroundings. Sometimes I reach people before the onset of problems and sometimes after. It is usually easier to train if a dog comes with less baggage. Improper housebreaking – (not just house-soiling, but the destroying of owners possessions) often causes the dog to associate coming to the handler with being shown what has been done wrong.

It is my experience that time, patience and calm repetitions along with a variety of techniques can overcome any behavior problem. Often I must teach the owner to be as stubborn and tenacious as their dog may be. Don’t get mad or angry or feel that the bad behavior your dog may display is not a reflection of its owner, unless the owner does nothing to discourage the dog from the undesired; then guide to the desired behavior.

Board & Train / Private / Group

I usually feel Board and Train is the easiest way for an owner to have their dog trained. Consistency during foundation training is critical. I believe it is better to have a professional teach at first. Timing and being able to make it a fun game is easy for someone who does this daily and has trained hundreds of dogs. It is easier to have me build the car and after foundation is taught I then teach the owner how to drive.

I also teach people privately how to train their dogs and work after Board & Train until they feel comfortable & able to control their dog in any situation.

After Board and Train or private lessons I believe there is nothing better than working in a group class. Now in a room full of dogs and people you are practicing having your pet do what you want and then praising for that.

Behavior Issues

Foundation obedience develops trust. All dogs will try to be leaders. Dogs are also perfectly willing to please the leader. By asking them to do things for us and using a leash and then telling them how well they are doing what we’ve asked, we actually reduce stress in their lives.

A dog that will walk next to you on a loose leash and sit for as long as you ask or often as you might ask, actually will be calmer after a walk than the dog who walks ahead, sniffs the ground, marks their territory and worries how to act towards dogs and people – usually is more stimulated after a walk

Being a leader, providing food, shelter, is stressful. When we provide and neuter what has the dog got to be so stimulated and worried about?

Reduce Stress – Train your dog!

Protection

It is important to have all dogs under control. A dog that is out of control and needs to be put away, or bursts through the door when people arrive, offers no protection. It can be compared to a black belt in Martial Arts. No one gets hit by mistake, but if you do get hit, it is intentional and it will hurt.

If I let the meter reader in my house and he turns out not to be the meter reader – I’ve got a surprise for them. It is important that dogs are socialized so they do not make mistakes. It is important that owners are responsible because a trained dog is very similar to a loaded gun.